Analog & Power: 1-W Regulator Presents Alternative To Backlighting For Handhelds

Designed to drive a single cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) in small handheld-computer displays, the LTC1697 1-W regulator is a low-cost alternative to backlighting. Operating from an input-voltage range of 2.8 V to 5.5 V dc, the regulator suits single-cell lithium-ion and multicell nickel-metal-hydride/alkaline battery applications. An internal pulse-width-modulation dimming system maximizes both efficiency and dimming range. Accurate lamp currents can be set with a single external resistor. Pricing starts at $1.95 each in lots of 1000. The MSOP-10-packaged device is available from stock.