Single chip device controls high power leds

The PowerPSoC family integrates four constant current regulators and four 32V mosfets with Cypress' PSoC platform. Although aimed primarily at lighting, the device is also expected to find application in white goods and industrial control, reducing component count and power consumption, whilst improving reliability. Automotive applications are also envisaged, but not in the short term. Noting PowerPSoC is good for driving high power constant current loads, Jennifer Dennis, Cypress' European lighting business development manager, said: "One of the biggest constraints with leds is thermal management. Maintaining temperature at the optimal point maintains the led's lifetime and keeps its output as near to spec as possible." PowerPSoC features up to four integrated, independently operated 32V/1A mosfets, with up to four programmable hysteretic controllers providing controlled current output. Floating load buck, floating load buck-boost, and boost converter topologies provide design flexibility. The device also supports 16bit dimming. According to Dennis: "This is important in low voltage applications, where you can perceive 'jumps' during dimming."