Intelligent SSL Modules with Integrated Dimming Driver
Xicato, Inc. announced the release of its XIM intelligent module for solid-state lighting (SSL) that provides extremely smooth dimming, as low as 0.1% in DALI systems and can be connected via DALI or 1-10V systems. The module also monitors and records its own performance and "health" using on board microelectronics and software that Xicato has pioneered in the light source. To ensure maximum performance and lifetime, the onboard diagnostics allow Xicato's XIM to monitor real-time temperature of the LEDs and electronics and to autonomously enter protection modes if the module's maximum temperature is exceeded.
"The lighting marketing is witnessing a complete paradigm shift," said Menko de Roos, CEO at Xicato. "We have been comfortable, but not always effective, of trying to attach intelligence to the light source. We have external drivers, probes, sensors etc. But the computer and consumer electronics industries have clearly shown us that the path to better, more cost effective solutions is through integration. Everyone with a modern smartphone knows this to be true."
Xicato's XIM integrates the dimming driver within its very small, 50 mm diameter footprint. All that is needed is a 48V, constant-voltage power supply which, depending on wattage, can power one or many modules. The module can be connected to either a 1-10V or DALI system from which dimming can be controlled. Additionally, the dimming engine and software have been specifically designed to mitigate the risk of flicker detection, even at very low light levels.
"Quality of light drives our thinking," said Thor Scordelis, Global Manager of Product Marketing, "so for us, making sure that we could offer extremely smooth dimming was essential. This means that the light turns on and off smoothly, that you can actually dim across the entire dynamic range of the control system and that we eliminate stepping of the light as it's adjusted."
Onboard diagnostics are new to lighting though fairly common in other electronics systems. Xicato is essentially doing what's already done in cars and planes where operating conditions and performance parameters are monitored and recorded for future analysis if needed. When light sources are removed for any reason, they can be returned to Xicato where technicians can retrieve the data.
These diagnostic electronics also enable the company's autonomous thermal management. If the module senses that the LEDs are getting too hot and exceeding operating parameters, the light source will gradually dim itself by 15% so that the temperature decreases. This level of dimming cannot be seen by the human eye so room or store occupants are completely unaware of the change. When the temperature has decreased for a predetermined period of time, XIM will automatically increase the light to its original setting. If the temperature is still above the threshold, it will be dimmed down to 5% and enter a self-protection mode.
The need for affordable, more efficient lighting is a key driver in lighting today. This is addressed by Xicato with XIM. Breakthroughs over the last two years have enabled Xicato to shrink its Corrected Cold Phosphor Technology and to increase the efficiency of the light source without sacrificing any quality of light. As a result, XIM can produce light at nearly 100 lumens per Watt at operating conditions - performance that exceeds all other competitive modules available today. Because size and complexity have been reduced, costs have also been reduced. Coupled with the integration of the dimming electronics, XIM is now the most efficient and cost-effective deep dimming solution the market has seen.
