A Direct AC Driver with Reduced Flicker for Multiple String LEDs

This paper proposes a method to reduce flicker when running an AC-power direct-drive type multiple string LED driver IC. The proposed method greatly decreases flicker using one capacitor and P-type MOSFET transistor (PMOS). The flicker index (FI) was reduced by over 40% through experiments, and less than half of the conventional external components are used in the passive valley fill circuit, which gives an advantage in the cost and utilization in the design of LED lighting modules. The 0.35 um 700 V BCD process was used to manufacture this LED driver.