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.
