Japan Renesas Electronics Corporation launched new control IC (μPD168891) for automotive LED headlights.

Below are the main specifications:
(1) an integrated current-control function for constant-current drive of LEDs and a pre-driver function for driving external metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs);

(2) integrated protection functions essential for automotive applications, including LED current and external MOSFET overcurrent protection;

(3) a newly developed compact package with low thermal resistance. The new device can be combined with other devices, such as MOSFETs, Schottky diodes, and choke coils to build electronic-control units for LED headlights in automobiles.

The μPD168891 device is designed to satisfy the requirements of automotive headlight applications by integrating functions required for LED constant-current drive.