Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. recently reported having developed the LMC10B series of LED lighting modules with built-in AC drive circuits using innovative circuit technology.

 

LEDs are usually driven by DC (direct current) power supply. Where an AC (alternating current) power supply is used, a DC converter circuit is needed. Issues to be resolved with DC power driven LEDs include the complexity of the circuit increasing the number of components, and electrical noise generated.

 

AC power driven LEDs have been commercialized by other manufacturers and these types of devices can be easily downsized due to their simplified drive circuits. However, when compared with DC power driven LEDs, efficiency problems are often noticed when the brightness is low or approaching zero.

 

Citizen Electronics’ new products can be driven directly by an AC power supply by adopting an innovative technique called SCD (Selective Current Diversion technique) in the LED drive circuits. Accordingly, the modules do not need a DC power circuit, and downsizing and slimming of the products has been accomplished successfully. In addition, their zero lighting time has been reduced compared with that of existing AC driven LEDs and a huge increase in efficiency has also been achieved.

 

Downlights or spotlights are easily realised just by incorporating heat sinks and covers into the LMC10B series. The product line-up is expected to expanded with linear modules such as straight-tube fluorescent light types. By providing ‘easier-to-use’ LED modules, Citizen hopes to contribute to a reduction in the time and cost of development for LED lighting equipment makers.

 

LMBC series main features

220 - 240V AC powered LED drive circuits

Luminous flux: 1000 lm

Colour temperatures: 3000 K and 4000 K

European CE marked

 

Versions for 100 VAC (Japan) and 110-120 VAC (North America) are in development. Mass production is scheduled to start in April 2011 but is likely to be delayed owing to the recent catastrophes in Japan.