Microchip Technology, a provider of microcontroller and analogue semiconductors, has launched an online Lighting applications design centre.
This comprehensive Web site provides a wide range of technical tools and resources that designers can use to add intelligence to lighting designs – all in one, easy-to-reach place.
Designers have full access to Microchip application notes and product information from the design centre, including information related to its PIC microcontrollers, dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), analogue and memory products, as well as development tools, and how they can be used to enhance the performance and efficiency of lighting applications.
New lighting technologies, such as solid-state Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology, dimmable fluorescent ballasts and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp ballasts, demand increased performance with greater energy efficiency.
The flexibility of Microchip's low-cost digital, analogue and memory products enables designers to add intelligence to lighting applications quickly, with little expense.
Benefits of intelligent lighting applications include increased energy savings, prolonged product life, improved light quality and safety, reduced component counts, remote control and diagnostic capabilities, as well as the ability to easily adapt existing lighting designs to this fast-evolving market.
"Industry trends toward more energy-efficient light sources with increased functionality drove the development of our Lighting Applications Design Centre," said Lucio Di Jasio, manager of Microchip's Application Segments Group.
"Additionally, Microchip sees a large opportunity for new and innovative lighting applications that require electronic intelligence to deliver improved quality of light, energy efficiency, as well as reduced design cost and complexity. We are pleased to support designers in the creation of next-generation lighting applications."