O2Micro receives open-lamp detection patent

O2Micro International Ltd has been granted 14 claims under U.S. patent number 7,253,569 for its external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) open-lamp detection invention.

The company's patented open-lamp detection is implemented by detecting and controlling EEFL's operational voltage in the case of an open or broken lamp. The methodology overcomes lamp detection difficulties that can arise with multiple EEFLs connected in parallel. Applications include LCD panel backlight systems.

Yung Lin, O2Micro executive VP said, "EEFL is another backlight technology used for large LCD panel applications. This patent provides the system designer with a cost-effective and reliable method to detect open or damaged lamps to protect the LCD backlight system."