Infineon Technologies IR2156PBF

Overview

IR2156PBF from Infineon Technologies is a high-voltage ballast control IC integrating a half-bridge gate driver, programmable oscillator, and state-machine logic for fluorescent lamp electronic ballasts. It delivers programmable preheat frequency (49–60 kHz), run frequency (36–44 kHz), preheat time via CPH/RT, internal ignition ramp, and over-current threshold (1.1–1.44 V) with latch immunity. Used in 220V/50Hz commercial lighting systems with 36W T8 lamps.

For engineers reviewing the IR2156PBF datasheet, IR2156PBF pinout, IR2156PBF application, or IR2156PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include preheat timing control accuracy, high-side floating supply tolerance up to 625 V, dead-time consistency (2.0 µs), integrated VCC zener clamp (15.6 V), and fault-mode quiescent current (≤470 µA) under lamp-strike failure conditions.

Technical Context

The IR2156PBF implements a three-state control machine (PREHEAT → IGNITION RAMP → RUN) triggered by CPH voltage ramping and CS threshold detection. Preheat mode uses RPH/CT to set f_PH, while RUN mode selects f_RUN via RT/CT; ignition ramp transitions f_PH to f_RUN when CPH exceeds 10 V.

Protection logic includes dual-threshold shutdown (SD rising threshold = 5.1 V, hysteresis = 450 mV), over-current sensing (VCSTH = 1.25 V typ, t_CS = 160 ns propagation delay), and UVLO with 2.0 V hysteresis (VCCUV+ = 11.5 V, VCCUV− = 9.5 V). The internal 15.6 V zener clamp regulates VCC and limits ICC to ≤1.5 mA during normal operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

IR2156PBF is supplied in a 14-pin PDIP package (0.300" wide) with creepage ≥8 mm between high-side and low-side terminals. Pin 1 is RT; Pin 14 is VB; COM (Pin 7) serves as signal ground reference for CS, SD, CT, and RPH.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ballast control applications.

Compared with FAN7711MX and IRS2166DSTRPBF, the IR2156PBF uniquely combines programmable preheat timing, internal ignition ramp, and micropower startup - enabling reliable cold-start performance across varying line voltages and lamp aging conditions without external timing components.

Availability

IR2156PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for commercial lighting ballasts, industrial lamp control systems, emergency lighting power supplies, and LED/fluorescent hybrid drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for IR2156PBF 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

Infineon Technologies is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, automotive, and industrial control ICs, with global manufacturing and quality certification to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

The IR2156 belongs to Infineon's ballast control product line, designed specifically for self-oscillating electronic fluorescent lamp drivers with integrated protection and programmable timing - targeting energy-efficient lighting infrastructure upgrades.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable dV/dt on the VS pin?

The IR2156PBF specifies ±50 V/ns as the absolute maximum dV/dt on the VS pin. Exceeding this rate risks false triggering of the high-side level shifter, causing erratic HO output. Layout best practices include minimizing loop area between VS, HO, and external MOSFET source, and using ferrite beads on VS traces in high-noise environments.

How does the CPH pin control preheat duration?

The CPH pin charges via ICPH (4.3 µA typ) through RPH to generate a linear ramp. When CPH reaches 7.5 V, CS protection activates; at 10 V, the device transitions from PREHEAT to IGNITION RAMP mode. Preheat time is calculated as t_PH ≈ (7.5 V × RPH × CT) / (1000 × ICPH), e.g., 100 kΩ + 470 pF yields ~1.1 s.

Can IR2156PBF drive 600 V MOSFETs directly?

Yes - the IR2156PBF's VB pin is rated to 625 V, and its HO output drives gates of 600 V-rated MOSFETs directly. However, external gate resistors (10–22 Ω) and Miller clamp diodes are recommended to suppress parasitic turn-on during fast dV/dt transitions across the bridge.

What happens during VCC undervoltage lockout?

When VCC falls below 9.5 V (VCCUV−), the device enters UVLO Mode: HO and LO outputs disable, CPH and CT discharge to 0 V, oscillator halts, and ICC drops to ~120 µA. Recovery requires VCC to rise above 11.5 V (VCCUV+) before reinitializing the preheat sequence - preventing unstable restarts during brownouts.