IR’s IRS2526DS ‘Mini8’ ballast control IC reduces component count, simplifies circuit design and increases efficiency in lighting apps

EL SEGUNDO, USA: International Rectifier (IR) introduced the IRS2526DS ‘Mini8’ compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) ballast control IC that offers full programmability, and a high degree of accuracy and control for all lamp types. Available in an 8-pin SO-8 package, the new feature-rich IC reduces component count, simplifies circuit design and increases efficiency in a compact footprint.

The IRS2526DS features a 600 V half-bridge control circuit working at 50 percent duty-cycle and variable frequency for driving the resonant mode lamp output circuit. The high accuracy oscillator is controlled by a single analog-to-frequency input pin used to set the different operating frequencies of the ballast. Complete fault protection circuitry is also included for protection against such conditions as mains interrupt or brown-out, lamp non-strike, lamp filament failure and end-of-life. The new device also incorporates an internal frequency dither to reduce conducted EMI, ignition control to reduce inductor size, and end-of-life detection.

“The IRS2526DS IC differs greatly from alternative approaches because it packs additional features and functionality not found in other solutions in an 8 pin package. It is very easy to use and enables customers to significantly speed up their design time to develop a highly efficient electronic ballast lighting solution,” said Tom Ribarich, IR’s director, Lighting Systems and Applications, Energy Saving Products Business Unit.

The IRS2526DS is the third generation ballast IC from IR and utilizes the proven technology also featured in the previously released IRS2580DS ‘Combo8’ that combines a full featured fluorescent ballast with power factor correction (PFC) controller in a compact 8-pin package. The new IRS2526DS is targeted at applications that do not require PFC or utilize an external PFC controller.