New LED String Fault Monitoring IC from ASIC Advantage for Open LED Fault Management of LED Strings

Sunnyvale, CA, December 2, 2009 – ASIC Advantage, Inc. (AAI) announces the introduction of a new device in the LED Lighting family targeted for management of LED Strings.  This device, named the AAL406, provides fault monitoring within a string of LEDs and outputs a fault signal when an LED is in the open state.  In the case of an open-state LED, the AAL406 will bypass the faulty LED to allow the string to continue operation.  This feature will greatly enhance end application safety, quality, and reliability where strings of LEDs are used, such as traffic, roadway, building, and safety lighting.

The AAL406 main function is open LED fault sensing, suitable for a full range of 1/10W to 1W LEDs.  When an LED fails in the open state, a latching SCR ‘crowbar’ is activated to bypass the current around the open LED in order to allow the string to sustain continuous operation.  The open LED bypass can support currents up to 800mA with appropriate device mounting and cooling considerations.  The AAL460 is also automotive temperature rated, operating within -40°C to +125°C.

Standalone operation supports up to 3 LEDs per each AAL406 device.  If needed, additional AAL406 devices can be daisy-chained together to support longer strings of LEDs and the fault signal will cascade down through the multiple devices. 

The AAL406 is offered in a RoHS compliant thermally-enhanced 8-Pin SOIC package.  Pricing in quantities of 1k begin at $0.58, with lower pricing available for higher volumes.  To request device samples, please contact your local representative where available or, in the absence of such, contact the factory at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The AAL406 is only one of an extensive, feature varied list of solutions for LED Lighting available from ASIC Advantage.  We recommend you consult the factory or your local representative for a copy of ASIC Advantage’s new 2009-2010 Mixed-Signal IC Short Form for the most comprehensive list of Controllers and other complimentary products available from ASIC Advantage, as well as information regarding new offerings coming through 2010.  Discover more regarding ASIC Advantage standard products and custom design capabilities by visiting us on the web at http://www.asicadvantage.com.

Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including the performance, ruggedness and suitability of products for specific applications, may be deemed as forward looking statements.  Various factors could cause the results to be different than stated or implied by these forward looking statements. As ASIC Advantage is a privately owned company, ASIC Advantage, Incorporated has no obligation to publicly communicate the results of any revisions to these forward looking statements.