As the core component of LED lighting products, the technical content of the LED  driver is directly related to the quality of light brought by the LED lighting source. With the global lighting industry showing the trend of multi-discipline application expansion in recent years, the industry chain "source" attribute of the LED  driver has become more and more prominent, and a number of strong upstream and midstream lighting companies around the world have been through the technical innovation in this core lighting component to bring a surge of power for the diversified development of the lighting industry.

To this end, Utmel.com brings important scientific and technological references for LED  driver manufacturing enterprises by showing the top ten innovative LED  driver parts in the world in the past three years.

1 Three channel linear LED  driver

Application areas: automotive lighting

AL5873Q

In June 2021, the United States Diodes Incorporated launched a three-channel linear LED  driver AL5873Q, designed to simplify the design of tail light sets and expand its portfolio of devices to support automotive exterior lighting.

The device is automotive-compatible and AEC-Q100 Level 1 compliant to meet the needs of next-generation automotive designs. It saves both energy and space, thereby reducing overall system cost.

The AL5873Q can drive up to 250mA per channel. It is set via two reference resistors connected to the REF1 and REF2 pins of the driver  IC. Two different levels of LED current are supported, allowing for a more streamlined lighting system.

The AL5873Q features analog and master  PWM  dimming control and supports pulse width modulation (PWM) frequencies of up to 1 kHz. The  PWM dimming function is important for improving current accuracy when driving  LED s at low currents. The current on each channel of the device can be accurate to within ±4% tolerance so that the rear combination of lights to achieve better channel-channel matching.

2 Multi-mode intelligent dimming  LED driver

Application areas: Indoor space lighting

NCL31000

In June 2021,  ON Semiconductor introduced two new devices to improve the performance of interconnected lighting systems NCL31000 and NCL31001 LED driver, allowing manufacturers to develop LED luminaires with light-based positioning technology and visible light communication. These solutions add data intelligence and accurate positioning (up to 30 cm) that will revolutionize lighting in many spaces including supermarkets, warehouses, hospitals, and airports.

Designed for luminaire applications, the NCL31000 supports high-bandwidth analog dimming and PWM dimming down to zero current. The driver device contains an integrated 3V3 fixed  DC-DC  converter and a further adjustable  DC-DC (2.5 to 24V) for powering system components such as sensing and microcontrollers and greatly simplifies system design while improving energy efficiency by integrating multiple power schemes into the driver.

More importantly, the NCL31000's precise linear dimming enables visible light communication (VLC) and supports the development of light-based indoor positioning systems for many places where RF-based solutions cannot be used (e.g., hazardous spaces such as mines, or RF-sensitive areas such as hospitals or aircraft).

The NCL31001, as a companion driver to the NCL31000, can provide the same features as the NCL31000 while creating a solution that supports multi-string lighting applications in combination with the NCL31000, opening up more new business opportunities for intelligent lighting systems.

3  Solderability side DFN package LED driver

Application areas: general lighting, automotive lighting, etc.

DFN2020D-6

In June 2020,  NEXPERIA  announced a series of new LED drivers in the space-saving DFN2020D-6 (SOT1118D) package. This is one of the first LED drivers in the global lighting industry to use this beneficial package.

The new DFN2020D-6 LED driver pin size is only 2x2mm, thickness is only 0.65mm and supports NPN and PNP technology. Its output current is up to 250mA (NCR32x type) and the maximum supply voltage is 75V with powerful high thermal power.

For automotive lighting products, the solderability side of the DFN2020D-6 LED driver enables the use of AOI technology while also improving reliability. The solderable sides also exhibit greater shear resistance, and the DFN2020D-6 LED driver is more bendable and less prone to breakage than devices without solderable sides.

4 Embedded UVC LED driver module

Application area: UVC sterilization

In July 2020, ZETTLER Magnetics developed a complete UVC LED embedded solution for home appliance manufacturers. The solution includes the necessary driver/controller circuitry, transformer, and housing to allow the module to be easily embedded in any device.

The module is a UVC 275nm type with 2mW-20mW optical power with embedded MCU, capable of providing multiple I / O and A/D ports and flexible design from driver components to complete module design with the ability to withstand 1.6MPa water pressure.

With this solution, relevant UVC sterilization product developers have the necessary functional requirements along with cost advantages, helping to bring more UVC sterilization solutions to the end of the product application.

5 Compact High Output Linear LED Driver ICs

Application areas: automotive lighting

BD18336NUF-M

In June 2020, Japan's ROHM announced the development of an ultra-compact, high-output, linear LED driver IC  (BD18336NUF-M) that provides stable lighting even when the battery voltage drops on a single chip, making it particularly suitable for various socket-type LED lights in vehicle systems, such as DRLs (daytime running lights), navigation lights, taillights, etc.

The BD18336NUF-M incorporates a current bypass function that prevents LED lights from turning off and always maintains at least 30% brightness by switching the LED  light current path even if the battery voltage drops from 13V to 9V. The  IC is packaged in a very compact package, as small as 3.0 square millimeters, yet can efficiently input 600mA of current. Compared to conventional solutions (including external circuitry), the IC reduces the mounting area by approximately 30% and thus can be mounted on a 10 mm2 substrate for mounting small socket LED lamps.

In addition, the BD18336NUF-M has a built-in function to suppress heat generated by LEDs, providing support for white LEDs that would normally generate heat during operation, and can be used in DRLs and other vehicle lighting systems that use white LEDs.

6 Programmable 12-channel RGB-LED driver

Application areas: Home smart lighting, indication lighting for wearable devices, etc.

LED1202

In April 2019, STMicroelectronics, a merger of Italy's SGS Microelectronics and France's Thomson Semiconductor, released the LED1202, a 12-channel LED driver that prevents scattering in "running lights" LED animation effects in the distraction of the flash phenomenon, so that smart home device, wearable devices, and small appliances, human-computer interaction is more smooth and natural.

The LED1202 stores eight programmable lighting patterns and sequences and operates independently of the host controller, enabling the host system to save power while continuously running complex lighting effects. The device's internal 12-bit PWM dimming enables precise control of programmed sequences, and the host controller can set 8-bit values to enable analog dimming via the driver's I2C interface.

LED1202 Product Detail

The LED1202 has 12 output channels, and a single device can drive up to four RGB LED beads with a maximum output current of 20mA per channel. Up to eight LED1202 drivers can be connected together to control larger LED lighting arrays through an innovative synchronization feature. In addition, the LED1202 low-current channel matching is less than 2% (typical) at 2.5mA, which enhances light color uniformity with excellent matching. Inter-channel phase shift technology minimizes current ripple, and the device also prevents excessive peak current demand.

7 PWX UNV LED driver

Application areas: street lighting, etc.

PWX UNV LED DRIVER

In December 2019, Universal Lighting Technologies, a member of the Panasonic Group in Japan, introduced the 180W PWX UNV LED driver. The device is available with 12Vdc or 24Vdc auxiliary power and is suitable for outdoor lighting applications with on-board sensors or radios, such as streets, roads, and construction sites.

The PWX UNV LED driver operates at 120-277 VAC and provides 0-10V dimming in the dimming-to-off state with low standby power consumption (<0.5W). The driver offers a wide operating range in all three models and provides 180W of full power over the output current range of 640mA to 2000mA. The driver is UL Class P listed and offers advanced programming features, including programmable thermal overload without external NTC.

In addition, the device has only three SKUs and can be programmed wirelessly using the EVERset™ GUI and LDPC000A tuner bar, allowing OEM partners to control output current, dimming level, dimming curve, dimming setpoint, and lumen maintenance.

8 12-bit Integrated PWM RGB LED Driver

Application area: building landscape lighting

LP5036

In December 2018,  Texas Instruments introduced the LP5018, LP5024, LP5030, and LP5036 LED family of drivers that integrate independent color mixing, brightness control, and power-saving modes. The devices support smooth, realistic colors and also help lighting products to reduce power consumption.

All four drivers can provide a dimming frequency that is higher than the human ear hearing range of 29-kHz. Therefore, it helps designers design portable electronic devices, building automation and equipment, such as the use of human-machine interface applications, to eliminate dimming when the ear can usually hear the noise.

In addition, compared to standard pulse-width modulation (PWM) solutions, designers can add more innovative lighting features to their lighting systems with the 12-bit PWM generator integrated into these four drivers, which allows for smoother adjustment of color and brightness levels.

LP5018 Product Detail

9 Headlight troubleshooting LED driver

Application area: automotive lighting

LITIX™ Basic+

In November 2018,  Infineon introduced its new LED driver LITIX™ Basic+, which allows car drivers to avoid frequent trips to the mechanic's store with flexible individual LED short-circuit diagnostics and Active Retry function mode.

TLD2331-3EP Product Detail

The LITIX Basic+ family includes three devices with this feature: the TLD2132-1EP with one input and one output channel (1 in/1 out), the TLD2132-1EP (1 in/3 out), and the TLD2331-3EP (3 in/3 out). This LED driver reports faults to the microcontroller in the event of a fault. Depending on the system's diagnostic request, the driver will either deactivate the affected channel or keep it active.

LITIX Basic+ devices have the option to select the Active Retry option when a channel is disabled. Active Retry briefly reactivates the channel, scans the LEDs cyclically, and can automatically restart if the fault is no longer present. In addition to diagnosing individual LED shorts, LITIX Basic + products can also detect open load faults and short-circuit ground faults.

The LITIX Basic+ LED driver family consists of six devices (single and three-channel versions) supporting LED currents in the range of 5 mA to 360 mA. In addition to devices with individual LED short-circuit detection, the family also offers two devices with integrated PWM timers (pulse width modulation): TLD2141- 3EP (1 in/3 out) and TLD2142-1EP (1 in/1 out) for a cost-effective combination of taillight functions (e.g. brake light and taillight). Thanks to pulse width modulation, it is also possible to achieve precise light intensity. With the TLD1114-1EP (1-in/1-out) device, this integrated power conversion function allows power to be dissipated externally.

10 High-frequency regulator LED driver

Application area: Automotive lighting

ALT80802

In October 2018, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC introduced the ALT80802, the latest member of the 62xx/808xx family of lighting LED driver products, to meet the needs of applications such as fog lights, reverse lights, daytime running lights (DRLs), mirror sidelights and other automotive lighting.

ALT80802 Product Detail

The ALT80802 is a high-frequency switching regulator that provides a constant output current to drive high-power LEDs. This device can improve EMC/EMI design through frequency jitter, soft continuity diode shutdown, and well-controlled switching node conversion rate. Its built-in programmable oscillator allows the ALT80802 to switch frequencies up to 2.5 MHz, thus being outside the EMI-sensitive frequency band (such as AM band).

The ALT80802 integrates a power MOSFET for a buck or inverting buck-boost conversion, and its 50V rated voltage enable pin can be connected to Vin for auto-start to support battery-level PWM dimming common in traditional body controllers, resulting in a very high flexibility.

With current mode control and external compensation, the ALT80802 device achieves fast transient response, short dimming turn-on time, low on-off impulse, accurate PWM duty cycle, and wide dimming range. In addition, the ALT80802 device also has a wide range of protection functions, including pulse-by-pulse current limit, hiccup mode short-circuits protection, open/short continuity diode protection, BOOT open/short protection, VIN under-voltage lockout, and thermal shutdown function.