Three-way dimming approach for compact fluorescents

5 November 2003 Power Electronics / Power Management

International Rectifier has introduced a new approach to three-way dimming systems that are in widespread use in hotels and residential applications. Currently, most three-way dimming systems are compatible only with conventional filament incandescent lamps. The IRPLCFL4 reference design, based on the IR2156 ballast IC, allows compact fluorescent lamps to be dimmed using the existing three-way socket. This means that consumers can replace their wasteful filament light bulbs with an energy-saving fluorescent unit without retrofitting or replacing existing fixtures.

IR says that the IR2156 enables a completely new ballast approach to pre-heating, ignition, frequency control and light output. The IRPLCFL4 reference design incorporates a voltage doubler at the front end in all modes of operation, providing a fixed 300 V d.c. bus. By choosing the dead time and value of the snubber capacitor it is possible to achieve soft switching in all modes of operation.

The reference design contains an IR2156 ballast control IC, a working three-way dimming ballast, board layout and silkscreen files, reference design documentation, bill of materials, data sheet, IR lighting CD-ROM with application notes, design tips and ballast design software.

Further reading:

ABB’s Mission to Zero drives South Africa’s energy transition
ABB Electrification Products Power Electronics / Power Management
ABB Electrification is charting a bold path towards a net-zero future with its Mission to Zero programme, a blueprint that combines energy efficiency, electrification, and digital innovation to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Read more...

---

Energy harvesting using a battery-less IoT system
NuVision Electronics Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Energy Harvesting plays an essential role in the foundation of ambient IoT, a new generation of ultra-low power connected devices that operate by drawing energy from their environment instead of relying on traditional batteries.

Read more...

---

Driving power, defining performance
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
Vishay’s portfolio of inductors, current sense resistors, and MOSFETs provides a comprehensive solution for intelligent power management.

Read more...

---

Battery simulator module simplifies BMS testing
Test Dynamics Power Electronics / Power Management
The PXI/PXIe solution from Pickering Interfaces offers a scalable, modular design for faster development cycles, lower total cost of ownership, and improved safety.

Read more...

---

DC PSU: The cornerstone for efficient solar-storage systems
Vepac Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
PV energy storage systems are evolving and DC power supplies, with their technical characteristics that are naturally compatible with new energy, have become a key carrier for improving system energy efficiency.

Read more...

---

Why local manufacturing, maintenance and support are key to the success of South Africa’s energy future
Power Electronics / Power Management
Although new renewable generation capacity is being developed, the current transmission infrastructure may not fully support the connection of these sources to the national grid or adequately deliver power to areas of high demand.

Read more...

---

Converter power modules for 48 V networks
Altron Arrow Power Electronics / Power Management
The economic and quality-of-life benefits of electrification is driving the adoption of HV to 48 V DC-DC conversion across many markets with 48 V power modules becoming more common.

Read more...

---

The importance of power integrity
Spectrum Concepts Power Electronics / Power Management
[Sponsored] Behind every high-speed system lies the need for power integrity. Without it, even the cleanest signal paths become compromised.

Read more...

---

Precise multi-vital sign monitoring
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The AS7058 by ams OSRAM is an integrated multi-vital sign monitoring device, which provides a complete photoplethysmogram, electrocardiogram, body impedance sensor, and electrodermal activity sensor.

Read more...

---

Automotive battery diagnostics tester
Comtest Power Electronics / Power Management
Midtronics’ MVT handheld battery tester is a revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, which is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.

Read more...

---