The LinkSwitch devices are fully monolithic 700 V buck and flyback power converter ICs that are capable of both operating directly off a universal (85 to 265 Vac) AC mains input and providing a low-voltage constant-voltage/constant-current (CV/CC) output. These small devices are ideally suited for powering applications with significant circuit-size constraints, such as slimline cellphone chargers, small appliances, LED lightbulbs and other miniaturized electronic equipment. Power Integrations’ power conversion ICs combine high-voltage analog and low-voltage control circuitry on the same die, which reduces the board area consumed by the power supply, enhances reliability and improves output power quality.
According to Don Ashley, product marketing manager for AC-DC products at Power Integrations: “New applications such as incandescent-replacement LED lightbulbs demand miniature electronic circuitry. LED lightbulbs require a power supply that fits inside the compact base dimension of a standard Edison (E27) socket. Our LinkSwitch ICs in the SO-8 package are a key enabler for this emerging application.”
LinkSwitch-TN ICs (LNK302, 304, 305 and 306) deliver the current levels required by high-brightness LED lamp manufacturers. LinkSwitch-LP ICs (LNK562, 563 and 564) and the higher power LinkSwitch-XT ICs (LNK362, 363 and 364) deliver the constant voltage/constant current (CV/CC) required to precisely charge cellphone batteries. These devices are available today. Prices for new LinkSwitch products range from $0.53 to $0.78 in 1,000-unit quantities.