Date: 21/12/2009

100mA HB LED driver IC for automotive apps

Maxim has introduced the MAX16839, a new high-input-voltage linear HB (high-brightness) LED driver IC capable of delivering up to 100mA and minimizes the external component count by integrating a pass element and fault detection. The MAX16839 IC allows interoperability of multiple drivers in multistring applications and provides a cost-effective solution for automotive tail-light, side-lamp, and turn-signal applications.

The MAX16839 LED driver is able to maintain a constant LED current even when the battery voltage changes, due to its onboard pass transistor and wide input-voltage range.

The key features of the MAX16839 LED driver IC are,

Input operating voltage ranges from 5V to 40V
Integrated 2 Ohm open-drain pass transistor
15mA to 100mA of programmable LED current
PWM dimming
Open-LED fault detection
Open-LED fault event status memory
LED open-fault detect latches off multiple LED strings
Multichip synchronized LED current sink
±5% of LED current accuracy
Thermal protection and undervoltage lockout

The suggested applications for the MAX16839 LED driver IC include truck, train, airplane, and emergency car LED lighting, and general lighting such as signage, LED lamps.

Operating temperature range: -40°C to +125°C

Package: 8-pin SO and 6-pin TDFN package
Price: Starts at $0.73 for 1k pieces

For more details visit www.maxim-ic.com