Efficient NFC programming method for LED drivers

For fast implementation of near field communication (NFC) programming for LED drivers, Infineon Technologies has developed the NFC-PWM series NLM0011 and NLM0010.

The devices are NFC wireless-configuration ICs with configurable PWM output, primarily designed for LED applications. They enable NFC programming implementation by using a PWM signal directly to control the analogue driver IC.

Both devices have two operation modes, passive and active. In the passive mode, the LED driver module is not powered, and the PWM-related parameters can be configured wirelessly via the NFC interface. In the active mode, as soon as the V CC voltage supply is powered, a PWM output is generated according to the stored parameters. With an external R/C filter, the PWM signal is converted to the desired DC voltage to control the current output of an LED driver.

An integrated constant lumen output (CLO) function compensates the luminous flux drop (ageing effect) of the LED module by automatically adjusting the LED current to the ageing characteristics of the LEDs. With an integrated operation-time counter and stored LED degradation curve in the CLO table, NLM0011 automatically adjusts the PWM duty cycle to compensate for the LED degradation.

Fitting seamlessly to the mainstream analogue driver ICs, there is no need for firmware development input and, says the company, it   adopted into existing designs to replace the “plug-in resistor” current configuration concept. Non-volatile memory including unique identification data and 20 bytes free memory for user data is also featured in the devices.

The NLM0011 and NLM0010 can be ordered now in a SOT23-5 package.

NFC programming is an emerging technology designed to replace the “plug-in resistor” current setting method via contactless NFC interface. Besides improving the operational efficiency by enabling automatic programming in the manufacturing line, it can create significant flexibility in the value chain. With this it reduces the LED driver variants, simplifies the selection of LED modules, and allows end-of-line configuration.

http://www.infineon.com/nfc-pwm

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Buck-boost converter improves portable device efficiency

With a low quiescent current (IQ) in its class of 6-microA and a high peak efficiency of 96 per cent, designers can now maximise a portable device’s battery life with the MAX77827 buck-boost converter from Maxim Integrated Products.

This 1.5A high-efficiency, compact converter allows 1.8V to 5.5V input and 2.3V to 5.3V output, while providing the system stability needed to minimise abrupt or unexpected shutdowns.

During mode transition when VOUT is set to 3.3V with a 15 microsecond rise/fall time, the ripple is less than 1 per cent of the output voltage, says the company. Fast load transient response provides stable system voltage from transient loads pulling down the system voltage. In extreme harsh conditions of going from 0A to 1A load in 15 microseconds, MAX77827 undershoot is controlled to six per cent of the output voltage where the undershoot of the competitive solution is 12 per cent with a longer recovery time.

The MAX77827 addresses the power requirements of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) applications, asset tracking devices and a variety of Internet of Things applications.

This converter is a suitable solution to support applications with low power requirements because, regardless of the battery voltage variations, it can automatically transition between buck and boost modes to provide a consistent output power supply.

This converter supports space-constrained designs as its WLP measures 2.04mm x 1.64mm and it is less than 15mm² total solution size. It features a single external resistor to set the output voltage to provide additional savings to an external component and board space.

“High adoption of lithium ion batteries in smart consumer electronics is driving the increasing demand for this market, which is projected to reach $106,493 million by 2024,” said Rishab Sharma, analyst for P&S Intelligence. “Complementary technologies that help prolong battery life and stability can only contribute to their continued growth.”

“For any system design where battery life is critical, there is no better solution than the MAX77827,” said Eric Pittana, director for Mobile Power Solutions at Maxim Integrated. “With the lowest quiescent current and highest efficiency, designers can truly optimize their solutions and maximize their system performance. Specifically, for applications such as GPS asset tracking devices with single-use discharge, prolonging battery life is essential.”

http://www.maximintegrated.com

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Green tags encourage green RFID products

Smartrac Technology Group introduces the Eagle Green tags, the latest in the company’s green tag program. The compact inlays and tags are targeted at retail-optimised applications.

Eagle Green uses plastic-free, fully recyclable paper as the substrate, foregoes adhesives as much as possible, and comes with a laser-cut aluminium antenna that allows the complete recycling of aluminium residues, resulting in a significant carbon footprint reduction. All products within the green tag programme aim to address businesses that recognise the importance of a greatly reduce environmental impact across all applications and markets.

The tags are among the smallest retail-orientated inlays with global performance available on the market. Both have passed Auburn University’s ARC categories A, B, C, D, F, G, I, K, M, Q, W2 and W5, and are available in dry and paper-tag delivery formats with a compact size of 44 x 28 mm / 1.7 x 1.1 in, which helps in the conversion for end-application usage.

Equipped with an NXP UCODE 8 IC, which shares memory size and typical IC features with NXP’s UCODE 7 IC, a self-adjust feature helps maximises product performance in challenging environments, offers improved read and write sensitivity and a fast encoding speed.

The chip has an integrated brand identifier function to prove product authenticity and a memory safeguard system to protect business data.

These tags benefit from Smartrac’s platform and data management capabilities to record and manage a complete set of unique transponder data, for example UID no, order no, batch no, or yield, at production level in a controlled and secure way. The company’s product digitisation solutions enable full traceability of delivered RFID products.

“Our new Eagle green tags not only demonstrate that Smartrac’s green tag programme is gaining momentum: it also reinforces our resolve to provide the market’s most versatile, most advanced, innovative and sustainable RFID products designed and certified for a broad range of applications,” said Hal Hikita, senior vice-president, product management at Smartrac.

https://www.smartrac-group.com

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Endurance S components join streetlight connectors

TE Connectivity is expanding its Lumawise Endurance S Zhaga Book Streetlight connector offering with Endurance S components that have expanded electrical ratings up to 250VAC/5A, as well as alternate key combinations for protected mating.

Products in the Endurance S ecosystem include a receptacle connector as well as several base and dome combinations to house sense and control modules, protecting them in harsh environments. The IP66-rated receptacle assembly, base and dome combinations with a silicone elastomer gasket provide a sealed electrical interface and robust packaging solution.

The compact design, which is UV-resistant and suitable for outdoor use, can be mounted facing upward, downward or sideways. Individual components are said by TE Connectivity to be easy to assemble, with secure low-torque push-and-twist locking, and keying features on base and receptacle. A keying feature for non-Zhaga-specified applications is now available.

The receptacle assembly passes DC power to the mated module and provides a DALI 2.0 or derivative two-wire bus connection for communication and data transfer. The receptacle accepts 16-20 AWG solid and 18-20 AWG stranded tin-dipped wire.

Connector bases in PBT are available with diameters of 40 and 80 mm, with matching domes in clear or smoke grey polycarbonate. Larger bases have an optional vent to provide pressure optimisation inside the sealed control module and to reduce condensation through vapour diffusion. An optional skirt closes the gap between control module and lighting fixture, enhancing aesthetics and further protecting the unit against water, dust and insects.

The original connectors enable Zhaga-D4i certification for luminaires, which helps make them future-ready, and will be able to host the latest generation of nodes that fulfil the Zhaga-D4i requirements.

“We expect the Endurance S connector system to find use in numerous applications, including street and area lighting; commercial/municipal outdoor lighting; outdoor luminaires for parking lots, wall packs, walkways; city management systems; and in motion sensor modules,” says product manager Jeroen Iedema.

http://www.te.com

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