Demo kits speed up the implementation of ballast solutions for the lighting market.

Atmel Corporation has released both dimmable and nondimmable demo kits for light ballast applications. These new kits are the result of a co-operation between Atmel and Ixys Corporation to develop design tools and speed up the implementation of ballast solutions for the lighting market. They feature Atmel's AVR and 8051 microcontrollers and Ixys's broad range of mixed signal and power management products.

The ATAVRFBKIT is a dimmable light ballast demo kit while the AT89RFD-10 is a nondimmable light ballast demo kit.

Both kits incorporate a broad range of design features including universal line input, low harmonic distortion, low stand-by power and various protection features.

The dimmable ballast incorporates DALI or one touch 'Swiss' control for controlling the dimming level.

The dimmable ballast demo kit incorporates Atmel's AT90PWM2 AVR microcontroller, which supports both dimmable fluorescent and HID ballast applications.

The 8Kbyte Flash AT90PWM2 device integrates the DALI protocol, allowing the networking of ballasts to a centralised system for greater flexibility and control of lighting levels, while reducing maintenance and energy costs.

The nondimmable light ballast demo kit uses the AT83EB5114 8051-based microcontroller developed in partnership with a major lighting manufacturer for nondimming fluorescent ballasts.

The AT89EB5114 and AT90PWM2 are highly-integrated devices featuring 12 or 16bit enhanced PWM generators, amplifiers and a 10bit analogue-to-digital convertor.

Both demo kits use Ixys's new rugged PolarHV power MOSFETs with ultralow on-resistance.

In addition, they incorporate some of Ixys mixed-signal power management products including the IXD611 half-bridge driver, with superior noise performance and increased operating voltage capability, as well as the IXI858/IXI859 voltage regulator/gate driver.

The IXI858/IXI859, in combination with the Ixys IXTP02N50D depletion-mode power MOSFET, are used to implement the line interface and gate drive requirements for the power factor correction section of the light ballast.

'Our new microcontroller family will enable great strides for energy-efficient lighting systems, enabling ballast systems with features such as tube power recognition, lamp aging detection and centralised control and communication', said Jean Desuche, Lighting and Motor Control Product Marketing Manager for Atmel.

'Our PolarHV power MOSFETs and mixed-signal IC products enhance the value of the ballast reference designs by maximising system energy and cost efficiency, while providing superior noise performance and ruggedness', said Don Humbert, Director of Marketing for Ixys Power.

Both kits are available at the price of $199.