Arctic Sand's new 1mm thin LED driver IC realizes energy saving of LED backlight with over 0.5W

According to Business Wire, Arctic Sand Technologies, a leader in power conversion ICs, today introduced an ultra-efficient LED driver for the next generation of ultra-high definition ultrabook platforms. The ARC2C0608 reduces losses in LED drivers by approximately 50%, enabling high-brightness (400NIT) Ultra High Definition (UHD) LED-backlit displays to save more than 0.5W. The product is available in a very thin package solution with dimensions up to 1mm. The new IC features an integrated programmable current sink suitable for driving up to six LED strings, integrating all MOSFETs and associated control and drive circuitry. With Arctic Sand's proprietary TIPS architecture, the ARC2C0608 utilizes the compact WLCSP-35 package for maximum efficiency.

Arctic Sand IC utilizes the Transformative Integrated Power Solution (TIPS), a patented architecture that reduces inductance dependence, essentially reduces EMI and ripple, and delivers industry-leading power conversion efficiency performance. Compared to Arctic Sand's 94% efficiency, similar products typically only provide 80-85% efficiency. The ARC2C0608 IC also addresses the thermal issues of the LED driver's thermal zone, especially when the LED driver is mounted in a liquid crystal panel assembly rather than on the motherboard. Currently, customers often need to use two or even three LED drivers to try to solve the thermal problem of the ultra high definition platform. The new Arctic Sand IC enables system designers to use only one LED driver per panel.

The ARC2C0608 IC provides up to 30V output for maximum flexibility in LED string placement and LED forward voltage selection. The device achieves resolutions of up to 12 bits and supports DC or direct PWM dimming for a range of applications. Moreover, the brightness of the LED can be controlled using a programmable rise/fall rate and a linear/logarithmic ramp curve. For LED strings that are turned on, phase shift PWM dimming can be selected to minimize noise. The product provides a 1MHz I2C 6.0-compatible serial interface, program-controlled brightness, or an external resistor on the ISET pin. It offers a wide range of fault protection including driver overcurrent protection, output short circuit protection and overvoltage protection.

Stephen Allen, vice president of sales and marketing, said: "The highest possible power conversion efficiency is absolutely important for LED-backlit ultra-HD displays in order to drive the extra power required to drive additional LEDs without reducing platform uptime. Arctic Sand's technology delivers 0.5W of energy savings in this application, eliminating ultra-HD/battery runtime tradeoffs. In addition, Arctic Sand ARC2C0608 delivers this performance in an industry-leading thin package that extends platform uptime. Achieve a thinner platform design and generate less heat."