Ballast IC with bootstrap diode

International Rectifier (IR) rolled out its new IRS2153D electronic ballast IC for fluorescent lamps that includes an internal bootstrap diode to simplify circuits. This new 600V self-oscillating half-bridge IC is designed to increase efficiency and performance over older, less efficient self-oscillating bipolar transistor-based solutions. The device has an oscillator frequency precision of 3 percent, which helps to optimize external component selection for uniform lamp brightness during manufacturing. Additionally, a preheat feature, which sets the correct preheat frequency for the correct duration, helping to maximize lamp life, can be realized externally.

The new ballast IC includes a 2V under-voltage lockout hysteresis for more robust ballast circuits and prevents unwanted shutdown if momentary transients occur. In addition, the IRS2153D includes an under-voltage lockout circuit that ensures that the high-side floating voltage correctly switches the high-side gate driver output (HO), protecting the external MOSFET.

The Pb-free IRS2153D is made with IR's proprietary high voltage integrated circuit technology, which is suitable for designing products to drive MOSFETs and IGBTs. Gate drive outputs are designed using a latch-immune CMOS circuit. The technology integrates a low-voltage driver with a high-voltage level shifter for high-side and low-side gate drivers in one monolithic IC.

Pricing for the IRS2153DPbF, IRS2153DSPbF and IRS2153DSTRPbF is 80 cents each in 10,000-unit quantities. These devices are available either in tubes or tape and reel. Prices are subject to change, added IR.