Maxim's highly integrated, high-voltage LED driver is ideal for automotive

Date Announced: 09 Feb 2007 SUNNYVALE, CA -- Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX16823 high-voltage, 3-channel, linear high-brightness LED driver with open-LED detection for automotive exterior and interior lighting applications. This device operates from a 5.5V to 40V input-voltage range, ensuring cold-start and load-dump (up to 45V) compliance. The MAX16823 delivers up to 70mA per channel to one or more strings of high brightness LEDs (HB LEDs), while operation above 70mA is possible with the addition of an inexpensive external bipolar-junction transistor (BJT). It also features an active-high, open-drain LEDGOOD output for open-LED detection. This combination of performance and integration makes the MAX16823 ideal for applications that utilize HB LEDs for rear combination lamps (RCLs), center high-mounted stop lamps (CHMSL), warning lights, and RGB ambient lighting.Because the current for each of the MAX16823's channels is programmable using an external current-sense resistor in series with LEDs, different LED current levels can be set independently for each string when required. An accurate internal reference provides ±5% LED current accuracy over the entire voltage and temperature operating ranges. Three dimming inputs allow for a wide range of independent PWM dimming, as well as on/off output-enable control. Wave-shaping circuitry minimizes EMI during low-frequency PWM dimming while providing fast turn-on and turn-off times.Additionally, a very low-dropout voltage (0.7V, max) in each channel makes the design easier for low-input-voltage values or with a long string of LEDs connected in series. An on-board, 3.4V voltage regulator is capable of supplying up to 4mA to external circuitry. A rugged LED driver, the MAX16823 features output short-circuit and overtemperature protection, as well as undervoltage lockout.The MAX16823 is specified for the automotive temperature range (-40 degrees Celsius to +125 degrees Celsius). It is available in a lead-free, 16-pin, TQFN (MAX16823ATE+) or TSSOP (MAX16823AUE+) package with exposed pad. Prices start at $0.99 for the MAX16823ATE+ and $0.97 for the MAX16823AUE+ (1000-up, FOB USA).

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