CCFL Controllers Slash BOMs

The eight-channel DS3988 and four-channel DS3984 cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) controllers use a new push-pull architecture that reduces total bill-of-materials (BOM) cost by 20%. Developed by Maxim, this nonresonant architecture halves the number of components required by alternative designs.

Each channel on these controllers can drive a single CCFL using only seven low-cost external components. In turn, each channel can be employed to drive multiple lamps. The devices can be synchronized with external lamp and/or dimming frequency sources. Feedback ensures tightly regulated lamp currents for equal lamp brightness and maximum lamp life. Efficiency is on the order of 85%.

Quantity prices start at $1.95 for the DS3988 and at $1.20 for the DS3984.