On introduces Automotive LED drivers and controllers for advanced automotive lighting applications

     ON Semiconductor introduces a new family of four devices that promote the high level of performance and innovative features that automotive manufacturers and consumers now expect from automotive exterior and interior lighting. The new series is specifically aimed at low-power solid-state lighting and includes two LED drivers (NCV7683 and NCV7685) and two current controllers (NCV7691 and NCV7692).

     To improve road safety, automotive manufacturers are moving from simple "on/off" operations to sophisticated systems that combine motion and variable intensity in combined taillights (RCL), turn signals, fog lights and other externally regulated LED clusters to give clearer and higher-visibility warnings to other road users.

     The NCV7685 and NCV7683 integrate 12 and 8 linear programmable current sources, respectively, enabling the ability to drive multi-string leds with up to 100 mA of current per channel. These devices offer a range of configurable options, including Daisy chains, lighting brightness control, current regulation, sequence functions, and channel combinations. The NCV7685 features an 8-bit I2C interface with CRC8 error detection, individual output current adjustment via pulse width modulation (PWM), and is used for advanced diagnostics, including LED string open circuit detection or undervoltage detection, with dedicated diagnostic pins. Depending on the specific design requirements, the NCV7685 can be powered using a DC-DC controller and/or an LDO regulator.

     The NCV7691 provides a stable wide current range for driving one or more strings of leds, requiring only an external NPN bipolar transistor and a feedback resistor. The driver provides design flexibility to add additional single channels to a multi-channel system and supports dimming through its PWM input. NCV7691 includes series open circuit, short circuit and thermal shutdown functions to ensure safe and reliable operation of basic lighting. The derived NCV7692 provides faster response times and a lower threshold for open-circuit load detection.

     Jim Alvernaz, Automotive Products Division, ON Semiconductor, said: "The performance and functional possibilities of LED lighting have been demanded by automotive manufacturers and consumers, and sophisticated lighting drivers and controllers are critical to turning ideas into reality. In addition to important safety benefits, LED-based automotive lighting creates exciting opportunities for automotive engineers to enhance the brand and image."