LinFinity Microelectronics Inc., a subsidiary of SymmetriCom, Inc, has introduced a quad-lamp version of its breakthrough RangeMAX digital dimming backlight inverter modules targeted at larger 18" LCD displays produced by such makers as Sharp and LG Electronics.

In contrast to 2:1, 3:1 and 5:1 dimming ranges typically provided by conventional analog inverters, LinFinity says its new LXM1641-02 RangeMAX inverter modules achieve a usable dimming range in excess of 100:1 through the companyıs innovative direct drive digital dimming circuitry.

Smooth, flicker-free dimming through a full 0-100% brightness control is enhanced by the moduleıs ability to deliver readable displays at lowest light levels. Critical for many large-screen applications is the LXM1641ıs low power consumption and reduced heat generation, the company said.

"Now large-panel LCD designers have quad-lamp RangeMAX inverters available with all the advantages direct drive digital dimming provides," said Roger Holliday, Vice President of Marketing at LinFinity.

"Our inverters take advantage of LinFinityıs capabilities in designing and manufacturing proprietary high volume integrated circuits plus our long experience in developing a variety of high-rel products for aerospace applications. As a result, LinFinity can create commercial inverters that provide outstanding functionality, reliability and lamp life at low cost," he added.

RangeMAX inverters for multiple lamp applications provide a failsafe feature that maintains display operation in the event that a single lamp fails. It allows continued operation at near normal brightness from the remaining lamps until replacement is convenient.

As LCDs get larger the problems for backlighting become larger too. This inverter is a specialized part but is extremely timely for the next generation panels of 18 inches that are beginning to tease the market. The dimming circuitry is extremely clever and allows for what appears to be a full control of brightness from one end of the range to the other with no jitter in its movement. The provision of a lamp-failure operation is extremely important with these larger displays because the chances of lamp failure progressively increase.

LinFinity has an extremely good reputation for producing reliable products in this sort of arena and it will undoubtedly rake up a number of design wins at extremely good margins. The LXM1641-02 quad lamp modules are in production and are priced at $59.00 in 1000-piece lots.