Allegro introduces the latest series of LED drivers with patented control technology

     Allegro MicroSystems has announced the launch of the latest generation of advanced LED backlight drivers, the A8060x series, which uses an innovative, patented Pre-Emptive Boost (PEB) control that cancels normally audible noise. All of these devices are available in a compact 4x4 QFN-24 tin-able flanking package with an exposed thermal pad (suffix ES), which offers a smaller volume compared to competing products.

     The PEB control technology used in the A8060x series greatly reduces Vout ripple and eliminates the audible noise of the common PWM dimming process from the ceramic output capacitor, while requiring only a small output capacitor. The system uses only 200Hz PWM dimming to achieve 15,000:1 LED brightness contrast. If a combination of PWM and analog dimming is used, a higher contrast ratio of 150,0:1 can be achieved.

     Mark Gaboria, Market Director of Allegro DC/DC Regulators and LED Drivers, said: "The newly released LED driver product family effectively solves the customer's pain point in audible noise and reduces the size of the device. The A8060x series offers an excellent PMW dimming ratio without analog adjustment and eliminates noise from ceramic capacitors, making it ideal for applications such as automotive."

     The ALT80600 and A80603 integrate a switching converter with its MOS tube and four constant current sources. The A80601 and A80602 drive an external boost FET for higher output power. All devices can be configured with boost or SEPIC topologies to meet a wide range of application requirements. Switching converters are specifically designed to reduce electromagnetic interference and include programmable switching frequency, controllable switching slope, and programmable jitter. In addition, the clock output pin allows other switching converters to synchronize with the A8060x switching frequency to improve the overall system's anti-electromagnetic interference performance.

     The A8060x family of devices is suitable for various types of automotive backlight applications, including audio/video systems, dashboards and head-up displays (HUD). These devices are powered by a single supply with a wide input voltage range of 4.5V to 40V. Once started, the device can continue to operate at voltages as low as 3.9V, making it able to withstand stop/start, cold start, dual battery and load drops in automotive systems.

     The A8060x series provides a large number of safety and protection features required for automotive applications, and therefore offers very high reliability. The ALT80600 and A80603 drive four LED strings with up to 120mA of current each, resulting in a total current of up to 480mA. The A80601 and A80602 provide a total current of up to 840mA and can drive 4 or 6 LED strings, respectively.