IC merges power factor correction, ballast control

International Rectifier introduces what is reportedly the industry’s first IC to integrate power factor correction (PFC) and ballast control into a single compact 8-pin SO-8 package. The new IRS2580DS Combo8 IC simplifies design and reduces overall component count to speed design cycles in energy-efficient lighting applications.

The IRS2580DS includes a boost converter control circuit that operates in critical-conduction free-running frequency mode to offer power factor correction with ultra-low THD. The new IC also includes a 600-V half-bridge control circuit working at 50% duty-cycle, as well as variable frequency for driving the resonant mode lamp output circuit.

Complete fault protection circuitry is also included for protection against conditions such as mains interrupt or brown-out, lamp non-strike, lamp filament failure, and end-of-life issues. The IRS2580DS requires only two primary control pins to perform all of the necessary ballast functions. These functions include an analog voltage-to-frequency input pin for programming the different operating frequencies for preheating, igniting and running the lamp, and a PWM output pin for controlling the on and off times during each switching cycle of the PFC boost converter.

For more information, contact International Rectifier, 233 Kansas St., El Segundo, CA 90245. Phone: (310) 252-7105.