LinkSwitch-PH (optimized for isolated systems) and LinkSwitch-PL (optimized for non-isolated systems) deliver flicker-free monotonic TRIAC dimming and a user experience similar to that provided by incandescent illumination.

The LinkSwitch-PH and LinkSwitch-PL product families feature integrated single-stage power factor correction (PFC), enabling SSL luminaires to achieve PF > 0.9. LinkSwitch-PH devices incorporate primary-side-control technology, which eliminates the optocoupler and supporting components used in traditional isolated flyback designs. Non-isolated LinkSwitch-PL designs further reduce component count, resulting in improved reliability and a reduced bill of materials (BOM). Both IC families are monolithic - incorporating the controller and MOSFET onto a single silicon die - which simplifies PCB layout by minimizing component count and eliminating parasitics between the controller and power MOSFET. These new LinkSwitch products are optimized for high efficiency in simple flyback designs and operate at input voltages up to 305 VAC, enabling the development of both single-voltage and universal-input products suitable for residential and commercial lighting applications worldwide.

When operated within manufacturers' temperature and drive-current guidelines, LEDs can be expected to operate for more than 50,000 hours. The weakest link in an LED lighting system is the driver circuitry, which is burdened with unreliable optocouplers and electrolytic capacitors. Power Integrations' accurate primary-side-control technology, featured in LinkSwitch products, eliminates the optocoupler, and the new LinkSwitch LED driver IC product families do not require the use of electrolytic bulk capacitors. Designers using the LinkSwitch-PL and LinkSwitch-PH for SSL products can expect the operational life of the driver to match that of its accurately controlled LED array. 

LinkSwitch-PH samples are available now in a halogen-free, ROHS-compliant package. LinkSwitch-PL ICs will sample in August 2010. Datasheets, design ideas, and an introductory video are available on the Power Integrations website at  www.powerint.com/lp/linkswitch-ph