Power Integrations Intros New LinkSwitch LP Family of ICs

Power Integrations Inc. (San Jose, CA), a supplier of high-voltage integrated circuits used in power conversion semiconductor technology, introduced its new LinkSwitch-LP family of ICs that are designed for use in ultra-low-cost battery chargers and offer a simple, energy-efficient replacement for unregulated, line-frequency transformers with up to 3 W of output power. Applications for the LinkSwitch-LP ICs include cell phones, cordless phones, portable audio players, shavers, and other personal electronics.

Chargers using the LinkSwitch-LP IC require 14 components. The circuit simplicity is enabled by a number of innovations, including a clampless design methodology that uses proprietary IC trimming technology and transformer construction techniques to eliminate RCD clamp circuitry; primary-side control of charger output voltage and current to eliminate the need for an optocoupler and associated components; integrated frequency jitter and Filterfuse input stage that achieve EMI filtering with a single capacitor; E-Shield transformer design that eliminates the need for a Y capacitor; a hysteretic thermal shutdown feature that removes the need for external thermal protection components; and EcoSmart energy-efficiency technology that enables compliance with all current and proposed energy standards worldwide.

The LinkSwitch-LP features a 700 V power MOSFET integrated with control and fault-protection circuitry on a single silicon chip. The ICs operate across the universal input range of 85 Vac to 265 Vac, and achieve a low no-load power consumption of less than 150 mW at 265 Vac. The simple ON/OFF control scheme of the LinkSwitch-LP provides constant efficiency even at light loads, enabling easy compliance with recent efficiency standards.

The LinkSwitch‑LP is available in lead-free, plastic through-hole, DIP‑8 packages and in surface-mountable SMD‑8 packages. Pricing in 1,000-piece quantities for the LNK562PN, a 1.9 W part in a DIP‑8 package, is $0.45 each. The LNK564PN, a 3 W part, is priced at $0.49 each. Small quantities of each type are available from factory stock, with production quantities available four weeks ARO.