Industrial Factory Automation

Toshiba Electronics Europe has launched a 16-channel light-emitting-diode (LED) driver that combines brightness control with a built-in pulse-width-modulation (PWM) greyscale capability. The TB62721 is suitable for traffic signs, information boards and other large-panel displays requiring the accurate and reliable control of multiple-colour LEDs. The new driver can deliver output voltages of up to 38V and provide constant currents of between 2mA and 80mA per channel using a single resistor. All of the functionality needed to deliver 256-step output brightness control is integrated into the device, while the onboard PWM capability provides 65,536-step greyscale control per channel. Both the output-to-output accuracy and IC-to-IC accuracy of the TB62721 are 1.5 per cent. This allows large displays based on multiple LED chains and drivers to maintain consistent brightness levels within very tight tolerances. Designed for secure, reliable operation, the TB62721 features onboard protection...

Marktech Optoelectronics has introduced the MTPS4088MC surface-mount point-source light-emitting diode (LED). The MTPS4088MC is designed to deliver consistent performance in demanding environments where space constraints are an issue. The 880nm point-source LED features a 3.5 x 0.94 x 2.2mm package with a flat epoxy lens and a typical power output of 2.0mW. Developed primarily for optical-encoder, optical-switch, scanning and precision-edge sensing applications, this +/-10 point-source LED utilises an LED die configuration, which provides an unobstructed, radiated-beam pattern by masking the die and relocating the topside electrode. By eliminating the 'dark spot' typically associated with the centre of conventional LEDs, the point-source LED yields good results when used with application-specific optics to obtain the desired radiation pattern characteristics, according to the company. The device also offers a low thermal coefficient. In addition to its newest surface-mount pac...

AVX Corporation has expanded its wire-to-board connector product offering to include board-to-board connectors specifically designed for the light-emitting-diode (LED) industry. Designated the 9159 Series, the cost-effective connectors provide design flexibility by offering both card-edge (one-piece) and plug-and-socket (two-piece) interconnect options. The connectors have a small footprint, making them suitable for applications where multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) need to be plugged together, such as LED lighting strips. The double-ended card-edge version provides a direct connection to both ends of a standard PCB with tin-plated pads in two, three, four and five positions. These 2.0mm pitch connectors support 3A current and 250V ratings. The connectors are 5.0mm high and come in both black and white options. The two-piece connector version is surface mounted on one side of the PCB, which allows the LEDs to be placed on the other side to maintain consistent spacing. These 3.0...

Infineon Technologies AG is extending its portfolio of energy-efficient lighting ICs with a range of low-cost linear LED drivers. The BCR320 and BCR420 product ranges address the market for energy-saving and environmentally friendly light-emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions. Designed for driving 0.5W LEDs with a typical current of 150 to 200mA, these LED drivers feature a negative thermal coefficient, contributing to a long lifetime of LEDs and a digital interface for a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal for dimming. The BCR320 and BCR420 LED drivers are tailored to address deficiencies for 0.5W LED applications, providing a low-cost solution with a small form factor. With both devices, the use of inductors, capacitors and free-wheeling diode can be avoided. The elimination of electrolytic capacitors can also contribute to the extended lifetime of the LED system. The BCR320 products are designed for a peak output current of up to 300mA. For continuous operation, a maximum nominal...

Light-Based Technologies has announced the release of its first LB4 LED Controller application - triac dimming for LED fixtures. This application utilises the capabilities of LBT's linear mixing system and the biggest need in the general solid-state lighting (SSL) market, standard wall dimming control.  In order to meet strict Energy Star requirements, LED fixtures must have dimming capabilities. LED fixtures can be designed with the LB4 LED Controller inside, fixtures can be screwed into standard housings and brightness can be controlled using an existing dimmer. Users can have control characterised to mimic traditional incandescent bulbs or customise to a linear or logarithmic function if desired.

Waldmann Lighting has introduced the Slim LED, designed to provide powerful, directional lighting for areas where there is no space for traditional luminaires. It is suitable for integration into a range of machinery and equipment, and eliminates the need for separate task lighting. Typical applications include sheet-metal sawing/drilling, packaging, automation, textile and image processing plants. Impact and vibration resistant, the rugged IP67-rated Slim LED can be connected directly to a 24V source and is available in lengths from 196 to 1176mm, with the ability to adjust the direction of each LED light source, providing customised floodlighting to suit each application. With its highly efficient LED light sources, Slim LED also offers energy savings with a lamp life of 60,000 hours - equivalent to six years at maximum light output when running 24 hours per day. The lamps are available in a choice of wattages from 3.6 to 28.8W and can be supplied in an optional wide-beam version wi...