Monolithic Power Systems Inc. HR2000GS-Z

Overview

HR2000GS-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fluorescent lamp ballast controller IC integrating active PFC and 600V half-bridge gate drivers in a single SOIC16 package. It delivers programmable preheat/ignition timing, boundary-conduction-mode (BCM) PFC with Ton control, capacitive-mode and end-of-life (EOL) protection, and operates across wide input voltage ranges for compact and tube fluorescent lamp systems.

For engineers reviewing the HR2000GS-Z datasheet, HR2000GS-Z pinout, HR2000GS-Z application, or HR2000GS-Z equivalent, this device supports high-reliability electronic ballast design requiring precise frequency sweep, filament preheat current regulation, lamp ignition sequencing, and integrated fault management - all with minimal external components.

Technical Context

The HR2000GS-Z implements dual-function architecture: a BCM PFC controller using VO pin feedback and ZCD zero-current detection, and a self-oscillating half-bridge driver with CT-pin-sawtooth frequency programming and FC-pin voltage-controlled frequency sweep. Preheat and ignition states are timed via CP/EOL capacitor discharge/charge cycles, while EOL detection uses a window comparator on CP/EOL voltage (1.9–3.1 V).

Protection logic is tightly coupled to operational states: capacitive-mode detection samples CS voltage at LG turn-on (threshold −32 to 0 mV); overcurrent triggers asymmetric half-bridge operation via k_oc = 0.9–1.1 A/A gain; and fault latching occurs when Pre/FT pin voltage exceeds 1.22 V after internal charging by Ifault(ch) = 3.2 µA during EOL or OVC events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HR2000GS-Z is housed in a standard 16-pin SOIC package (5.3 mm × 10.2 mm, 1.27 mm pitch), optimized for thermal dissipation (θ_JA = 80°C/W) and PCB layout simplicity in ballast designs.

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, HR2000GS-Z uniquely combines programmable timing, EOL detection, and capacitive-mode protection in one IC - reducing component count by ≥30% while enabling lamp health diagnostics not available in alternatives.

Availability

HR2000GS-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for compact fluorescent lamp ballasts, linear fluorescent tube ballasts, universal-input lighting systems, and lamp end-of-life monitoring solutions requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for HR2000GS-Z 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 core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and lighting controllers.

The HR2000 product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability electronic fluorescent ballasts - emphasizing integration, protection robustness, and lamp lifetime optimization in industrial and commercial lighting applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum PFC output voltage supported by HR2000GS-Z?

The HR2000GS-Z does not fix PFC output voltage; it regulates via VO pin feedback. With typical RREF = 51 kΩ and standard resistor divider networks (e.g., R105/R106/R107 in Figure 1), it achieves stable 385 V DC output - scalable up to 450 V depending on external component selection and VO reference current (97–107 µA).

How does HR2000GS-Z handle lamp short-circuit or open-circuit faults?

Open-lamp protection activates via CS pin sensing during ignition: if current falls below threshold, frequency sweeps upward until capacitive-mode detection triggers. Short-lamp detection uses Pre/FT pin integration - fault current source (3.2 µA) charges its capacitor until 1.22 V threshold is reached, causing latch-up and shutdown within 120 ms.

Can HR2000GS-Z operate without a PFC stage?

No - the HR2000GS-Z requires functional PFC operation. Its half-bridge driver relies on regulated PFC bus voltage for stable gate drive and timing references. Disabling PFC (e.g., floating VO or OVC) causes immediate fault latch or non-startup due to VCC instability and missing ZCD synchronization.

What is the minimum recommended BST capacitor value for reliable high-side drive?

MPS specifies 10 nF as the minimum BST capacitor (C_BST) between BST and SW pins. For 18 W lamp loads at 220 VAC, 22 nF ceramic (X7R, 50 V) is recommended to maintain >11.5 V gate drive margin under worst-case duty cycle and leakage, ensuring robust UG turn-on even at elevated temperature.

Does HR2000GS-Z support dimming functionality?

No - HR2000GS-Z lacks analog/digital dimming interfaces or frequency-modulation inputs for brightness control. It is designed exclusively for full-output fluorescent lamp operation. Dimmable ballast functions require external microcontroller coordination or dedicated dimming ICs like MPS MP4050.

How is the preheat current regulated during the preheat phase?

Preheat current is regulated indirectly via CS pin voltage clamping: the IC compares sensed current against V_CS(pre) = 375–445 mV (typ. 410 mV). If exceeded, FC pin is discharged cycle-by-cycle, increasing operating frequency and reducing RMS current - achieving precise, capacitor-timed preheat without external current sensors.

What thermal derating applies above 85°C ambient temperature?

At T_A > 85°C, power dissipation must be reduced per θ_JA = 80°C/W. Maximum allowable continuous power is D_MAX = (150°C − T_A) / 80. At 100°C ambient, max dissipation drops to 0.625 W; thermal shutdown activates if junction exceeds 150°C, with automatic recovery once T_J falls below 135°C.