RangeMAX Wide Range Dimming, Quad
Output Inverter. The LXM1641 Direct
DriveTM CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent
Lamp) Inverter Modules are specifically designed for driving LCD backlight lamps.
Similar to the LXM1640, the LXM1641 excels in applications where critical parameters
include very wide range dimmability, high efficiency and reliable fail-safe design in a small
form factor. These 12 volt input modules are
specifically designed with desktop and industrial applications in mind.
Unlike the LXM1640 or any traditional
dimming CCFL inverters, the LXM1641 provides the designer a vastly superior display
brightness range. 1000:1+ brightness range
is achievable with a standard LCD display (see
Application Section). Our wide range dimming provides exceptional display readability
at less than 1% of full brightness, allowing
both power savings and low ambient light operating capability (i.e. "night readable").
RangeMAX Digital Dimming Technique. Digital dimming provides flicker-free
brightness control in any wide-range dimming
application. Dimming ratios greater than
1000:1 can be achieved. Incorporation of a
video synchronization feature allows wide
ratio dimming without the display disturbances and interference seen with competitive products.
The modules are equipped with a dimming
input that permits brightness control from an
external potentiometer or DC voltage source.
The resultant "burst drive" that energizes the
lamp was designed specifically to ensure that
no premature lamp degradation occurs (see
"How RangeMAX Works" Section).
Failsafe Feature For Multiple Lamp Ap-
plications. Our multi-output inverters are
designed to keep your application operating
at near normal brightness in the event that a
lamp fails. This allows the display to remain
"on-line" until lamp replacement is convenient.
Direct Drive Technology. The module
design is based on a new patented1 Direct
Drive topology, which provides a number of
cost and performance advantages. The
LXM1641-xx Direct Drive inverters eliminate
the classic resonant inductor and capacitors,
thus reducing cost and allowing a substantial
reduction in module size.
Universal Connector Configuration.
Linfinity's multiple lamp inverters include a
built in connector array for the most common LCD lamp configurations.
Additional Features. Other benefits of
this new topology are fixed-frequency operation and secondary-side strike-voltage regulation.
Strike-voltage regulation minimizes corona
discharge in the output transformer and related circuitry, providing longer life and higher
reliability. All LXM1641 modules feature
both open and shorted lamp protection.
The LXM1641 is fully customizable (electronically and mechanically) to specific customer requirements.
1
US Patent Numbers: 5923129 & 5930121
P RELIMINARY DATA SHEET
■ RangeMAX Wide Range Dimming
■ 8V to 16V Input Voltage Range
■ Small Form Factor
■ Easy To Use Brightness Control
■ MicroAmp SLEEP Mode
■ Output Short-Circuit Protection And
Automatic Strike-Voltage Regulation
■ Fixed Frequency Operation
■ Universal Connector Configuration
APPLICATIONS
■ Hi-Brite Displays
■ Desktop Displays
■ Low Ambient Light Conditions (i.e. Aircraft
Cabins, Automobile)
■ Industrial Applications
BENEFITS
■ High Efficiency Reduces Heating Problems
■ Smooth, Flicker Free 0-100% Full-Range
Brightness Control Gives Your Product A
High Quality Image
■ Output Open Circuit Voltage Regulation
Minimizes Corona Discharge For Long Life
And High Reliability
NOTE: For current data & package dimensions, visit our web site: http://www.linfinity.com.
MODULE ORDER INFORMATION
Part NumberApplication
LXM1641-01
LXM1641-02
LXM1641-03
Quad Lamp Panels
Sharp 18.1" PanelJST XHP-9 (9-pin)
LG Electronics 18.1" PanelJST BHSR-02VS-1 (2-pin)
Inverter Mates Directly
to Panel Connectors
JST BHR-03VS-1 (3-pin) &
JST BHR-04VS-1 (4-pin)
L INF INITY MICROELECTRONICS INC.
11861 WESTERN AVENUE, GARDEN GROVE, CA. 92841, 714-898-8121, FAX: 714-893-2570
1
Page 2
PRODUCT DATABOOK 1996/1997
LXM1641-01/-02/-03
RangeMAX
DIGITAL DIMMING QUAD LAMP CCFL INVERTER MODULE
P RELIMINARY DATA SHEET
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS (Note 1)
Input Supply Voltage (VIN)....................................................................................................................................................... -0.3V to 16V
Output Voltage, no load ..............................................................................................................................Internally Limited to 1800V
Output Current ............................................................................................................................................ 10.0mA
Output Power (per Lamp) .................................................................................................................................................................... 6.0W
Input Signal Voltage (BRITE Input) ....................................................................................................................................... -0.3V to 6.5V
Input Signal Voltage (SLEEP, V
Ambient Operating Temperature .................................................................................................................................................... 0°C to 70°C
Inputs) ................................................................................................................................... -0.3V to V
SYNC
Storage Temperature Range ......................................................................................................................................................... -40°C to 85°C
Note 1. Exceeding these ratings could cause damage to the device. All voltages are with respect to Ground.
Currents are positive into, negative out of the specified terminal.
RECOMMENDED OPERATING CONDITIONS (R.C.)
This module has been designed to operate over a wide range of input and output conditions. However, best efficiency and performance
will be obtained if the module is operated under the condition listed in the 'R.C.' column. Min. and Max. columns indicate values beyond
which the inverter, although operational, will not function optimally.
Parameter
Symbol
Input Supply Voltage Range (Functional)LXM1641-01, -02
LXM1641-03
Input Supply VoltageLXM1641-01, -02
(Fully Regulated Lamp Current)LXM1641-03
Output Power (per Lamp)P
Brightness Control Input Voltage RangeV
Lamp Operating VoltageV
Lamp Current (Full Brightness - per Lamp)I
Operating Ambient Temperature RangeT
O
BRT ADJ
LAMP
OLAMP
A
Recommended Operating Conditions
Min.R.C.Max.
81216V
101214V
91216V
10.81213.2V
45W
0.02.5V
300675800V
7.0mA
070°C
(Internally Limited)
RMS
TM
RMS
IN
Units
RMS
RMS
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Unless otherwise specified, these specifications apply over the recommended operating conditions and 25°C ambient temperature for the LXM1641.
1. Always install FOUR (4) lamps. Operating with fewer lamps may overdrive lamp current at maximum brightness settings.
2. Verify lamp wiring before connecting lamps to the inverter module. Connecting multiple lamps to one of the four inverter output
circuits will result in reduced brightness. The LXM1641-01 module connectors are wired per industry standard. The lamp hot wires
(high voltage wires) are always on pin 1 or 2, and the cold wire (low voltage wire) is always on pin 3 or 4.
CN1-5SLEEPON / OFF Control (2.2V < SLEEP < V
CN1-6BRITEBrightness Control (-0.3V to 2.5V), 2.5V gives max. lamp current
CN1-7, 8V
CN8-1V
CN8-2V
CN9-1V
CN9-2V
CN10-1V
CN10-2V
CN11-1V
CN11-2V
IN
SYNC
HI1
LO
HI1
LO
HI1
LO
HI1
LO
Input Power Supply (10V to 14V)
= ON, -0.3V < SLEEP < 0.8V = OFF)
IN
Vertical Sync Input, negative going. 49Hz < f
High-voltage connection to high side of lamp 1
Connection to low side of lamp 1
High-voltage connection to high side of lamp 2
Connection to low side of lamp 2
High-voltage connection to high side of lamp 3
Connection to low side of lamp 3
High-voltage connection to high side of lamp 4
Connection to low side of lamp 4
These examples illustrate three typical
LCD wiring configurations that are
accomodated by Linfinity's unique
connector array. Linfinity inverters
have multiple lamp connector styles
that are common to the industry,
which are duplicated at both ends of
the module. This permits many
variations of module mounting and
interconnectivity configurations.
CCFL Lamps
CCFL Lamps
Desktop Display
1
CN3
CN1
LXM1641-01*
(1 = Pin 1 Designator)
CN2
1
CCFL Lamps
CCFL Lamps
Desktop Display
* Connectors CN2 and CN3 are on the bottom side of the inverter.
Rather than using the traditional dimming technique of
varying lamp current magnitude to adjust light output,
RangeMAX inverters use a fixed lamp current value with
a duty cycle control method.
The lamp current burst width can be modulated from
100% (continuous lamp current) down to a 2% duty cycle,
allowing the lamp to be dimmed to less than 1% of its
full brightness.
As can be seen in Trace 4 of Figure 8, careful design
consideration was given to controlling lamp start voltage
to softly start current flow. This eliminates current overshoot that can result in premature cathode wear and reduce lamp life.
Comparator
V
BRITE
0-2.5V
Ramp
Transformer
DC
Ramp
Gen.
Driver
FIGURE 8 — 2% Burst Duty Cycle (Expanded Time Base)
■ On-board brightness control circuit includes a DC voltage
to pulse width converter that minimizes system design work
and system noise susceptibility. This provides a familiar
and convenient interface while reducing the potential for
externally induced noise which can cause lamp flicker.
■ An on-board oscillator operates the inverter BURST rate
above 95Hz, well beyond standard 50/60Hz video refresh
rates where the eye can perceive pulsing light.
■ RangeMAX inverter modules are designed to operate with
the burst frequency synchronized to the video frame rate.
This provides operation with no visible display disturbances
caused by beat frequencies between the lamps and video
frame rates.
TYPICAL 100:1 DIMMING APPLICATION
TM
RangeMAX
■ In applications with no access to a vertical sync, the in-
verter burst frequency can be allowed to "free run" at 95Hz.
In this non-synchronous mode, minor display disturbances
may be found under certain video conditions. This performance is acceptable for many applications, but synchronization must be used when no disturbance can be tolerated.
■ Separate feedback loops for lamp current and open circuit volt-
age regulation insure reliable strike under all operating conditions,
automatic over-voltage prevention with broken or failed lamps,
and accurate lamp current regulation.
9VDC- 16V
2.5V
DC
V
IN
£ 10k
BRITE
LXM1641-xx
0V
5V
V
SYNC
FIGURE 10 — Potentiometer Brightness Control
PWM Signal
from System
P.W.
£
100µs
0 £ P.W. £ 100% of period
* use 4.99k for 5V PWM amplitude, 15k for 3.3V PWM
amplitude, and omit for 2.5V PWM amplitude.
SLEEP
V
SYNC
4.99k
4.99k*
DC
GND
V
V
V
V
V
4.7µF
■ The brightness control may be a simple 10k
potentiometer or a voltage output DAC. A PWM
HI4
HI3
HI2
HI1
signal from a micro-controller may also be used
with a suitable filter such as shown in Figure 11.
■ If synchronization to the video framerate is
desired, connect the vertical sync pulse from the
system video controller to the appropriate V
If no video synchronization is desired, connect V
SYNC
to ground.
input.
SYNC
■ If you need to turn the inverter ON/OFF remotely,
Lamp 1
Lamp 2
Lamp 3
Lamp 4
connect a 3V or 5V logic signal to the SLEEP input.
If remote ON/OFF is not needed, connect the
LO
SLEEP input to V
2.2V
.
■ Connect V
DC
Connect VLO to the low voltage wire (wire with
or any other voltage greater than
IN
to high voltage wire from the lamp.
HI
thinner insulation). If both lamp wires have
heavy high voltage insulation, connect the
longest wire to V
ground (GND pin) on the inverter PCB. Always
. VLO is connected directly to
LO
insure a good lamp return by using a wire. Do
not rely on a chassis ground connection.
The following application defines techniques capable of delivering dimming ranges in the 250:1 and 1000:1 range. As is widely
understood, these techniques will provide general capabilities and actual
system performance will vary with panel design, CCFTs, ambient temperature and a number of other variables outside the control of the
inverter. These methods can be used in conjunction with other techniques such as lamp heating and matching.
Wide ratio (1000:1) dimming can be accomplished using the Linfinity
inverter in two ways:
1) By varying the input voltage on the brightness pin as
indicated in Figure 12. Caution must be exercised when
applying negative voltage to the brightness control input.
Applying more than -300mV to any inverter input will cause
inverter malfunction (see Absolute Maximum Ratings).
2) By making a resistor value change on the module. If this
option is preferrable, please contact the factory for application assistance.
Both methods discussed will provide a lower duty cycle
operation than is necessary in a 100:1 dimming application.
Careful consideration should be made with regards to display quality
LXM1641-01/-02/-03
7
(mA)
0.7
OLAMP
I
.14
.070
0V2.5V-100mV
V
(V)
BRT ADJ
FIGURE 12 — Average Lamp Current vs. V
(per Lamp)
at these dimming levels. At very low brightness levels, even very small
amounts of noise on the V
special care must be given to grounding, filtering and shielding the
line can cause flicker on the display, so
BRITE
inverter from the digital logic and clock.
Voltage
BRITE
FAILSAFE FEATURE FOR MULTIPLE LAMP OPERATIONS
Our multi-output inverters are designed to keep your application
operating at near normal brightness in the event that a lamp fails.
This allows the display to remain "on-line" until lamp replacement
is convenient.
Linfinity "parallels" the lamps so that if any lamps break, most
of the current is added to the remaining good lamps. CCFLs will
respond with more brightness for a period of time. Operating time
in this mode will be a function of the lamps age but should be
typically in the order of hundreds of hours.
This operating characteristic can provide adequate display
performance for a limited, but useful period of time. Shortening
of the lamp life in this mode is typically not a concern as it is
recommended that all lamps in a display be replaced at the same
time.
RangeMAX INVERTERS
Also available in Single
Output LXM1611-01,
LXM1612-xx-xx and Dual
Output LXM1621-xx versions
for multiple lamp applications.
FIGURE 13 — Quad Output Stage
RangeMAX and Direct Drive are trademarks of Linfinity Microelectronics Inc.
PRELIMINARY DATA - Information contained in this document is pre-production data, and is proprietary to LinFinity. It may
not modified in any way without the express written consent of LinFinity. Product referred to herein is offered in sample form
only, and Linfinity reserves the right to change or discontinue this proposed product at any time.