LED Driver Enables MR16 Drop-In Replacements

Easing the design of LED-based MR16 lamps, the MAX16840 LED driver employs a proprietary architecture that enables the design of retrofit LED lamps that can replace halogen MR16s without any changes to the existing electrical infrastructure. The patent-pending approach actively shapes the input current to ensure flicker-free operation with most electronic transformers and dimmers. The MAX16840 can be designed in without electrolytic capacitors. According to Maxim, this extends the lifetime of the LED lamp, since electrolytic capacitors are usually the first component that fails in the driver circuit. Delivering up to 20W of power, the MAX16840 is available in a 10-pin, 3 mm x 3 mm TDFN package. Prices start at $2.01 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.