NXP Sets New Benchmarks for LED Drivers

NXP Semiconductors announced three major developments in its portfolio of mains connected LED driver solutions:  the success of its SSL2101 LED driver IC in matching LED lifetimes in an accelerated lifetime test; the introduction of the SSL 2102 integrated dimmable mains LED driver IC for SSL retrofit lamps and modules; and the launch of its online design tool for SSL applications, which makes it easy for engineers to test the behavior of LED lighting applications based on four NXP products.

"LED lighting has the potential to be ten times more efficient than incandescents, with manufacturers reporting lifetime figures exceeding 50,000 hours. The reliability of the electronic components - particularly the LED driver - is critical to the overall reliability of most LED systems," said Jacques le Berre, director of marketing and business development for lighting solutions, NXP Semiconductors. "Through our ongoing lifetime test, which has now surpassed 7,000 hours, we've set a new benchmark and proven that NXP's mains LED controller and driver ICs are up to the challenge of supporting extreme long-life lamps. Further, the addition of the SSL2102 and the launch of our new online design tool are making it even easier for innovative lighting companies to accelerate product development and speed the adoption of LEDs in the general lighting market."

Lifetime testing for LED driver ICs

NXP has been conducting the industry's longest-running test of LED driver ICs, running continuously since December 2008, with zero failures.  As of today, the test has reached 7,000 hours and continues to run, demonstrating that NXP mains LED controller and driver ICs are capable of matching LED lifetimes.  The test goes well beyond traditional lifetime testing procedures in the semiconductor industry, which are typically based on 1,000 hours' testing time.

NXP's ongoing lifetime test is focused on the SSL2101, the industry's first integrated dimmable mains LED driver IC announced earlier this year.  NXP tested a random lot of SSL2101 IC drivers from standard production in high-stress conditions, all of which remain fully functional after running for over 7,000 hours with an IC junction temperature of 150C.  Multiple tests and set-ups were used to detect all possible failure modes in several use cases: continuous-on, on/off switching cycle and various combinations. A fully integrated LED driver that includes both the controller and the switches, the SSL2102 offers the same functions as the SSL2101 but with higher power, enabling design engineers to use one design on several different end products for a wider range of power ratings.