Marvell bares LED controller for smart wireless light bulbs

Marvell unveiled its AC/DC LED driver IC, the Marvell 88EM8189, featuring I²C compatible digital interface integration to connect with a networking microcontroller that runs a lighting control protocol, such as Zigbee, for smart wireless bulbs, providing a full dimming range from 100 per cent to 1 per cent.

Marvell's 88EM8189 chip integrates a separate AC to DC power supply circuit providing standby power dedicated to the networking chip. This lowers the BOM for the electronics and drives down the price point. This implementation enables the lowest standby power consumption by the networking circuit in a Smart wireless bulb while the light is turned off, allowing the system solution to meet today's ENERGY STAR requirements.

Built on the same technology as Marvell's industry-leading phase cut LED driver chip the 88EM8187, smart bulbs using the intelligent 88EM8189 chip are backward compatible with existing phase cut wall dimmers as a system level option. The Marvell 88EM8189 LED driver currently is sampling with global customers.

Marvell's 88EM8189 LED driver IC is part of the Marvell Smart Lighting Platform, which includes 88MZ100 ZigBee microcontroller, 88MC200 Wi-Fi microcontroller and a low cost ZigBee-to-Wi-Fi gateway solution. The platform fully supports industry open protocols in ZigBee Home Automation (ZHA) and ZigBee Light Link (ZLL), and is accessible by mobile devices via Wi-Fi.

Marvell built an ecosystem around the platform including original device manufacturers (ODMs) and cloud software partners to offer turn-key solution to end markets. Marvell's open architecture also allows the Smart bulb to be connected to home gateways offered by retailers and service providers.