The NCL30100 is a compact switching regulator controller intended for space constrained constant current high-brightness LED driver applications where efficiency and small size are important. The controller is based on a peak current, quasi fixed-off time control architecture optimized for continuous conduction mode step-down (buck) operation. This allows the output filter capacitor to be eliminated. In this configuration, a reverse buck topology is used to control a cost effective N-type MOSFET. Moreover, this controller employs negative current sensing thus minimizing power dissipation in the current sense resistor. The off time is user adjustable through the selection of a small external capacitor, thus allowing the design to be optimized for a given switching frequency range. The control loop is designed to operate up to 700 kHz allowing the designer the flexibility to use a very small inductor for space constrained applications.

The device has been optimized to provide a flexible inductive step-down converter to drive one or more high power LED(s). The controller can also be used to implement non-isolated buck-boost driver topologies.

MR16 Formfactor Demo Board
This demo board illustrates the NCL30100 in a form factor suitable to be embedded in the base of an MR16 LED light bulb. In this case the dual sided PCB incorporates a low voltage AC rectifier bridge so that it can accept the 12 Vac input commonly used in MR16 applications.

Single Layer PWM Dimmable LED Demo Board
This demo board illustrates the NCL30100 in a single-sided PCB layout. The board does have a low voltage AC bridge rectifier to support applications like outdoor landscape lighting and low voltage track lighting applications. The demo board has been designed to accept a PWM input to allow evaluation of the device for applications that need digital dimming.