Power Integrations Doubles Power Output Capability of LinkZero-AX Zero-Standby Switcher IC Family

Power Integrations introduced two new members of its LinkZero-AX product family (LNK585 and LNK586. Launched in October 2010, the LinkZero-AX integrated offline switching IC family now offers increased main power output up to 6.5 watts – double the maximum output of earlier members of the product family. The expanded power range enables designers to utilize LinkZero-AX in a wider array of applications, including those with multiple auxiliary power functions, as is often the case in appliances, TVs, and remotely controlled electronic lighting ballasts.

LinkZero-AX eliminates wasted energy by employing an innovative power-down mode that effectively turns off the auxiliary power supply when the application is idle, shutting down switch-mode operation and internal switch control circuits. LinkZero-AX can be re-awakened from power-down mode with a reset pulse or button press. Also, the bypass pin can provide up to 500µA for use by any system-control or sensing circuit.

Silvestro Fimiani, Product Marketing Manager at Power Integrations, commented, "Last year, we launched the industry’s first IEC 62301 ’Zero No-Load’ IC family for appliances with the cost-effective LinkZero-AX. Extending the power range of LinkZero-AX to 6.5W means that appliance applications which require multiple auxiliary power functions can now achieve zero no-load."

Auxiliary power supplies continuously draw power as long as the product is plugged in, typically resulting in significant standby energy waste. LinkZero-AX ICs can reduce this usage to a minuscule 3mW – low enough to be considered "zero" under IEC standards. (IEC 62301 Clause 4.5 classifies power usage of than 5mW as zero.) Five years of continuous standby operation at 3mW would consume less than 2 cents worth of energy.

Delivering what the company says is the industry’s lowest component count for standby power supplies, LinkZero-AX is a simple design upgrade and allows designers to easily exceed all global energy-efficiency regulations, including the European EcoDesign Directive and ENERGY STAR®. LinkZero-AX ICs are available now in SO-8C or SMD-8C packages priced at $0.41 each for 10,000-piece quantities (LNK586DG).