Fairchild Adds New CRM PFC Controller ICs

Fairchild Semiconductor Corp. introduced critical conduction mode (CRM) power factor correction (PFC) controller ICs specially designed to meet stringent stand-by power and harmonic regulations affecting ballast, notebook adaptors, LCD TVs and LCD monitors.

The FAN7529 and FAN7530 utilize a patent-pending variable on-time control method to achieve impressive Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) performance (less than 10% at 25% load, 265Vac) for system reliability. They also meet stand-by power regulations by reducing input-voltage sensing loss to approximately 100mW. These highly integrated PFC controllers, the FAN7529/FAN7530, eliminate components compared to both passive solutions and similar controllers on the market, therefore helping designers to reduce part count and save system costs.

Fairchild's FAN7529 and FAN7530 utilize an internal voltage-mode PWM method compared with conventional current-mode controllers requiring rectified ac-line voltage information even when the PFC IC does not operate. As a result, Fairchild's CRM PFC controllers reduce overall power loss by approximately 200mW. Moreover, Fairchild's controllers offer a disable function to further reduce power consumption during stand-by mode, and their current-type error amplifiers enable these devices to use a higher Rfb (output-voltage-sensing resistor) over 1MΩ, resulting in reduced power loss (80mW, 2MΩ).

To increase system reliability, Fairchild's controllers feature open-feedback protection and a disable function (65mµ), making Vcc shut-down circuitry unnecessary. They also offer adjustable-output over-voltage protection (OVP) of plus/minus 2%. This type of voltage-sensing OVP is immune to noise. The devices also offer a 150µs internal start-up timer, MOSFET over-current protection and under-voltage lockout with 3.5V hysteresis. In addition to these PFC controllers, Fairchild also offers the FAN7528, a dual-output CRM PFC controller IC. The FAN7529 and FAN7530 add to Fairchild Semiconductor's offering of discrete and IC product solutions, the broadest in the industry targeting switch-mode power supplies from 1 to 1500W.

The FAN7529 and FAN7530 are offered separately as pin-out options for meeting specific requirements and design preferences. Both are available in DIP-8 and SOP-8 packages. These lead-free products meet or exceed the requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020C and are compliant with the European Union requirements which are now in effect.

Price (each, 1000 pcs) is US$ 0.70 for the FAN7529, and US$ 0.64 for the FAN7530. Samples and demo board are available now with an 8 weeks ARO.