Linear high-efficiency white LED driver with integrated Schottky in SC70

Date Announced: 08 Aug 2006 Linear Technology has announced the LT3491, a high efficiency, constant current white LED driver packaged in an SC70. The LT3491 features an integrated Schottky diode on-chip, eliminating both the added cost and space required with an external diode. A unique high-side LED current sense topology enables the LED cathode to be connected directly to ground, creating a single wire current source. The LT3491 is designed to drive up to six white LEDs from a single Li-Ion cell at efficiencies over 75%. It switches at 2.3MHz, allowing the use of a tiny inductor and capacitors while keeping switching noise out of critical RF frequency bands. The combination of the LT3491's high efficiency, low noise, and extremely small "total solution" footprint make it ideal for handheld applications requiring up to six white LEDs.The LT3491 acts as a constant current source, delivering the same current to each white LED, regardless of fluctuations in the LED's forward voltage drop which varies with temperature, manufacturing tolerances and age. This ensures uniform LED brightness. The LT3491 utilizes True Color PWM™ Dimming to offer wide dimming ranges of up to 300:1. Internal over-voltage circuitry protects the part when LEDs are disconnected.The LT3491 is available from stock in an 8-lead SC70 package. Pricing starts at $1.25 for 1,000-piece quantities.Summary of Features of the LT3491:* Drives Up to Six White LEDs from a 3V Supply* High Side Sense Allows “One Wire Current Source”* Internal Schottky Diode* One Pin Dimming and Shutdown* 27V Open LED Protection* 2.3MHz Switching Frequency* ±5% Reference Accuracy* VIN Range: 2.5V to 12V* Requires Only 1uF Output Capacitor* Wide 300:1 True Color PWM Dimming Range* 8-Lead SC70 Package

Contact
UK and Ireland: Alastair Boyd, Linear Technology (UK) Limited Tel: +44 (0)1628 477066 E-mail: [email protected] North America and General Information: Doug Dickinson, Linear Technology Corporation Tel: (408) 432 1900 ext. 2233 E-mail: [email protected]

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