LED power supply takes protection onboard: News from Maxim Integrated Products

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The MAX16800 is an adjustable linear current regulator that can provide up to 350mA of current to one or more strings of high-brightness LEDs. A wide operating input-voltage range of 6.5 to 40V both makes the MAX16800 ideal for automotive, commercial, and industrial applications, and helps protect against large transients like those found in load-dump and cold cranking situations. The MAX16800 combines an accurate current-sense reference with differential LED current sensing to provide load accuracy of +/-3.5%.

This current accuracy allows consistent brightness for all light assemblies.

Also, the device's low-dropout pass element (0.5V typical) and low-voltage (204mV) current-sense reference minimise power dissipation in the system.

PWM, pulsed-current dimming at the output is possible by pulsing the enable input (EN) or by pulsing the voltage input.

Wave-shaped circuitry generates soft-edges on pulse loads and reduces EMI during PWM dimming.

A fixed 5V output regulator delivers up to 4mA of load current for low-power applications throughout the 6.5 to 40V input-voltage range.

The onboard 5V regulator can power a microcontroller or other external components.

Two small ceramic capacitors and a small sense resistor keep footprints very compact while minimising cost.

The MAX16800 is rated for operation over the automotive temperature range (-40 to +125C).

It features thermal and output short-circuit protection.

The device is available in a thermally enhanced, surface-mount, 5 x 5mm, 16-pin TQFN package rated at 2.6W power dissipation.

It is also available in a lead-free package.

Prices start at $0.99 (1000-up, FOB USA).

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