Highly flexible, small high-power LED driver drives up to 8 HB LEDs for displays and electronics in automotive designs
(Technology News, 05 May 2008 )
Intersil Corporation has released the ISL78100, a High Power Integrated LED Driver designed for display backlighting and body electronics applications. The ISL78100 is designed specifically to withstand harsh automotive environments.
The ISL78100 is very flexible and can be configured to optimally drive from one to eight HB (high brightness) LEDs, while being capable of operating in boost, buck or SEPIC configurations. The ISL78100 also features two methods of controlling LED light level; a DC bias current, or through the use of an external PWM signal for more accurate control of the LED color temperature.
In addition, there are optional integrated protection features that the designer can choose from with the ISL78100. An available fault monitor that disconnects the input supply can be used to protect against load dump conditions.
The ISL78100 also features thermal compensation and a load isolation switch. The device’s temperature compensation drastically improves LED lifespan and an integrated over-temperature control circuit monitors a thermistor voltage and adjusts the LED bias current. This high level of integration allows designers to avoid the use of costly discrete protection solutions.
The ISL78100 is up to 92 percent efficient and thus will extend battery life in applications when the vehicle’s ignition is off.
The device is both AEC-Q100-rated and fully TS16949-compliant, including a higher process CPK. The ISL78100 is rated for the automotive temperature range (-40° C to +105° C) and, with a tiny 4mm x 4mm x 0.9mm QFN package, is the smallest integrated high power LED driver available.
