HB LED Driver Supports Green Lighting

To reduce the size, complexity, and cost of solid-state lighting designs, i.e., MR16 spotlights, and thereby simplifying the implementation of green lighting technology, the MAX16834 current-mode, high-brightness LED (HB LED) driver for boost, buck-boost, SEPIC, and high-side buck topologies integrates a high-side, current-sense amplifier, PWM-dimming MOSFET driver, and comprehensive protection circuitry. In addition to driving an n-channel power MOSFET by the switching controller, the chip drives an n-channel PWM-dimming switch to achieve a 3,000:1 PWM-dimming range. The device also offers analog dimming that allows control of LED current via an external dc voltage. Protection features include analog thermal-fold back protection to allow the use of an external thermistor to reduce LED current when the temperature of the LED string exceeds a specific temperature point, a fault-output flag for over-voltage, over-current, and thermal warning faults, and programmable, true-differential over-voltage protection. Prices start at $1.24 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.