Infineon introduces an efficient NFC programming method for LED drivers

     For fast and cost-effective NFC programming of LED drivers, Infineon Technologies has developed the NFC-PWM series NLM0011 and NLM0010 solutions. NFC programming is an emerging technology that aims to replace labor-intensive "plug-in resistance" current setting with a non-contact NFC interface. It improves operational efficiency by automating programming in the production line, while also bringing tremendous flexibility to the value chain. In this way, the types of LED drivers are reduced, the selection of LED modules is simpler, and the end configuration can be achieved.

     The NLM0011 and NLM0010 are NFC wireless configuration ics with configurable PWM outputs, primarily for LED applications. They directly utilize PWM signals to control analog driver ics, enabling cost-effective NFC programming. It has significant advantages over microcontroller-based solutions to reduce BOM costs.

     Both devices support both passive and active modes of operation. In passive mode, the LED driver module is not powered on, and the PWM related data is configured wirelessly through the NFC interface. In active mode, once the VCC power supply is powered on, it produces a PWM output based on the stored parameters. An external R/C filter is then used to convert the PWM signal into the desired DC voltage, which is used to control the current output of the LED driver.

     Another highlight of the NLM0011 is that it has a constant lumen output (CLO) function, which automatically adjusts the LED current to adapt to the aging characteristics of the LED lamp bead, thereby compensating for the decrease in the luminous flux of the LED module (aging effect). Using the integrated run time counter (OTC) and the LED bead degradation curve stored in the CLO table, the NLM0011 automatically adjusts the PWM duty cycle to compensate for LED bead degradation.

     They are a perfect match for mainstream analog driver ics and can easily be compatible with existing designs without the need for additional software development, replacing the current configuration of "plug-in resistors". These devices also have non-volatile memory (NVM), which can store UID (unique identification data) and 20 bytes of user data.

     The solution is compatible with existing analog LED driver designs as well as the NFC programming specifications of the Module Driver Interface Special Interest Group (MD-SIG). In addition to LED power applications, the NFC-PWM series can also be used in applications such as motor control and SMPS.