Backlight Combo Driver powers EL and LED light sources.
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Press Release Summary:
Model D388 IC combines the functionality of electroluminescent lamp (EL) driver with high-brightness light emitting diodes (HBLED) driver. Single-chip, dual driver operates with DC input voltage range of 2.5-7.0 V and incorporates various control functions. EL and LED driver outputs are independently addressable. Unit is capable of up to 200 Vpp output to EL lamps and drives up to 4 blue/white HBLEDs and 1 EL lamp, simultaneously.
Original Press Release:
DUREL® Introduces a New Addition to Its Family of EL/HBLED Backlight Combo Drivers
Durel's combination drivers provide an integrated solution to power EL and LED light sources
Chandler, AZ, July 18, 2003: Durel Corporation's introduces a new addition to its family of combination EL (electroluminescent lamp) and HBLED (high-brightness light emitting diodes) drivers. The D388 IC combines the functionality of a high-performance EL driver for backlighting monochrome displays and keypads with an efficient HBLED driver to backlight color displays. The D388 chip's integrated design delivers a highly efficient, cost-effective solution for multiple backlighting technologies that are used in the various sections of wireless handsets and other applications.
To meet consumer demand for smaller and brighter devices, handset designers want the ability to use multiple lighting technologies in one application. EL lamps are becoming the backlighting system of choice for handheld communications' sub-displays and keypads because of their thin profile, uniform illumination and better keypad readability. In this same application, designers may use HBLEDs to accommodate higher resolution color displays. To minimize component count and provide an integrated solution to power both EL and LED light sources, Durel developed its family of EL/HBLED single-chip, dual drivers. With Durel's D388 and other combination drivers, instead of using separate chips to provide the inductive boost for the white/blue LEDs and the high-voltage charge pump for powering the EL lamp, a single driver is all that is needed. The small (4mm X 4mm) D388 combination system operates at high switching frequencies with one low-profile inductor and minimum number of additional external components for reduced board space.
John Dowdell, president of Durel, describes the benefits, "We are excited about extending this product line, adding another chip that saves board space and reduces cost. The simplicity, size, and price benefits enable complete backlighting integration in the smallest, thinnest, most power-conscious portable applications."
The D388 IC driver operates with a wide DC input voltage range (2.5V to 7.0V) to fit many types of applications and battery technologies. This dual driver also incorporates major control functions to assure maximum EL lamp brightness with minimum current draw. For example, the independent dimming control of LEDs and the EL lamp is just one of the many features that reduce power consumption.
The EL and the LED driver outputs of the D388 are independently addressable for maximum design flexibility. It is capable of up to 200Vpp output to EL lamps. This versatile driver has separately adjustable boost and lamp frequencies that are compatible with external clock functions to optimize performance and efficiency while avoiding RF and IF interference.
This high-performance and high-efficiency device includes Wave-shaping(TM) technology, a proprietary circuit design for programming the high voltage AC output to the EL lamp for low-noise performance in applications that are sensitive to audible and electrical noise. The D388 drives up to four blue or white HBLEDs and an EL lamp (< 20cm²) simultaneously.
Durel's family of single-chip, dual drivers provide different controls as warranted for particular applications. For price-sensitive programs, Durel's D368 chip is their most cost-effective dual driver. The D368 driver provides a number of the same functions at a lower price.
Samples of D388 drivers in leadless QFN-16 packages are currently available from stock. Durel also offers D388 Designer's Kits for a nominal fee to aid designers in configuring an optimized circuit for their applications. Each kit contains a Durel EL lamp, sample D388 units, pre-soldered evaluation board with white HBLEDs, and several values of surface mount external components. To find out more about how easy it is to use Durel's D388 and D368 EL and LED combination driver IC solutions, consult the technical datasheet with reference circuit designs that can be found on the Durel Web site at www.durel.com.
Durel is ISO 9001 Certified and QS9000 Registered. For more information about Durel's EL Lamps, EL Drivers, and Electroluminescent Materials Systems, please contact Durel's Customer Service at customerservice@durel.com, or telephone Customer Service at 480/917-6000, fax: 480/917-6049. Visit Durel's Web site at www.durel.com.
Durel Corporation is a joint venture between 3M Corporation, located in Minnesota, and Rogers Corporation, located in Connecticut. The company's product lines include coated phosphors, inks, custom electroluminescent lamps, EL drivers, design engineering applications, and consulting services.
