The MAX16838 is a dual-channel LED driver that integrates both the DC-DC switching boost regulator and two 150mA current sinks. A current-mode switching DC-DC controller provides the necessary voltage to both strings of HB LEDs. The MAX16838 accepts a wide 4.75V to 40V input voltage range and directly withstands automotive load-dump events. For a 5V ±10% input voltage, connect VIN to VCC. The wide input range allows powering HB LEDs for small-to-medium-sized LCD displays in automotive and display backlight applications.An internal current-mode switching DC-DC controller supports the boost or SEPIC topologies and operates in an adjustable frequency range between 200kHz and 2MHz. The current-mode control provides fast response and simplifies loop compensation. The MAX16838 also features an adaptive output-voltage adjustment scheme that minimizes the power dissipation in the LED current sink paths. The MAX16838 can be combined with the MAX15054 to achieve a buck-boost LED driver with two integrated current sinks.The channel current is adjustable from 20mA to 150mA using an external resistor. The external resistor sets both channel currents to the same value. The device allows connecting both strings in parallel to achieve a maximum current of 300mA in a single channel. The MAX16838 also features pulsed dimming control with minimum pulse widths as low as 1µs, on both channels through a logic input (DIM).The MAX16838 includes an output overvoltage protection, open LED, shorted LED detection, and overtemperature protection. The device operates over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. The MAX16838 is available in the 20-pin TSSOP and 4mm x 4mm, 20-pin TQFN packages.ApplicationsAutomotive Display BacklightsAutomotive Lighting ApplicationsLCD Display Backlights

The MAX16839 programmable current regulator operates from a 5V to 40V input voltage range and features an open-drain, constant-current-sink output capable of sinking up to 100mA. The MAX16839 is well suited for automotive applications and other applications that require a general-purpose linear LED driver. The device directly withstands automotive load-dump events of up to 45V.An on-board pass element minimizes external component count while providing ±5% output current accuracy. The MAX16839 includes a dimming input that controls the duty cycle of the output current, allowing a wide LED dimming range. In addition, the dimming input functions as an on/off control of the output current. In multiple LED-string applications, the dimming input synchronizes the LED current-sink turn-on, ensuring simultaneous brightness in LED strings.Additional features include thermal and open-LED protection and an open-LED fault-detection output. In multiple LED string applications where all FLTS pins are connected together, an open-LED detection in one LED string turns off all the strings simultaneously. Open-LED protection also features fault memory, to avoid LED flashing during subsequent power-up cycles.The MAX16839 is available in thermally enhanced, 6–pin TDFN-EP and 8-pin SO-EP packages and is specified over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range.ApplicationsAutomotive Exterior: Turn Signal Light, Brake Light, Tail and Marker LightsAutomotive Interior: Cluster and Warning Lights, Dome and Map LightsGeneral Lighting: Signage, LED LampsTruck, Train, Airplane, and Emergency Car LED Lighting

The MAX16813 high-efficiency, high-brightness LED (HB LED) driver provides four integrated LED current-sink channels. An integrated current-mode switching controller drives a DC-DC converter that provides the necessary voltage to multiple strings of HB LEDs. The device accepts a wide 4.75V to 40V input voltage range and withstands direct automotive load-dump events. The wide input range allows powering HB LEDs for small- to medium-sized LCD displays in automotive and general lighting applications.An internal current-mode switching DC-DC controller supports boost or SEPIC topologies and operates in an adjustable frequency range between 200kHz and 2MHz. An integrated spread-spectrum mode helps reduce EMI. Current-mode control with programmable slope compensation provides fast response and simplifies loop compensation. An adaptive output-voltage control scheme minimizes power dissipation in the LED current-sink paths. The device has a separate p-channel drive (PGATE) pin that is used for output undervoltage protection. Whenever the output falls below the threshold, the external p-MOSFET is latched off, disconnecting the input source. Cycling the EN or the input supply is required to restart the converter. The external p-MOSFET is off when the EN pin is below 0.3V (typ). The shutdown current is 1µA (typ) at an input voltage of 12V.The device consists of four identical linear current-sink channels, adjustable from 20mA to 150mA with an accuracy of ±3% using a single external resistor. Multiple channels can be connected in parallel to achieve higher current per LED string. The device also features a unique pulsed dimming control through a logic input (DIM), with minimum pulse width as low as 500ns. Protection features include output overvoltage, open-LED detection and protection, programmable shorted LED detection and protection, output undervoltage protection and detection, and overtemperature protection. The device operates over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. The MAX16813 is available in 20-pin (6.5mm x 4.4mm) TSSOP and 20-pin (4mm x 4mm) TQFN packages.ApplicationsArchitectural, Industrial, and Ambient LightingAutomotive Displays LED BacklightsAutomotive RCL, DRL, Front Position, and Fog LightsLCD TV and Desktop Display LED Backlights

The MAX20050–MAX20053 are high-brightness LED (HBLED) drivers for automotive exterior lighting applications.Consisting of a fully synchronous step-down converterwith integrated MOSFETs, the devices are capable ofdriving a series string of LEDs at up to 2A, with a minimumnumber of external components. The MAX20050/MAX20052 utilize internal loop compensation to minimizecomponent count, while the MAX20051/MAX20053/MAX20053D useexternal compensation for full flexibility.The wide 4.5V to 65V input supply range supports extremeautomotive cold crank and load-dump conditions. A low- andhigh-switching frequency option (400kHz or 2.1MHz)provides the designer with the flexibility to optimize forsolution size or efficiency, while avoiding interferencewithin the AM band. Spread spectrum provides furtheroptions for the designer to reduce EMI at the system level.The MAX20050/MAX20051 have an internal switchingfrequency of 400kHz, while the MAX20052/MAX20053have an internal switching frequency of 2.1MHz. In addition,the MAX20051B has spread spectrum disabled.High-side current regulation means only a singleconnection to the LED string is required; grounding of thestring can be done locally. In addition to PWM dimming,the ICs provide analog dimming using the REFI pin. Fullscalecurrent regulation accuracy is ±2.5%, while theaccuracy is ±8% at 10% of full-scale over the full temperaturerange of -40°C to +125°C. A 5V, 10mA LDO output isavailable for biasing other circuits.Fault-protection mechanisms include output overload,short-circuit, and device overtemperature protection. Thedevices are specified for operation over the full -40°C to+125°C temperature range and are available in thermallyenhanced 12-pin (3mm x 3mm) TDFN and 14-pin (5mm x4.4mm) TSSOP packages with an exposed pad. Design Solution: Driver Monitoring Systems Need a New Breed of IR-LEDDrivers ›ApplicationsClearance Lamps (CLLs)Commercial, Industrial, and Architectural LightingCorner Lamps (CLs)Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs)Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS)Fog LampsHead LampsRear Lamps

The MAX20078 is a high-voltage, synchronous n-channel MOSFET controller for high-current buck LED drivers. The device uses a proprietary average current-mode-control scheme to regulate the inductor current. This control method does not need any control-loop compensation while maintaining nearly constant switching frequency. Inductor current sense is achieved by sensing the current in the bottom synchronous n-channel MOSFET. It does not require any current sense at high voltages. The device operates over a wide 4.5V to 65V input range. The device is designed for high-frequency operation and can operate at switching frequencies as high as 1MHz. The high- and low-side gate drivers have peak source and sink current capability of 2A. The driver block also includes a logic circuit that provides an adaptive nonoverlap time to prevent shoot-through currents during transition. The device includes both analog and PWM dimming. The device includes a 5V VCC regulator capable of delivering 10mA to external circuitry. The device also includes a current monitor that provides an analog voltage proportional to the inductor current. The device has a fault flag that indicates open and shorts across the output. Protection features include inductor current-limit protection, overvoltage protection, and thermal shutdown. The MAX20078 is available in a space-saving (3mm × 3mm), 16-pin TQFN or a 16-pin TSSOP package and is specified to operate over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. Design Solution: Driver Monitoring Systems Need a New Breed of IR-LED Drivers › Design Solution: Achieve Superior Automotive Exterior Lighting with a High-Power Buck LED Controller ›ApplicationsAutomotive Front LightsAutomotive Matrix LightsConstant-Current RegulatorsHead-Up Displays

The MAX20078 is a high-voltage, synchronous n-channel MOSFET controller for high-current buck LED drivers. The device uses a proprietary average current-mode-control scheme to regulate the inductor current. This control method does not need any control-loop compensation while maintaining nearly constant switching frequency. Inductor current sense is achieved by sensing the current in the bottom synchronous n-channel MOSFET. It does not require any current sense at high voltages. The device operates over a wide 4.5V to 65V input range. The device is designed for high-frequency operation and can operate at switching frequencies as high as 1MHz. The high- and low-side gate drivers have peak source and sink current capability of 2A. The driver block also includes a logic circuit that provides an adaptive nonoverlap time to prevent shoot-through currents during transition. The device includes both analog and PWM dimming. The device includes a 5V VCC regulator capable of delivering 10mA to external circuitry. The device also includes a current monitor that provides an analog voltage proportional to the inductor current. The device has a fault flag that indicates open and shorts across the output. Protection features include inductor current-limit protection, overvoltage protection, and thermal shutdown. The MAX20078 is available in a space-saving (3mm × 3mm), 16-pin TQFN or a 16-pin TSSOP package and is specified to operate over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. Design Solution: Driver Monitoring Systems Need a New Breed of IR-LED Drivers › Design Solution: Achieve Superior Automotive Exterior Lighting with a High-Power Buck LED Controller ›ApplicationsAutomotive Front LightsAutomotive Matrix LightsConstant-Current RegulatorsHead-Up Displays

The MAX20096/MAX20097 are dual-channel, high-voltage, synchronous n-channel high-current buck LED drivers. The ICs use a proprietary average current-mode-control scheme to regulate the inductor current. This control method does not require any control-loop compensation, maintaining nearly constant switching frequency. Inductor current sense is achieved by sensing the current in the bottom switching device. The ICs integrate two fully synchronous buck-converter controllers, and operate over a wide 4.5V to 65V input range. The ICs are designed for high-frequency operation and can operate at switching frequencies as high as 1MHz. In the MAX20096, the output voltages and currents on both channels and the junction temperature can be read back through the SPI interface. Protection features include inductor current-limit protection, overvoltage protection, and thermal shutdown. The MAX20096 is available in a space-saving thermally enhanced (5mm × 5mm), 32-pin side-wettable TQFN package and is specified to operate over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range. The MAX20097 is available in a 28-pin thermally enhanced TSSOP package, but does not have the SPI interface. It includes an open-drain fault flag (FLTB) that goes low in case of an open string, shorted string, or overvoltage activation in any one of the channels, or also in thermal shutdown. Design Solution: Improve Matrix Lighting with the Next Generation of LED Controllers and Switches ›Automotive HB LED Controllers for Matrix and Pixel LightingApplicationsAutomotive Exterior LightingCommercial, Industrial, and Architectural LightingDaytime Running Lights (DRLs)Fog Light and Adaptive Front Light AssembliesHigh-Beam/Low-Beam/Signal/Position Lights

The MAX1573 fractional charge pump drives up to four white LEDs with regulated constant current for uniform intensity. By utilizing proprietary adaptive 1x/1.5x modes and ultra-low-dropout current regulators, it maintains the highest possible efficiency over the full 1-cell Li+ battery input voltage range. The 1MHz fixed-frequency switching allows for tiny external components and the regulation scheme is optimized to ensure low EMI and low input ripple.An external resistor sets the full-scale LED current, while two digital inputs control on/off and select amongst three levels of brightness. A pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal can also be used to modulate LED brightness, requiring no additional components.The MAX1573 is available in the tiny chip-scale UCSP™ (4 x 4 grid) and 16-pin thin QFN packages.ApplicationsCell Phones/SmartphonesMP3 PlayersOther Handhelds with Color DisplaysPDAs, Digital Cameras, and Camcorders

The MAX1574 charge pump drives up to three whiteLEDs with regulated constant current for uniform intensity.By utilizing adaptive 1x/2x charge-pump modes andvery-low-dropout current regulators, it achieves 180mAoutput drive capability and high efficiency over the 1-celllithium-battery input voltage range. Fixed-frequency(1MHz) switching allows for tiny external components,and the regulation scheme is optimized to ensure low EMIand low input ripple.The MAX1574 uses an external resistor to set the fullscale100% LED current. An enable input (EN) is used forsimple on/off control or can be pulsed repeatedly to setlower LED current in multiple steps down to 5%. Once thedesired brightness is set, the MAX1574 maintains constantLED current as long as EN is kept high. If EN is keptlow for more than 2ms, the MAX1574 enters shutdown.The MAX1574 is available in a 10-pin 3mm x 3mm TDFNpackage (0.8mm max height).ApplicationsCamera Strobes/Flashes and Movie LightsCell Phones/SmartphonesLCD BacklightsPDAs, Digital Cameras, and Camcorders

The MAX6966/MAX6967 serial-interfaced peripheralsprovide microprocessors with 10 I/O ports rated to 7V.Each port can be individually configured as either: A 20mA constant-current LED driver (static or pulsewidthmodulated (PWM)). A 10mA constant-current LED driver (static or PWM). An open-drain logic output. An overvoltage-protected Schmitt logic input.Analog and switching LED intensity control is built in: Individual 8-bit PWM control per output. Individual 1-bit analog control (half/full) per output. Global 3-bit analog control applies to all LED outputs.PWM timing of the 10 port outputs may be optionallystaggered, consecutively phased in 45° increments.This spreads the PWM load currents over time in eightsteps, helping to even out the power-supply currentand reduce the RMS current.The MAX6966/MAX6967 can be configured to awakefrom shutdown on receipt of a minimum 3ms pulse onthe active-low CS input. This hardware-wakeup feature allows apower-management controller or similar ASIC to enablethe MAX6966/MAX6967 with preconfigured LED intensitysettings.Shutdown can be programmed to wait up to 4s, fadedown the sink currents to zero for a period of 1/16s to4s, and then shut down. A similar ramp-up from shutdowncan be programmed for 1/16s to 4s.The MAX6966/MAX6967 support hot insertion. All portpins remain high impedance in power-down (V+ = 0V)with up to 8V asserted on them.The DOUT/OSC pin can be configured as either theserial interface data output or optional PWM clockinput. The MAX6966 powers up defaulting as DOUToutput. The MAX6967 defaults as OSC input.For a similar part without the constant-current controls,refer to the MAX7317 data sheet.ApplicationsCell PhonesKeypad BacklightsLCD BacklightsLED Status IndicationPortable EquipmentRGB LED Drivers