Monolithic Power Systems Inc. HR2000GS

Overview

HR2000GS from Monolithic Power Systems is a fluorescent lamp ballast controller IC integrating active PFC and 600V high-voltage half-bridge driver in a single SOIC16 package. It delivers programmable preheat/ignition timing, boundary-conduction-mode (BCM) PFC with Ton control, and comprehensive fault protection including EOL, capacitive mode, overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature. It drives two external MOSFETs to control tube and compact fluorescent lamps in AC mains-powered lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the HR2000GS datasheet, HR2000GS pinout, HR2000GS application, or HR2000GS equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world timing and protection parameters, SOIC16 pin mapping with circuit roles, design-meaningful features, validated fluorescent lamp ballast use cases, and confirmed alternative controllers for lamp driver redesigns.

Technical Context

The HR2000GS implements dual-function architecture: a BCM PFC controller using VO-pin voltage-controlled on-time (Ton) regulation and ZCD-based zero-current switching, plus a resonant half-bridge driver with frequency sweep via CT/FC pins and asymmetric dead-time control. Its PFC section uses only four pins (VO, ZCD, OVC, GATE) and integrates overvoltage/overcurrent protection at the boost stage.

The half-bridge section features 600V-rated bootstrap drivers (UG/LG), cycle-by-cycle current sensing at CS pin with three distinct thresholds (Vcs(pre), Vcs(clamp), Vcs(cap)), and intelligent state sequencing-preheat (96–108 kHz), ignition (frequency sweep down to ~45 kHz), and burn (stable 42–45 kHz)-all timed by CP/EOL and Pre/FT capacitor networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HR2000GS is housed in a 16-pin SOIC16 package (body width 7.5 mm, pitch 1.27 mm), thermally rated at θJA = 80°C/W (4-layer PCB). Pin numbering follows standard SOIC top-view layout with pin 1 at bottom-left corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fluorescent lamp ballast controller applications.

Compared with IRS2166DSPBF and UCC3305D, the HR2000GS delivers superior design integration (single-package BCM PFC + 600V drivers), deterministic EOL response, and tighter frequency control across temperature - reducing system-level calibration effort and improving long-term reliability in commercial lighting.

Availability

HR2000GS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tube fluorescent lamp ballasts, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) ballasts, and universal-input lighting platforms requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for HR2000GS includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and power ICs, with leadership in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and lighting controllers since 1997.

The HR2000GS belongs to MPS's fluorescent lamp ballast controller product line, designed specifically for energy-efficient, safety-compliant electronic ballasts targeting commercial, industrial, and residential lighting markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable input voltage on the BST pin?

The BST pin supports a maximum high-side floating supply voltage of 630 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This rating ensures safe operation when driving 600 V-class MOSFETs in half-bridge configurations under worst-case transient conditions, including line surges and resonant voltage spikes.

How does the HR2000GS detect end-of-life (EOL) in fluorescent lamps?

EOL detection occurs during the burn state when the CP/EOL pin voltage drifts outside the 1.9–3.1 V window set by internal comparators. This voltage reflects lamp impedance changes due to electrode sputtering; once detected, an internal current source charges the Pre/FT pin until it reaches 1.22 V, triggering a latched fault shutdown.

Can the HR2000GS operate without a PFC stage?

No - the HR2000GS requires functional PFC operation to generate stable VCC bias and enable half-bridge startup. The GATE pin must drive the PFC MOSFET, and VO/OVC/ZCD pins must be connected per the reference design; disabling PFC prevents oscillation initiation and results in VCC under-voltage lockout.

What is the purpose of the Pre/FT pin during preheat versus burn state?

During preheat, Pre/FT outputs a high-level voltage (≈VCC) to drive an external MOSFET that shorts the lamp filaments. In burn state, it switches to fault-integrator mode: charged by Ifault(ch) during EOL or capacitive-mode events, and discharged by Ifault(disch) during PFC Vo-low condition - enabling multi-condition fault discrimination.

Is the HR2000GS RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes - all HR2000GS devices are lead-free and fully compliant with the EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. MPS confirms green status on its official website under Quality Assurance documentation, and the SOIC16 package uses matte tin plating on leads.

How is frequency sweep implemented between preheat and ignition states?

Frequency sweep is achieved by ramping the FC pin voltage upward via internal current sources during the transition. As VFC increases, the half-bridge operating frequency decreases from 96–108 kHz (preheat) to ~45 kHz (ignition), raising lamp voltage gradually to ensure reliable cold-start ignition without excessive electrode stress.

What external components define the preheat time and ignition time?

Both times are set by the capacitor connected to the CP/EOL pin: a 100 nF capacitor yields Tph = 620 ms (typ.) and Tig = 600 ms (typ.). The same capacitor serves dual roles - triangle-wave timing generator during preheat/ignition, then EOL voltage sensor in burn state.