ON Semiconductor expands constant-current regulator offering for solid-state lighting systems

ON Semiconductor has introduced the new NSIC20xx series of linear CCRs (constant current regulators) for solid-state lighting systems. The new NSIC20XX series of CCRs offer a maximum voltage rating of 120 V, 3 W and are capable of withstanding the high peak voltages of AC off-line HBLED-lighting applications, including digital signage systems, lighting panels, and decorative illumination. These new CCRs protect against the sudden surges that are commonplace in such lighting applications. Based on SBT (self-biased transistor) technology, the NSIC20XX series of devices are capable of current regulation over a very wide voltage range while their negative temperature coefficient helps to protect the LEDs from thermal runaway at extreme voltage and current levels. "As the demand for solid-state lighting continues to grow, design engineers must be confident that the LEDs … are not in danger of being damaged by extreme temperatures or excessive current and that the long-term operation of the lighting system is assured," said Dan Huettl, general manager and senior director of ON Semiconductor's Small Signal products. "Featuring voltage-surge suppression and [a] negative temperature coefficient, the higher breakdown-voltage capable, NSIC20XX series of CCRs provide the protection mechanisms needed to support the most demanding lighting applications." The NSIC20XX series of CCRs provide a far simpler, more reliable and more cost-effective option of regulating the current of LEDs than conventional circuit designs that rely on discrete and passive components. Because these devices do not require the specification of any external components, they can serve as either high or low side regulators, offering a streamlined approach that makes the development process more straight forward and maximizes design flexibility. The NSIC2020BT3G, NSIC2030BT3G, and NSIC2050BT3G provide steady-state current, IReg_SS, capabilities of 20 mA, 30 mA, and 50 mA, respectively. The devices turn on immediately and reach 45 percent regulation with an anode-cathode voltage, Vak, of just 0.5 V. The devices are thermally robust, supporting a junction temperature range of ?55 to 175 °C and are UL94?V0 certified. The NSIC2020BT3G, NSIC2030BT3G and NSIC2050BT3G are offered in a compact 2.20- x 3.56- x 4.32-mm RoHS-compliant SMB package and priced at $0.14 per unit in 10,000 unit quantities. On Semiconductor