CL88020, Next-Generation Sequential Linear LED Driver for Offline Lighting

Microchip Technology Inc. now provide a next-generation sequential linear LED driver for offline lighting applications. The CL88020 is an extension of Microchip’s popular CL88XX family, and has been designed to drive a long string of cost-effective LEDs directly from the 120 VAC line input.

The product enables customers to develop cost-effective, reliable and compact LED lighting applications by possessing High Power Factor (PF) without the requirement for switch-mode power conversion, which is usually needed for LED lighting design.

The transition from traditional lighting to LED is here and moving at a fast pace. Microchip has a rich and diverse LED lighting portfolio, and customers are continually seeking better electronic solutions such as those found in this new device.

Keith Pazul, Director of Marketing for Microchip’s Analog, Power and Interface Division

The CL88020 was designed to reduce driver circuit component count to allow for an efficient and extremely small design. The simple design makes way for a single-layered Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design. Unlike the standard AC-DC switch mode power supply, the basic driver circuit comprises of only two small ceramic capacitors, the CL88020 IC and a bridge rectifier. Transformer or inductors, high-voltage capacitors, Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuitry or electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters are not needed. This indeed allows for a lower overall bill of material (BOM) cost and a smaller solution size when compared to standard LED solutions.

The approach of AC to direct drive helps our customers address many concerns related to their designs. This latest LED driver enables customers to design simpler, smaller and more robust high-performance LED lighting systems than previously possible.

Keith Pazul, Director of Marketing for Microchip’s Analog, Power and Interface Division