NXP Semiconductors has announced the UBA2016A – the world’s first dimmable fluorescent lamp driver IC for High Frequency Tube Lamps (HF-TL) combining power factor correction (PFC) controller and ballast driver circuits.
Using the boost function of the UBA2016A, high-end commercial-grade amalgam-based tube lamps will have a run-up time almost similar to mercury-based tube lamps. The fully integrated dimming function, which is unique for this type of ballast controller IC, enables tube lamps to be dimmed gradually for a better sensory experience and for energy saving.
Based on NXP GreenChip technology, the new family of fluorescent driver ICs consist of non-dimmable mainstream (UBA2015), dimmable (UBA2015A), and dimmable-boosted (UBA2016A) solutions, supporting all common lamp types (T4, T5, T8, T12) and lamp configurations, including multi-lamp and multi-power solutions.
The ICs drive a half-bridge circuit made of two MOSFETs with a supply voltage of up to 600 V and a PFC stage using one MOSFET.
The new family of fluorescent driver ICs also features very low standby power levels (˂100 mW), enhancing energy efficiency. Built-in protections support all standards, and meet industry requirements for reliability (including end-of-life protections) and performance. The ICs are available in both SO and DIP packages, supporting an easy and fast design-in. All products feature the adjustable current controlled preheat and accurate lamp current control (+/- 1 percent).
Key Features of the UBA2016A, UBA2015A and UBA2015
• Non-dimmable fluorescent lamp driver with PFC (UBA2015)
• Dimmable fluorescent lamp driver with PFC (UBA2015A)
• Dimmable fluorescent lamp driver with boost functionality with PFC (UBA2016A)
• Adjustable current controlled preheat
• Accurate lamp current control (+/- 1 percent)
• Protection mechanisms for safe operation of the fluorescent lamp in case of abnormal operating conditions or lamp failure
• Cost-effective system solutions
According to NXP, Datapoint Research forecasts a shift from magnetic ballasts (57% in 2011) to electronic ballasts (75% in 2017) in the global fluorescent TL market, due to the higher efficiency enabled by IC-based electronic ballasts, which operate on higher switching frequencies, mainly for T4 and T5 lamp types.