Cypress semiconductor has recently developed PowerPSoC which has been claimed by the company to be the first single chip device to control and drive high power LEDs.

PowerPSoC features four integrated, independently operated 32V/1A mosfets based on Cypress' PSoC platform, with up to four programmable hysteretic controllers providing controlled current output. Floating load buck, floating load buck-boost, and boost converter topologies provide design flexibility. The device also supports 16bit dimming.

PowerPSoC is suitable to drive high power constant current loads. "One of the biggest constraints with LEDs is thermal management. Maintaining temperature at the optimal point maintains the LED’s lifetime and keeps its output as near to spec as possible." said Cypress' European business development manager Jennifer Dennis.

Although aimed primarily at lighting, PowerPSoC is also expected to find application in white goods and industrial control, reducing component count and power consumption while improving reliability. Automotive applications are also envisaged, but not in the short term.