IXYS Announces 1.2A White LED Driver with Flash/Torch Mode for Photo Flash Applications

IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS) announces today the availability of sample and demo boards of the LDS8991, an innovative inductor-less, high efficiency 1.2 A WLED driver with low dropout voltage for Photo Flash applications. The LDS8991 can drive a HB LED at 1.2 A in FLASH mode or at 200 mA in TORCH mode. Drivers provide full output power from a single-cell Lithium-Ion battery or supply voltage in the range from 2.7 to 5.5 V.

The LDS8991 is ideal for HB LED photoflash and torch for digital cameras, video cameras and smart phones, where continuous light is needed for video capture under low light conditions. LDS8991 may be used in 1.2A FLASH mode or 0.2A TORCH mode.

"This innovative and higher power IC addresses the needs for higher intensity battery operated continuous mode LED light. Besides the applications for cameras for sharing pictures, this IC can find applications in powerful flash lights, battery operated security lights, motion-activated solar powered security lights and lights for security video cameras that are activated by motion in the dark. We are combining these LED drivers with the digital motion control with the Zilog MCU to provide a full solution for the lighting industry,” commented Steve Darrough, Marketing Director for Zilog.

The 1.2A FLASH and 200 mA TORCH currents are factory programmed. Consult factory if other current values are desirable. FLASH current can be programmed in 50 mA steps from 100 mA to 1.2A, while TORCH current can be programmed in 1.5 mA steps from 3 mA to 200 mA. The device can operate in 1-x and 2-x charge pump modes and the inclusion of a low dropout PowerLite™ Current Regulator (PCR) operating down to 150 mV increases the device efficiency up to 90%.

The device exhibits a robust protection system (over-voltage, over-temperature, under-voltage and short-circuit), while the shutdown current is below 1 microamp, which is ideal for battery operated products. The driver requires only three small external capacitors – 1microfarad at the input, another 1microfarad as a charge pump flying capacitor and a 2.2 microfarad capacitor at the output.

The device is available in a tiny 3 x 3 x 0.8 mm 12-pin TDFN package allowing a thin profile of the application.

Additional product information may be obtained by visiting IXYS website at http://www.ixys.com, or by contacting the company directly.

About IXYS Corporation

IXYS Corporation makes and markets technology-driven products to improve power conversion efficiency, generate solar and wind power, and provide efficient motor control for industrial applications. IXYS offers a diversified product base that addresses worldwide needs for power control, electrical efficiency, renewable energy, telecommunications, medical devices, electronic displays, and RF power.

Safe Harbor Statement

Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, advantages, rating, availability, reliability, efficiency and suitability of products for various applications, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of IXYS to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.