Ballast Control Adapts To Voltage Variations

Relying on adaptive, zero-voltage switching control technology, the IR2520D compact fluorescent lamp ballast control can adapt to changing supply voltages, frequency, and lamp conditions. All necessary ballast functions, including a 600V half-bridge driver, are integrated into a single 8-pin DIP or SOIC. The zero voltage switching circuit maintains soft switching, regardless of supply voltage, frequency, and lamp conditions, and includes internal crest factor over-current protection and a bootstrap diode. At the center of the device is a voltage-controlled oscillator with an externally programmable minimum frequency from 30 to 125 kHz. Other features include an output drive of 250 mA and 400 mA and a startup power of less than 300 mA. Pricing starts at $0.57 each/100,000. Also available are reference design ballast kits using the IR2520D—one for single 26W CFLs and another for a non-dimming mini-ballast for single 25W CFLs. In addition, ballast design software is available free at the company’s website. INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER, El Segundo, CA. (310) 252-7726.