LED lights for critical applications such as vehicle lights, streetlamps and emergency lights are even more dependable and long-lasting thanks to a new fault-management chip from STMicroelectronics. The new chip, the LBP01 is used in lamps that comprise multiple channels each containing several LEDs. Without the LBP01, failure of a single LED can extinguish an entire channel, significantly reducing total light output and demanding early replacement. The LBP01 bypasses failed LEDs so that the lamp can continue producing near-maximum illumination. This improves performance and safety, and can yield valuable savings for operators.

The LBP01 delivers some important advantages over comparable devices in the market. By offering the flexibility to use one bypass for every two LEDs, it enables designers to reduce bill-of-materials costs, as competing devices typically can only bypass one LED each. It also provides built-in surge protection to help prevent LED failures occurring.

Markets for safety-oriented LED signage and lighting, including automotive lighting and streetlighting, are predicted to exceed £5 billion by 2015. The LBP01 can also be used to enhance LED-backlight longevity in LCD panels for a wide variety of applications. To maximize design-in opportunities, ST is offering the LBP01 in two package options giving designers the choice of a 3.95 x 5.6 mm SMB package to replace competing devices directly or a 3 x 3.05 mm SOT23-5 package enabling a more compact solution.

Major features of LBP01: