Infineon Technologies IRS2168DSPBF

Overview

IRS2168DSPBF from Infineon Technologies is a fully integrated 600 V ballast control IC combining critical-conduction-mode PFC, fluorescent lamp preheat/ignition/run control, and half-bridge gate driving in a single SOIC-16 package. It delivers closed-loop ignition current regulation, programmable preheat time (via RPH), run frequency (44.5 kHz typ.), and end-of-life protection with internal 65-event fault counter - deployed in electronic ballasts for T5/T8 linear and compact fluorescent lamps.

For engineers reviewing the IRS2168DSPBF datasheet, IRS2168DSPBF pinout, IRS2168DSPBF application, or IRS2168DSPBF equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated bootstrap MOSFET, 1.6 µs fixed HO/LO deadtime, VCO-based frequency ramping during ignition, and dual-threshold EOL window comparator with OTA output - all critical for reliable lamp strike and long-term lamp life management in universal-input AC ballast designs.

Technical Context

The IRS2168DSPBF implements a state-machine-driven ballast controller with five operational modes (UVLO, PREHEAT, IGNITION, RUN, FAULT) triggered by CPH voltage thresholds and CS fault events. Its PFC section operates in critical conduction mode with 4.0 V VBUS regulation reference and programmable over-current protection via OC pin (1.2 V threshold).

Ignition is governed by VCO ramp discharge (0.6 mA sink current) and closed-loop CS feedback, while RUN mode uses open-drain VCO with 2 V regulation. Protection includes DC bus undervoltage reset (3.0 V), lamp removal detection (SD/EOL > 5.2 V), and latch-immune 65-event CS fault counter - all implemented with analog comparators, OTAs, and digital logic on-die.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

IRS2168DSPBF is housed in a 16-lead SOIC package with standard 1.27 mm pitch and exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin functions are validated per Infineon PD60310 datasheet Rev. A.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IRS2166DSPBF, the IRS2168DSPBF adds robust lamp diagnostics and ignition control at modest BOM cost increase; versus UCC28600DR, it provides purpose-built fluorescent timing architecture that eliminates firmware development and external sequencing logic.

Availability

IRS2168DSPBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for commercial lighting ballasts, industrial fluorescent fixtures, and multi-lamp architectural lighting systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for IRS2168DSPBF 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 leadership in high-voltage gate drivers and energy-efficient lighting solutions.

The IRS2168D product line was designed specifically for high-reliability electronic fluorescent ballasts - integrating PFC, lamp control, and gate driving to replace multi-chip solutions in universal-input, dimmable, and diagnostic-capable lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the function of the CPH pin on the IRS2168DSPBF?

The CPH pin serves as the state-transition timing capacitor node that controls mode progression: charging through RCPH initiates PREHEAT; reaching 9.3 V triggers IGNITION; further charging to 9.3 V again transitions to RUN mode. Its voltage thresholds (VCPHEOP+, VCPHSOI−, VCPHRUN+) are precisely trimmed analog references defining lamp heating, striking, and steady-state phases - no external microcontroller is needed for sequencing.

Can the IRS2168DSPBF drive IGBTs directly, or is it limited to MOSFETs?

The IRS2168DSPBF HO and LO outputs each provide 260 mA sink and 180 mA source current, sufficient to drive standard 15–30 A IGBT gates with typical Qg ≤ 100 nC at 20–50 kHz. Its 600 V rating and 50 V/ns dV/dt immunity make it compatible with both MOSFETs and IGBTs used in half-bridge lamp resonant inverters - no external driver stage is required for most fluorescent ballast power levels.

How does the IRS2168DSPBF implement end-of-life (EOL) detection without external sensors?

EOL detection uses the SD/EOL pin as a window comparator referenced to internal 2.0 V bias. As lamp cathodes degrade, filament resistance increases, raising the voltage across the internal EOL OTA's feedback network. When SD/EOL rises into the 2.85–3.15 V window, the IC latches shutdown - correlating directly to measurable cathode emission loss, not just open-circuit failure.

Is the VCO pin on the IRS2168DSPBF compatible with 0–10 V analog dimming inputs?

Yes - the VCO pin accepts 0–5 V analog voltage inputs to directly modulate the half-bridge oscillator frequency during RUN mode. Applying 0–10 V via a resistive divider (e.g., 2:1 scaling) shifts fRUN from ~35 kHz (dimmed) to 46.5 kHz (full), altering lamp power without disrupting preheat or ignition sequences - enabling seamless integration with standard 0–10 V lighting control systems.