Recently, ON Semiconductor has introduced a new 6W LED driver - the CAT4106. The company says the LED driver with an integrated, high-power DC-DC boost converter and on-chip diagnostics can maximize efficiency in larger, general purpose LCD panel backlighting applications.
As the company's first multi-channel boost device, the CAT4106 is capable of driving as many as 40 white LEDs - or four strings of 10 LEDs with up to 36 volts (V) per string - for a total of 6 W of LED output power. The on-chip diagnostic circuit allows designers to set the minimum and maximum voltage limits for the acceptable range of operation for LED strings through external programming resistors. Any channel which does not regulate within the set range of Open Circuit or Short Circuit LED will be detected and flagged on the FAULT logic output (active-low, open-drain). The device also provides thermal shutdown and overvoltage protection (OVP).
The CAT4106 features low dropout LED channels of 500 millivolts (mV) at 175 milliamps (mA) and a high-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) interface, which supports multiple frequencies up to 2 kilohertz (kHz), providing precise, high-resolution dimming control while the device remains fully biased.
Features Four matched output LED channels Integrated DC-DC boost converter Up to 6-watts LED total output power Low dropout LED channels, 500 mV at 175 mA High-frequency PWM interface, up to 2 kHz On-chip diagnostics with adjustable Short/Open LED detection Packaging:16-lead TQFN, 4 mm x 4 mm16-Lead TSSOP.
The CAT4106 LED driver is available in a space-saving 4 mm x 4 mm 16-lead TQFN package and a 16-lead TSSOP package with an exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation for $1.06 USD per unit in 10,000 unit quantities. Samples and evaluation boards are available now. Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently 6 to 8 weeks ARO.
