ON Semiconductor introduces two LED drivers that improve the performance of connected lighting systems

     ON Semiconductor introduced two new devices that improve the performance of connected lighting systems, the NCL31000 and NCL31001 LED drivers, enabling manufacturers to develop LED fixtures with light-based positioning technology and visible light communication. Adding data intelligence and accurate positioning (up to 30 cm), these solutions will revolutionize the lighting of many Spaces, including supermarkets, warehouses, hospitals and airports.

     The NCL31000 is part of ON Semiconductor's broad family of semi-conductor LED drivers designed specifically for luminaire applications. At the heart of the device is a highly energy efficient buck LED driver that supports high bandwidth analog dimming and low to zero current PWM dimming. The driver includes an integrated 3V3 fixed DC-DC converter and a further adjustable DC-DC (2.5 to 24V) that can be used to power system components such as sensing and microcontrollers. Integrating these power solutions into the drive greatly simplifies system design while improving energy efficiency.

     Accurate linear dimming enabled Visible light Communication (VLC) enables the development of light-based indoor positioning systems that can be safely implemented in many places where RF-based solutions are not available, such as hazardous Spaces such as mines, or RF-sensitive areas such as hospitals or aircraft. The NCL31000 is able to truly dim with an accuracy of 0.1%, ensuring no ghost light at the lowest dimming setting. It also integrates a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to enable highly accurate diagnostics, further reducing system complexity.

     The ADC measures system voltage, current, and temperature to monitor the LED and overall system energy efficiency and detect any anomalies. A serial (I2C/SPI) interface enables all diagnostic data to be used by an external MCU to monitor and control intelligent lighting systems. The architecture of the NCL31000 ensures excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance, and in tests, it shows that it is more than 14 dB lower than the requirements of CISPR15/EN55015.

     On Semiconductor also announced the NCL31001 as a companion driver to the NCL31000. The addition of NCL31001 creates a solution that supports multiple string lighting applications, including those with color control. The NCL31001 provides the same features as the NCL31000, but does not include a DC-DC converter to avoid unnecessary duplication.

     Announcing the new program, Michel De Mey, Vice president of ON Semiconductor's Industrial Division, said: "As manufacturers of LED lamps realize how these features can improve user convenience while reducing operating expenses and energy consumption, there is a growing demand for intelligent lighting. The NCL31000 and NCL31001 support these capabilities with market-leading energy efficiency and functionality, opening up a variety of new business opportunities for smart lighting systems."

     The new LED driver is part of ON Semiconductor's comprehensive portfolio of connected lighting solutions, which also includes a connected lighting platform that offers multiple connectivity options (Bluetooth Low power and Power over Ethernet (PoE)) for smart LED control.