On June 22, ON Semiconductor launched two new devices NCL31000 and NCL31001 LED drivers that can improve the performance of interconnected lighting systems, enabling manufacturers to develop LED lamps with light-based positioning technology and visible light communication. These solutions increase data intelligence and accurate positioning (up to 30 cm), and will revolutionize the lighting of many spaces including supermarkets, warehouses, hospitals and airports.
NCL31000 is a member of ON Semiconductor's extensive LED driver series, designed specifically for lighting applications. The core of the device is a high-efficiency step-down LED driver that supports high-bandwidth analog dimming and low-to-zero current PWM dimming. The driver contains an integrated 3V3 fixed DC-DC converter and a further adjustable DC-DC (2.5 to 24V), which can be used to power system components such as sensing and microcontrollers. Integrating these power solutions into the drive greatly simplifies system design while improving energy efficiency.
Accurate linear dimming enables visible light communication (VLC) and supports the development of light-based indoor positioning systems, which can be used in many places where RF-based solutions cannot be used (such as dangerous spaces such as mines, or radio-frequency sensitive areas such as hospitals or airplanes). Implement. NCL31000 can truly dim with 0.1% accuracy, ensuring that there is no ghost light at the lowest dimming setting. It also integrates a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to achieve highly accurate diagnosis, thereby further reducing system complexity. ADC measures system voltage, current and temperature to monitor LED and overall system energy efficiency, and detects any abnormal conditions. A serial (I2C/SPI) interface enables all diagnostic data to be used by an external MCU to monitor and control the intelligent lighting system. The NCL31000's architecture ensures excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance. In the test, it has shown that it is 14dB lower than the requirements of CISPR15/EN55015.
ON Semiconductor also announced the launch of NCL31001 as a supporting driver for NCL31000. The addition of NCL31001 creates a solution that supports multi-string lighting applications, including those with color control. NCL31001 provides the same features as NCL31000, but does not include a DC-DC converter to avoid unnecessary duplication.
Michel De Mey, vice president of ON Semiconductor's industrial division, said in announcing the new solution: "As LED lamp manufacturers realize how these functions can improve user convenience, while reducing operating expenses and energy consumption, there is a need for intelligent lighting. Continuous growth. NCL31000 and NCL31001 support these functions, and have market-leading energy efficiency and functions, which will open up various new business opportunities for smart lighting systems."
The new LED driver is part of ON Semiconductor’s comprehensive portfolio of connected lighting solutions, which also includes a connected lighting platform that provides multiple connectivity options (Bluetooth Low Energy and Power over Ethernet (PoE)) for smart LED control.
