Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced two new digitally enhanced power analog controllers designed for LED lighting applications. The MCP19116 and MCP19117 increase accuracy for LED lighting and allow users to carefully control LED light output levels without sacrificing color or light quality for reliable long-life applications.

The new analog controller from Microchip. (All Photos Courtesy of Microchip)

Efficiency and longevity have consistently been drivers in LED adoption. However, light quality remains one of the most important system considerations. Color, brightness, and controllability are the key to a successful lighting product. By combining the power and performance of an analog-based controller with the flexibility of a digital interface, the MCP19116/7 is an intelligent pulse width modulation (PWM) controller with a fully integrated PIC^® MCU core that can deliver cost savings while still providing the highest standards in reliability, efficiency, and light quality. The digital interface also allows for communication and configuration, allowing a subsystem to report status or be remotely controlled. This functionality is necessary for adding lighting to many applications, especially high-reliability automotive and remotely accessible internet of things (IoT) devices.

The newly-launched controllers are desinged for LED lighting applications.

"The MCP19116/7 is designed to create excellent LED lighting applications, and can do so better than any other LED drive IC on the market," said Keith Pazul, senior manager of Microchip's Analog Power and Interface Division. "Many companies claim they have tight current regulation accuracy in their controllers, when in reality they ignore various sources of error from other components in the system. These devices are highly accurate across all operating conditions and adjustable on the fly using the integrated PIC MCU core. This is truly a best in class solution."

The LED lighting industry continues to grow in market share and reach. A report from Big Market Research from 2015 indicated strong market growth for LED lighting, anticipating the industry to grow 45 percent per year through 2020. The market is also expected to reach over $63 billion in 2020. These predictions are consistent throughout industry analysts.

"LED is here to stay," echoed Pazul. "Microchip has made a diverse investment in technologies to control and drive future generations of LED lighting products. We are proud to be a premier supplier of lighting solutions to a wide variety of applications and end markets."