Cypress Semiconductor has introduced support for a new protocol in its EZ-Color design solution for high-brightness (HB) LED lighting systems. The EZ-Color solution includes drivers for the DMX512 protocol, enabling designers to create an entire lighting network quickly and easily with no coding required. The EZ-Color family of HB LED controllers combines with PSoC Express, the visual embedded design tool to deliver a design solution for applications such as architectural lighting, general signage and entertainment lighting. The solution enables designers to simply select an HB LED part number, choose either temperature or optical feedback, and choose a colour, including white. Preconfigured drivers for the DMX512 protocol allow designers to control complex lighting networks of controllers and dimmers in stage shows and industrial buildings. The EZ-Color solution makes it easy to employ the DMX512 protocol by simply setting three variables within PSoC Express.
With PSoC Express, designers simply select a colour from a gamut presented on-screen. Pre-loaded manufacturers' bin specifications and choice of either temperature or optical feedback algorithms are automatically applied to the selected design and programmed into the EZ-Color Controller. This can save anywhere from weeks to months of design time for a complex design. EZ-Color HB LED controllers can support up to 16 LED channels. The EZ-Color HB LED controllers are also powered by Cypress PrISMTM (Precise Illumination Signal Modulation) technology. The PrISM modulation technology reduces low-frequency flicker and radiated electro-magnetic interference (EMI)-common problems with HB LED designs. Designers also have the flexibility to add additional functionality to the EZ-Color controllers, including battery charging, motor control and other features. The EZ-Color family is supported by the CY3261A-RGB evaluation kit. Included with the evaluation kit is an interactive graphical interface enabling quick colour mixing via a CIE diagram or by directly controlling each HB LED.
