Infineon - NLM0010/NLM0011 - Dual-mode NFC configuration IC with pulse width modulation (PWM) output

Infineon – NLM0010/NLM0011 – Dual-mode NFC configuration IC with pulse width modulation (PWM) output

The NLM0011 is a dual-mode NFC wireless configuration IC with PWM output. It is compatible with existing analog LED-driver designs and with the NFC-programming specification from the Module-Driver Interface Special Interest Group (MD-SIG). This device is primarily designed for LED applications to enable NFC programming. In addition, advanced features such as the constant lumen output (CLO) as well as the on/off counting are integrated, and there is no need for an additional microcontroller. Since the NLM0011 is designed to work together with mainstream analog driver ICs, there are no firmware development efforts needed. It can be easily adapted into existing designs to replace the “plug-in resistor” current configuration concept. The NLM0010 is a light version without CLO function.

The NLM0011 operates in two operating modes: passive and active mode. In the passive mode, where no VCC voltage supply is applied, PWM parameters can be configured wirelessly via the NFC interface. In active mode, as soon as the VCC voltage supply is applied, a PWM output is generated according to the stored PWM parameters. With an external R/C filter, the PWM signal is converted to the desired DC voltage to control the current output of the LED driver. With an integrated operation-time counter and the LED degradation curve stored in the CLO table, the PWM signal is automatically adjusted to compensate for the LED degradation.

Ease of identification and authentication

The near-field communication (NFC) ensures that only objects at a defined physicalposition are contacted and programmed, significantly reducing the complexity of the identification and authentication process.

Flexibility and compatibility of LED driver and module

NFC programming enables the continuous adjustment of the light output level.Programming to match LED drivers to the modules can be done precisely at any time. Typical example of NFC lighting application

Improved operational efficiency

In a system consisting of an NFC reader and an NFC tag, the tag can operate without an external power supply. The power is supplied by the energy sent by the NFC reader and harvested in the RF field. Thus, an object equipped with an NFC tag can be programmed in a moving assembly line without the need to connect to a power supply, significantly improving operational efficiency.

Efficient product management reducing total ownership cost

The current level can be set automatically in the manufacturing line, saving labor costs. Enhanced supply chain flexibility and reduced logistics costs are also possible as the system can be adjusted just before shipping to distribution centers. Logistics complexity related to the national standards is reduced thanks to destination standard based NFC configuration features.

Key features

Configurable pulse width modulation (PWM) output
NFC contactless interface compliant to ISO/IEC 18000-3 mode 1 (ISO/IEC 15963)
Constant light output (CLO) with 8 configurable points
Integrated operation-time counter (OTC) and on/off counter
Non-volatile memory (NVM) including UID and 20 bytes free memory for user data

Key benefits

Fast and cost effective implementation of NFC programming and CLO without the need of an additional microcontroller
Compatible with most analog LED driver designs using “plug-in resistor” method
table PWM output with fixed 2.8 V amplitude and +/-0.1% duty cycle accuracy
Internal voltage regulator (LDO) to avoid influence of instable external supply voltage
Compatible with the MD-SIG “NFC Programming Specification” 1

Applications