O2Micro LED Driver Features 2-Level Toggle Dimming With Ultra-Low Nightlight Level and PFC

O2Micro International Limited has extended the company's Free Dimmingâ„¢ technology and general lighting product portfolio with the introduction of the OZ2082 LED Driver Controller. It features two-level toggle dimming, ultra-low nightlight dimming level and Power Factor Correction (PFC).

Similar to O2Micro's broad family of LED driver controllers, the OZ2082 LED Driver Controller provides analog step dimming using any ordinary non-dimming on/off switch. The OZ2082's key feature is an ultra-low nightlight dimming level. When turned on, a LED bulb based on the OZ2082, achieves full brightness instantly. A simple flick of the wall switch dims the bulb to a deep nightlight level of approximately 0.3% of the full brightness level. The full brightness and nightlight levels are easily adjustable with a resistor.

The OZ2082 is a highly optimized controller for non-isolated buck converter applications. The device features the highest level of integration, reducing the system level driver bill of material (BOM) cost and component count to industry-leading levels. The built-in high voltage start-up circuit provides fast start-up operation, eliminates the power loss caused by start-up resistors used in conventional ac-dc converter applications and further reduces the BOM count.

The OZ2082 supports universal 85V to 265V operation, enabling one LED bulb to address the global marketplace. Integrated power factor correction enables high power factor and low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) over a wide input voltage range to meet both residential and commercial requirements, further helping OEMs meet global regulatory requirements.

High efficiency greater than 88% reduces energy consumption and thermal management complexity. Integrated over-temperature, over-voltage, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, LED open circuit and LED short circuit protection and maximum gate drive output clamp provide safe and reliable operation. Excellent LED current regulation ensures consistent lumen output, regardless of varying line input conditions.

O2Micro's patented Free Dimming technology enables LED bulbs to dim using any on/off switch, thus eliminating cost, installation and compatibility issues associated with traditional incandescent dimmers. Free Dimming technology works with any on/off switch, including wall toggles, paddle switches, pull cords, rotary switches and other types of on/off switches commonly found on walls, extension cords and table/desk lamps.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), there are over 4.4 billion medium, screw-based light sockets in the U.S. Yet, according to industry estimates, there are only 150 million incandescent dimmers representing an enormous, untapped market opportunity for O2Micro's Free Dimming technology, which is inherently simple and works with any non-dimming on/off switch.

The OZ2082 is available in a cost effective 8-pin SOP package and is in high volume production now. Samples and evaluation boards are available now for qualified customers.