Fairchild Semiconductor's new programmable LED blinker device addresses the design challenge of driving a single-LED

Citation

(2010), "Fairchild Semiconductor's new programmable LED blinker device addresses the design challenge of driving a single-LED", Microelectronics International, Vol. 27 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/mi.2010.21827aad.003

Fairchild Semiconductor's new programmable LED blinker device addresses the design challenge of driving a single-LED

Article Type: New products From: Microelectronics International, Volume 27, Issue 1

Fairchild Semiconductor enables designers of mobile handsets, ultra-portable devices, consumer products and industrial/embedded systems to implement a blinking LED solution that can easily be programmed to create an enhanced visual experience. Fairchild's programmable LED blinker, the FAN5646, eliminates the need for a microprocessor to be in continuous operation mode. With proprietary TinyWire™ single-wire digital interface, the FAN5646 can be programmed with a unique LED blink rate and pattern. When the FAN5646 is enabled, it will continually play these LED blink patterns until commanded by the microprocessor to stop. Common approaches for solving this challenge include connecting the LED to an LDO regulator or a FET plus a lithium ion battery. Both of these implementations require a microprocessor to be programmed with a blinking pattern, draining battery life since the microprocessor needs to be continually operating to maintain this pattern.

The FAN5646 lowers the overall solution cost while providing the features and benefits designers are requesting. Key features include:

1. 1.

   Minimises system power consumption:

2. 2.

   internal programmable LED blink pattern allows the microprocessor to remain in sleep mode while FAN5646 is operating; and

3. 3.

   low-power consumption during operation or in shutdown mode.

4. 4.

   TinyWire single-wire digital interface:

5. 5.

   provides designer flexibility to program different blink rates and patterns; and

6. 6.

   up to two different pulse widths and blink rates can be programmed.

7. 7.

   Very low drop-out voltage:

8. 8.

   about 80 mV drop-out enables the LED to be powered without the need for inductors or switching capacitors, minimising component count; and

9. 9.

   reduced component count results in lower inventory and procurement costs along with an easier PCB layout.

10. 10.

    Small form factor:

11. 11.

    saves valuable board space in ultra-portable applications;

12. 12.

    L-CSP version occupies <0.80 mm² of area; and

13. 13.

    small standard package: 5-lead SC70.

The FAN5646 is an example of Fairchild's expertise in delivering novel lighting solutions that meet the design needs of the ultra-portable, consumer, and industrial/embedded markets. Consumers recently are demanding products to be visually appealing and with the FAN5646, Fairchild offers a solution to help meet these requirements while satisfying designers' demands.

To contact Fairchild Semiconductor about this product, please visit the web site: www.fairchildsemi.com/cf/sales_contacts/