Microsemi Corp. (Irvine, CA) announced the new RangeMAX LX1688 integrated circuit, designed specifically to control power for multiple cold-cathode fluorescent lamps found in desktop LCD monitors, multiple-lamp panels and low ambient light displays. The LX1688 allows designers to use multiple controllers to drive multiple lamps with synchronized outputs.
Product designers can employ either analog or external wide-range digital dimming techniques with the LX1688, depending upon their application needs. A dual-feedback control loop regulates both maximum lamp strike voltage and lamp current. As an added safety feature, the LX1688 shuts down automatically in the event of an open or broken lamp.
The LX1688 is packaged in a 24-pin TSSOP package and operates from a 3.3V to 5V supply. It is available for immediate sampling and delivery. In quantities of 10,000, the new controller is priced at $1.86, with the extended temperature version (for severe environment and automotive applications from -40 to +85 degrees C) priced at $2.23.
