AC-DC converter IC set to do away with energy-wasting linear transformer adapters

23 October 2002 Power Electronics / Power Management

What is said to be a revolutionary switching power supply IC, that cost-effectively replaces inefficient linear transformer designs in adapters and battery chargers rated at 3 W and below, has been announced by Power Integrations.

The 'LinkSwitch' (derived from phrase 'Linear Killer Switch'), is a highly integrated high-voltage power conversion IC designed specifically to displace low power linear transformers by delivering switcher benefits. This means smaller size, lighter weight, superior performance and energy efficiency - at equal or lower system cost, according to the company.

With as few as 14 components, the LNK501 can enable a fault protected, universal input (85 to 265 V a.c.), constant voltage, constant current (CV/CC) output switching power supply that meets worldwide energy efficiency standards.

The LinkSwitch family is based on the same technology as the company's widely used TOPSwitch product lines. It combines a 700 V power MOSFET, PWM controller, high voltage start-up, current limit, and thermal shutdown circuitry onto a single CMOS chip.

LinkSwitch introduces a revolutionary topology for low power switching supplies that rivals the simplicity and low cost of linear supplies. The part uses a novel primary-based CV/CC solution that combines the primary clamp, feedback, IC supply and loop compensation functions. This eliminates up to twenty external components typically found in alternative switcher designs. This CC power supply output characteristic is ideal for many low cost battery chargers, providing overload protection under output short circuit conditions.

Requiring only three terminals, LinkSwitch includes a number of built-in features including thermal and current limit protection, auto-restart for short circuit and open loop fault protection, and the company's EcoSmart technology which reduces the energy consumption of the power supply during standby and no-load conditions. This enables engineers to design converters that easily meet government energy guidelines such as energy star, blue angel, the EC code of conduct, and others.

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