LED driver solutions for MR16 halogen replacement lamps

Solid-state lighting products using LEDs are becoming more and more popular in the lighting marketplace. The low energy consumption paired with potential long-life and small form factor make LED lighting products an attractive alternative to traditional light sources in many applications. This is especially true for low voltage halogen lamps such as MR16. 

The majority of these lamps are designed for low-voltage operation of 12VAC. Hence, they require a transformer to step down supply voltage. MR16 compatible LED lamps incorporate full wave rectification circuitry and can be used in most fixtures designed for MR16 halogen lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen lamps that use electronic transformers may need to be retrofitted with LED-compatible transformers mainly because standard electronic transformers have a minimum power-usage requirement in order to function. Some LED lamps may be below this usage requirement. Fixtures that use magnetic transformers can generally be used with LED-lamps without modification. 

20W rated MR16 LED lamps are still most popular, as the lamp design is less challenging. However, newly developed high power LEDs enabling small form factors and improved thermal management now paves the way for MR16 LED lamps to enter 35W and 50W halogen ratings. With in-depth application know-how, we at Infineon developed specific LED driver ICs that enable our customers to pursue the solid-state lighting revolution. Our LED drivers cover the whole range of power classes.