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Ultracompact LCD backlight invertersA svelte beast cuts high voltage down to size

Jim Williams1, Jim Phillips2 and Gary Vaughn2

1Linear Technology Corporation

2CTS Wireless Components

Introduction

The liquid crystal display (LCD) has become ubiquitous. It is in use everywhere, from personal computers of all sizes to point-of-sale terminals as well as instruments, autos and medical apparatus. The LCD utilizes a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) as a light source to back light the display. The CCFL requires a high voltage AC supply for operation. Typically, over 1000 volts RMS is required to initiate lamp operation, with sustaining voltages ranging from 200VAC to 800VAC. To date, the high voltage section of backlight “inverters” has been designed ...

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