Zero-Standby Switcher ICs offer power output up to 6.5 W.

Press Release Summary:




Model LNK585 and LNK586 switcher ICs feature power-down mode that turns off auxiliary power supply when application is idle, shutting down switch-mode operation and internal switch control circuits. Units can be re-awakened from power-down mode with reset pulse or button press. Products draw 3 mW in standby mode to conserve energy. Included bypass pin can provide up to 500 µA for use by any system-control or sensing circuit.



Original Press Release:



Power Integrations Doubles Power Output Capability of LinkZero(TM)-AX Zero-Standby Switcher IC Family; Launches New How-to Video



PI University(TM) introductory course describes how to achieve zero watts of standby power consumption in consumer products and appliance applications

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - Power Integrations (Nasdaq: POWI), the leader in high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion, today introduced two new members of its LinkZero-AX product family (LNK585 and LNK586), along with a PI University introductory video course that explains how designers can achieve 0.00 watts of standby energy consumption. Launched in October 2010, the LinkZero-AX integrated offline switching IC family now offers increased main power output up to 6.5 watts - double the maximum output of earlier members of the product family. The expanded power range enables designers to utilize LinkZero-AX in a wider array of applications, including those with multiple auxiliary power functions, as is often the case in appliances, TVs, and remotely controlled electronic lighting ballasts.

LinkZero-AX eliminates wasted energy by employing an innovative power-down mode that effectively turns off the auxiliary power supply when the application is idle, shutting down switch-mode operation and internal switch control circuits. LinkZero-AX can be re-awakened from power-down mode with a reset pulse or button press. Also, the bypass pin can provide up to 500 µA for use by any system-control or sensing circuit.

Key features of the LinkZero-AX family, including the special power-down mode, are described in the free-to-download PI University video course. The video also discusses how to handle transient load conditions and wake-up requirements, and how to deliver power to auxiliary outputs (such as IR receivers) during power-down mode.

Comments Silvestro Fimiani, product marketing manager at Power Integrations: "Last year, we launched the industry's first IEC 62301 'Zero No-Load' IC family for appliances with the cost-effective LinkZero-AX. Extending the power range of LinkZero-AX to 6.5 watts means that appliance applications which require multiple auxiliary power functions can now achieve zero no-load."

Auxiliary power supplies continuously draw power as long as the product is plugged in, typically resulting in significant standby energy waste. LinkZero-AX ICs can reduce this usage to a minuscule 3 mW - low enough to be considered "zero" under IEC standards. (IEC 62301 Clause 4.5 classifies power usage of than 5 mW as zero.) Five years of continuous standby operation at 3 mW would consume less than 2 cents worth of energy.

Delivering the industry's lowest component count for standby power supplies, LinkZero-AX is a simple design upgrade and allows designers to easily exceed all global energy-efficiency regulations, including the European EcoDesign Directive and ENERGY STAR®. LinkZero-AX ICs are available now in SO-8C or SMD-8C packages priced at $0.41 each for 10,000-piece quantities (LNK586DG). Full technical details, including the PI University course, product datasheet, and design ideas are available now on the Power Integrations website at www.powerint.com/linkzero-ax.

About Power Integrations

Power Integrations is the leading supplier of high-voltage integrated circuits used in energy-efficient power conversion. The company's innovative technology enables compact, energy-efficient power supplies in a wide range of electronic products, in AC-DC, DC-DC, and LED lighting applications. Since its introduction in 1998, Power Integrations' EcoSmart(TM) energy-efficiency technology has saved an estimated $4.8 billion of standby energy waste and prevented millions of tons of CO2 emissions. The company's Green Room web site provides a wealth of information about "energy vampires" and the issue of standby energy waste, along with a comprehensive guide to energy-efficiency standards around the world. Reflecting the environmental benefits of EcoSmart technology, Power Integrations' stock is included in The Cleantech Index® and the NASDAQ® Clean Edge® Green Energy Index. For more information, please visit www.powerint.com.

Media Contact

Peter Rogerson

Power Integrations, Inc.

(408) 414-8573

progerson@powerint.com

Power Integrations, LinkZero, EcoSmart, and the Power Integrations logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Power Integrations, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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