Development platforms support DALI, DMX512 application worlds
In addition to the LPC1100XL microcontroller, the DMX512 system includes a master controller board with the LPC11U00, a flexible USB microcontroller, also based on the Cortex-M0. NXP will showcase a single system using DALI and DMX at LIGHTFAIR International next week in Las Vegas (booth 3335).
Both the DALI and DMX512 systems can be connected to any of NXP’s lamp drivers using the PWM outputs of the Cortex-M0 processor. NXP will also offer an optional evaluation system to simplify RGB LED power stage design.
The offering is intended to help lighting designers to upgrade existing control applications from 8-bit microcontrollers without increasing costs. In this context, the low-power options of the LPC1100 make the new platform an interesting solution for DALI lighting systems where energy is a critical factor.
The first DALI and DMX512 evaluation systems available from NXP feature an LPC1114 microcontroller based on the Cortex-M0. The popular LPC1100XL series microcontroller offers a unique combination of features making it ideally suited for intelligent lighting projects using DALI, the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, or DMX512.
- Performance. With performance up to 45 DMIPS, the 50-MHz LPC1100XL series offers the resources required for a single MCU to code and decode DALI and DMX messages and generate PWM signals, with enough bandwidth available for the end application.
- Low Power Consumption. With the introduction of the new extra-low-power LPC1100XL series, NXP provides the industry’s lowest 32-bit active power consumption at 110 uA/MHz, and standby power consumption below 2 uA.
Storage of Scene Settings. Storing scene settings and other programs in non-volatile memory is straightforward, using EEPROM emulation in flash or by using integrated EEPROM, now available in the LPC11E00 series.
PWM Signals for Color and Dimming. Offering up to four 16-bit and 32-bit timers, the LPC1100XL series can generate up to 11 PWM signals to control and dim the ballast.
- Reduced Development Time. Embedded lighting applications can be programmed in C, significantly reducing development complexity. A basic DALI driver is available from NXP. For DMX lighting networks, development time is further reduced through the NXP solution, which already implements basic functions and Remote Device Management (RDM) in a fully DMX512-compliant software stack.
- Reduced Bill of Materials. By offering many built-in peripherals to interface with lighting drivers and network interfaces in a tiny footprint, the LPC1100XL offers significant cost savings in the total BoM.
The DMX512 evaluation system will include a master unit featuring the LPC11U14 microcontroller. Based on the ARM Cortex-M0, the LPC11U00 series delivers robust USB performance at a compelling price point; a highly flexible USB architecture with up to 10 configurable physical endpoints; and extensive power controls. Another option available from NXP is the LPC1300 series – the lowest power Cortex-M3 microcontroller available on the market market and pin-to-pin compatible with the LPC11U00 – which includes USB Mass Storage and HID Class drivers stored in ROM.
As an additional option, NXP offers a small form factor, highly efficient RGB LED power stage with a low component count. The power stage meets the EMC requirements of commercial lighting applications and offers significant energy savings for both DALI and DMX wired lighting control systems. Key features include:
- High-efficiency LED dimming. LED dimming is implemented using the PWM input of the NXP UBA3070 DC-to-DC LED driver, which offers up to 98-percent efficiency.
- Mains isolation, high efficiency at all power levels, and simplified design. The SSL4101 provides mains isolation for both the RGB LED power stage and the DALI/DMX wires. In addition, it offers low component count and high efficiency through integrated PFC and flyback control functionality.
- Ultra-low standby power consumption. The GreenChip TEA1721 buck converter supplies the Cortex-M0 processor with high efficiency and offers significant power savings in standby, with no-load power consumption levels below 10 mW.
The DALI evaluation systems are available immediately from NXP and distributors. The DMX512 evaluation systems will be available later this month. For further information, visit https://www.nxp.com/applications/lighting/wired-lighting-networks/
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