Date: 15/01/2009

4-Amp, single-chip driver for supercapacitor-based LED camera flash

ON Semiconductor introduced 4-amp supercapacitor LED flash driver. The new CAT3224 addresses the emerging requirements for high-intensity LED flash capability in mega-pixel camera phones and standalone camera applications.
ON Semiconductor claims that the device is integrated with all the functions necessary to accurately control LED flash charge/discharge, including power switches capable of sourcing up to 4 amps, as well as providing the charging function for dual-cell supercapacitors.

The CAT3224 offers a solution with three fully independent operational modes (charging, flash and torch) activated via a parallel logic interface and the operating current of each mode programmed by three external resistors. The peak current benefits of supercapacitor technology, combined with the parallel logic interface of the CAT3224 also make the device a good choice for industrial applications where LEDs are being used to replace xenon-based lighting.

Features include:

1. Matched output channels, 2 amps each in Flash Mode
2. Matched output channels, 200 mA each in Torch Mode
3. Adjustable charge current limit up to 1000 mA
4. Dual-cell supercapacitor charging
5. Individual Flash/Torch current adjustment
6. Thermal shutdown
7. Over-voltage protection
8. Protection against external resistor programming faults
9. Supports reverse output voltage for all conditions

Packaging: 16-lead TQFN
Size: 3 mm x 3 mm x 0.8 mm
Pricing: $0.97 USD per unit in 10,000 piece quantities.
Availability: Samples and evaluation boards are available now. Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently 6 to 8 weeks ARO.