everything PE recently interviewed Venkatesh Shan, Vice President of Marketing, at Lumissil Microsystems. Lumissil Microsystems specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products.
Q. Can you tell us about Lumissil Microsystems? When was the company formed and how has it evolved over the years?
Venkatesh Shan: In 2010, ISSI, a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance memory semiconductors, acquired Si En Integration Holdings Ltd. This acquisition was initially operated as the Analog division of ISSI, focusing on the design, development, and marketing of high-performance analog integrated circuits targeting consumer and Industrial markets. The Analog division specializes in the design of LED drivers and audio amplifiers.
In 2015, ISSI acquired MCUs, Interface & Networking IP from Myson, further enhancing its capabilities. The company continued to grow, acquiring the Power Line Communications Division of Sigma Designs in 2017 and launching new products in 2020. Over the years, the company expanded its product portfolio to include touch sensors, microcontrollers, MPUs, power management, and connectivity technologies expanding into the Automotive, Industrial, Consumer, and IoT markets. This became the Analog & Mixed Signal (AMS) division which was subsequently named Lumissil Microsystems and was still operating as a division of ISSI.
Starting in 2024, Lumissil Microsystems began operating as an independent company. Today, it continues to innovate and develop Analog & Mixed Signal IC products such as LED Drivers, Application Specific Microcontrollers, Power Management ICs, MPUs, and Connectivity. The company with dedicated engineering, operations, marketing, and sales teams has its regional headquarters in Milpitas, CA with approximately 300 employees and offices worldwide.
Q. Can you tell us more about your product portfolio?
Venkatesh Shan: Lumissil Microsystems develops and markets a wide range of products, including analog & mixed signal ICs, application-specific microcontrollers, MCUs, MPUs, and connectivity products. Specifically, Lumissil focuses on:
- Automobile lighting (interior/exterior HBLED drivers)
- FxLED RGB drivers, consisting of multi-channel and matrix LED Drivers
- MCU-based touch key sensors for touch, proximity and gesture sensing
- Embedded controllers and processors utilizing 8051, RISC, and ARM CPU cores.
- Audio and power management, including class AB and class D amplifiers, and DC/DC Buck, Boost & Buck/Boost regulators and
- LIN/CAN Auto networking ICs
Q. Which market segments do you cater to? Which segment is the largest for you?
Venkatesh Shan: Lumissil Microsystems caters to several market segments, including automotive, consumer, industrial, and communications. Each of these segments benefits from Lumissil's wide-ranging product portfolio, which includes analog & mixed-signal ICs, application-specific microcontrollers, MPUs, and connectivity products.
In the automotive segment, Lumissil Microsystems provides a broad range of solutions for interior and exterior lighting, HBLED drivers consisting of Linear and Switching LED Drivers, FxLED RGB drivers with multi-channel and matrix LED drivers for driving RGB LEDs. The company also offers LIN/CAN connectivity solutions. This segment is one of the largest for Lumissil, given the extensive use of LED drivers and touch sensors in modern vehicles.
Lumissil’s Touch Sense Controllers Enable Automotive Door Handles
In the industrial sector, Lumissil's products are designed to be robust and operate in extreme long-term conditions without failure. The company offers LED Drivers, capacitive touch sensors, DC/DC regulators, and application-specific sensor and control solutions based on its MCU portfolio. Besides, we also offer LIN & CAN Physical layer IC’s that enable communication between various components in Auto systems.
Lumissil’s Touch Sense Controller Drives Industrial Control Panels
Overall, the automotive segment is the largest for Lumissil Microsystems driven by the increasing demand for advanced lighting and connectivity solutions in vehicles.
Q. What is a FxLEDriver? How does FxLED topology compare to other LED driver topologies?
Venkatesh Shan: FxLED Driver, is a high-performance RGB LED driver designed to control multiple LEDs with advanced features such as pre-programmed animation, color-effect lighting functions, and constant current regulation. These drivers are particularly useful in applications requiring precise control over LED lighting, such as automotive interior and exterior lighting, digital gaming, and IoT devices.
FXLED Drivers come in two major configurations: Matrix & Multichannel FxLED Drivers
Matrix FXLED drivers are designed to control large arrays of LEDs efficiently. They support a wide range of LED configurations and provide advanced features such as low power consumption, low EMI, and high reliability. These drivers are ideal for applications that require precise control of individual or multiple LEDs, such as gaming accessories, AI cameras, smart speakers, and wearables.
Multichannel FXLED drivers, on the other hand, are designed to control multiple LED channels independently with higher power. They offer high flexibility and can support various LED configurations, making them suitable for applications like automotive lighting, smart appliances, and IoT devices. These drivers integrate advanced features such as spread spectrum for EMI suppression, Fault detection, and protection for I2C or SPI interface for communication.
Both matrix and multichannel FXLED drivers are part of Lumissil's broad portfolio of LED drivers, which cater to a wide range of applications, including gaming, AI-enabled devices, and industrial equipment.
FxLED drivers offer several advantages over conventional LED drivers. They provide constant current, which helps avoid violating the maximum current specified for the LEDs and prevents burnout or thermal runaway. FxLED drivers also provide better EMI noise reduction and support for multiple communication protocols like I2C and SPI. This makes it easier for designers to control applications and create lights with more consistent brightness. Additionally, FxLED drivers feature pre-programmed lighting sequences, and high-resolution PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for precise dimming and color control.
Overall, FxLED drivers offer a versatile and high-performance solution for LED lighting applications, providing advantages in terms of control, efficiency, and flexibility compared to other LED driver topologies.
Q. Can you tell us about the LED drivers you offer for automotive and industrial applications? What makes Lumissil's LED drivers stand out in the market?
Venkatesh Shan: Lumissil Microsystems offers a wide range of LED drivers tailored for both automotive and industrial applications. These drivers are designed to meet the stringent requirements of these sectors, providing high performance, reliability, and advanced features.
Automotive Applications: Lumissil's LED drivers for automotive applications include solutions for both interior and exterior lighting. These drivers are used in applications such as ambient lighting, head and taillights, display backlighting, and matrix headlights. They are designed to comply with automotive standards like AEC-Q100, LIN 2.2A, SAE J2602, and ISO26262 (ASIL-B), ensuring high reliability and safety. The company's automotive-grade LED drivers provide precise control over lighting functions, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of vehicle lighting.
Headlights: The IS32LT3959A is a wide voltage range asynchronous, multi-topology PWM controller that provides excellent constant high current regulation to LEDs with a cathode ground reference. It supports both analog and digital dimming, making it suitable for applications like headlights, daytime running lamps (DRL), and fog lamps.
Taillights: The IS32LT3146/47 are high-performance LED drivers designed for automotive taillight applications. These drivers offer features such as high-resolution PWM control, constant current regulation, and advanced fault detection, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
Ambient Lighting: The IS32LT3183A and IS32LT3202 are advanced LED drivers with LIN/CAN interfaces designed for automotive ambient lighting applications. They provide precise control over the brightness and color of each LED, enhancing the interior lighting experience with features like dynamic lighting effects and smooth dimming transitions.
Industrial Applications: For industrial applications, Lumissil offers LED drivers that are robust, reliable, and capable of operating in harsh environments. These drivers are used in various industrial settings, including smart home and industry, healthcare, and appliance markets. Lumissil's industrial LED drivers are designed to support long operating life and minimize downtime, making them ideal for critical applications.
Key Features and Advantages
High Performance: Lumissil's LED drivers offer high-resolution PWM control, constant current regulation, and advanced features like pre-programmed lighting sequences and color-effect lighting functions.
Reliability: Designed to meet stringent automotive and industrial standards, Lumissil's LED drivers ensure high reliability and safety in demanding applications.
Versatility: The drivers support a wide range of applications, from automotive interior and exterior lighting to industrial process control and smart industry applications.
Innovation: Lumissil continues to innovate with products like the IS31CS9310, an advanced integrated 8 x 16 LED matrix driver and 16 capacitive touch key controller, enabling HMI in industrial and automotive applications.
Overall, Lumissil Microsystems' LED drivers stand out in the market due to their high performance, reliability, versatility, and continuous innovation, making them a preferred choice for automotive and industrial applications.
Q. What is the difference between the FxLED driver and the HBLED driver offered by Lumissil?
Venkatesh Shan: FxLED Driver: FxLED drivers are designed for applications that require advanced lighting effects and precise control over multiple LEDs. These drivers offer features such as pre-programmed animation, color-effect lighting functions, and constant current regulation. They are particularly useful in applications requiring dynamic and interactive lighting, such as automotive interior and exterior lighting, digital gaming, and IoT devices. FxLED drivers provide high-resolution PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control for smooth dimming and color transitions, and they support multiple communication protocols like I2C and SPI.
HBLED Driver: HBLED drivers, on the other hand, are designed for high-brightness LED applications. These drivers are optimized for delivering high current to LEDs, making them suitable for applications such as automotive headlights, taillights, and industrial lighting. HBLED drivers offer features like high-efficiency power conversion, robust thermal management, and advanced fault detection to ensure reliable operation in demanding environments. They are designed to handle the high-power requirements of high-brightness LEDs and provide consistent performance over a wide range of operating conditions.
In summary, FxLED drivers are ideal for applications that require advanced lighting effects and precise control, while HBLED drivers are optimized for high-brightness LED applications that demand high current and robust performance.
Q. What are the main applications of Lumissil's touch and gesture control ICs? Can they be integrated with other automotive systems
Venkatesh Shan: Lumissil Microsystems' touch and gesture control ICs can be utilized in a variety of industrial, consumer, and automotive applications. These ICs offer advanced features such as capacitive touch, proximity sensing, and gesture recognition, making them versatile for different use cases.
Automotive Applications:
Door Locks: Touch sensors control unlock/lock functions, providing a seamless and secure way to access the vehicle.
Console Buttons: Touch sensors control front and rear console control buttons, enhancing the user interface and reducing mechanical wear.
Roof Panels: Touch sensors are used to open/close sunroofs, offering a modern and intuitive control method.
Touch-Activated Interior Map & Dome Lights: Touch sensors provide easy and convenient control over interior lighting, enhancing the user experience.
Rain/Light Sensors: Simple sensors detect rain or ambient light levels, automating responses such as activating wipers or adjusting lighting.
Small Motors Control: Touch sensors operate small motors for applications like window motors, car seat motors, headlamp levelers, providing precise control.
Industrial/Consumer Applications:
Touchless Home Appliances: Proximity sensors control on/off functions, enabling touchless operation for enhanced hygiene and convenience.
HMI Control Panels: Touch sensors are used for programming timers, setting temperatures, or controlling a device's on/off functions, improving user interaction with industrial equipment.
Liquid Level Monitoring: Sensors automate liquid level monitoring, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements for various applications.
Lumissil's touch and gesture control ICs can indeed be integrated with other automotive systems. They are designed to comply with automotive standards and can be seamlessly incorporated into existing vehicle architectures, enhancing functionality and user experience.
Q. What are the advantages of integrating a voltage regulator with a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) and CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver in a single package?
Venkatesh Shan: The LDO (Low Dropout Regulator) output in a combo with LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or CAN (Controller Area Network) transceivers is typically used to provide a stable and regulated power supply to various components within the system. This integration ensures that the transceiver and other connected devices operate reliably and efficiently, even in the presence of voltage fluctuations or noise in the power supply.
In such systems, the LDO output can be used for several purposes:
Powering the Transceiver: The primary use of the LDO output is to supply a stable voltage to the LIN or CAN transceiver, ensuring consistent communication performance.
Powering Microcontrollers and Sensors: The LDO output can also be used to power microcontrollers, sensors, and other peripherals that are part of the communication network.
Noise Filtering: The LDO helps filter out noise from the power supply, improving the overall signal integrity and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the system.
Providing a Reference Voltage: The LDO output can serve as a reference voltage for other components in the system, ensuring accurate and stable operation.
Overall, integrating an LDO with LIN or CAN transceivers in a single package provides a compact, reliable, and efficient solution for automotive and industrial applications, simplifying design and improving performance.
Q. What are the key challenges that Lumissil Microsystems faces as a fabless company?
Venkatesh Shan: As a fabless semiconductor company, Lumissil Microsystems faces several key challenges that are common in the industry:
Supply Chain Dependency: Lumissil Microsystems collaborates closely with multiple foundries to diversify its supply chain and mitigate risks.
Maintaining Control Over Manufacturing: The company implements stringent quality control measures and maintains strong relationships with its manufacturing partners to ensure high production standards.
Design Complexity: Lumissil invests heavily in research and development to stay ahead of technological trends and ensure competitive designs.
Talent Shortage: The company offers attractive compensation packages and professional development opportunities to attract and retain top talent.
Economic and Market Fluctuations: Lumissil employs strategic planning and maintains flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.
Overall, while the fabless model offers advantages such as reduced capital expenditure and access to advanced manufacturing technologies, it also comes with its set of challenges that Lumissil Microsystems must continuously address to remain competitive in the market.
Q. How does Lumissil's global presence impact its operations? What are the key goals the company has set for 2025?
Venkatesh Shan: Lumissil Microsystems' global presence significantly impacts its operations by enhancing its ability to support customers worldwide and ensuring efficient logistics and supply chain management. The company has a comprehensive network of offices and support centers across the globe, including locations in the USA, Europe, Israel, Taiwan, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, and Korea. This extensive presence allows Lumissil to provide localized support, which is crucial for addressing customer needs promptly and effectively.
The global presence also enables Lumissil to leverage regional expertise and resources, ensuring high-quality manufacturing and reliable supply chains. The company maintains strong ties with local distributors and has regional logistics hubs to facilitate efficient product distribution. Additionally, Lumissil's engineering teams are strategically located in the USA, Taiwan, Israel, and China, allowing for collaborative innovation and rapid response to market demands.
For 2025, Lumissil Microsystems has set several key goals to drive its growth and innovation. These goals include:
Expanding Product Portfolio: Lumissil aims to continue expanding its product offerings in analog & mixed-signal ICs, application-specific microcontrollers, MPUs, and connectivity solutions.
Enhancing Automotive and Industrial Solutions: The company plans to strengthen its position in the automotive and industrial markets by developing advanced LED drivers, touch sensors, and connectivity solutions.
Investing in Research and Development: Lumissil is committed to investing in R&D to stay ahead of technological trends and deliver innovative solutions to its customers.
Improving Customer Support: The company aims to enhance its customer support capabilities by expanding its global support network and providing localized assistance.
Sustainability and Efficiency: Lumissil is focused on developing energy-efficient products and implementing sustainable practices across its operations.
These goals reflect Lumissil's commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth as it continues to expand its global footprint and enhance its product offerings.
About Venkatesh Shan
Venkatesh Shan, Vice President of WW Marketing, has been an integral part of Lumissil Microsystems since 2012, where he has significantly influenced the company’s trajectory. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in transforming Lumissil from a supplier of analog semiconductors focused on consumer and industrial products to strategically directing its focus towards automotive lighting about ten years ago. This shift has positioned Lumissil as one of the major suppliers in this category. Under Ven's guidance, the company has not only achieved success in automotive lighting but has also expanded into application-specific products targeting safety and comfort applications in Automotive. Additionally, the expanded analog and mixed-signal portfolio has increased penetration at major OEMs in consumer IoT and industrial applications.
