NXP launches IC systems for vehicle LED headlights

NXP Semiconductors has launched a range of fully integrated, flexible driver IC solutions that are based on automotive-qualified technology and designed for vehicle LED headlights and tail lights.

The ASL1010NTK and ASL1010PHN are said to be the industry's first automotive LED driver ICs to integrate critical functionality such as direct LED temperature feedback, LED fault detection, internal PWM control for dimming and short-circuit protection - all on an automotive-qualified analogue mixed-signal platform in an 8/16-pin package.

NXP will showcase its automotive LED driver IC functionality at Electronica 2010 on 9-12 November in Munich, Germany.

By integrating the core functions critical to automotive LED lights, the ASL1010NTK/ASL1010PHN driver ICs offer a compact all-in-one solution that requires few additional components, enabling more cost-effective and reliable LED module designs.

At the same time, the NXP system solution offers flexibility to cover different car platforms, configurations, output voltages and numbers of LEDs.

The NXP LED driver IC features an auto buck/boost topology, allowing it to safely drive up to 20 LEDs from the standard car battery voltage.

The system allows maximum flexibility on output voltage from 6 to 60V and can be used with any LEDs available on the market.

The core functionality for driving automotive LEDs has been integrated into the IC, making the reference design compact yet flexible enough to be used across different configurations and numbers of LEDs, without requiring a redesign of the PCB.

The integrated design eliminates redundant functionality across platforms, as well as the need for an external microcontroller.

The ASL1010NTK/ASL1010PHN driver ICs are based on the ABCD9 technology node - NXP's automotive technology platform driving analogue mixed-signal integration.

The architecture of the ASL1010NTK is designed to reduce system costs as well as development time for lighting control unit and LED designers.

Additional features: temperature feedback to enable control of the temperature and performance of the LED; fault detection to enable feedback in the event of an LED fault; short-circuit protection of the LEDs; elimination of the LED ripple current without external components; external current selection and PWM programming; internal PWM generation for dimming LEDs, allowing the same LED to be used for daytime running lights and parking lights; under-voltage and over-voltage protection of the LEDs; and small package outline.

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