New single-chip, digital-power controller simplifies design in LED-lighting applications

STMicroelectronics’ STNRG012 is a highly integrated and space-saving digital power controller with advanced distortion mitigation that delivers an ideal solution for LED-lighting applications.

The device contains a multimode power-factor correction (PFC) controller, resonant half-bridge controller, and 800V startup circuit that’s all managed by a digital engine. The PFC controller changes dynamically between transition mode, discontinuous-current mode (DCM), and valley skipping for optimum efficiency. The half-bridge controller executes ST’s patented time-shift control (TSC) for accurate soft switching.

With an input-voltage range up to 305VAC, the STNRG012 also operates from a DC supply targeting designs into battery-powered and line-powered applications up to 300W.

The digital engine is hosted on an eight-bit core and performs optimized control algorithms. It manages the PFC and half-bridge circuits via high-speed state-machine event driven (SMED) peripherals. Additional dedicated hardware IP blocks including a power manager and burst-mode engine ensure robust operation and minimize power consumption in idle mode.

System safety features including surge protection and anti-capacitive protection for the half bridge are built in, managed by hardware to ensure fast action for superior reliability.

The STNRG012 stores operating parameters and calibration coefficients on-chip in non-volatile memory, which allows users to customize settings and program the device during production. Digital programming also saves external components traditionally used for configuration, reducing the bill-of-materials and circuit size.

An UART port for monitoring and communication simplifies testing and enables real-time supervision for enhanced reliability.