LED driver with dimming functionality addresses demands of vehicle lighting applications

NOVOSENSE Microelectronics is demonstrating a new 16/24-channel driver IC for automotive LED applications at PCIM Europe 2024. The compact and highly integrated NSL21916/24 is an automotive-qualified device that provides various driving options for up to 16/24 channels and features flexible dimming and control capabilities.

The device has been developed to fulfil the demand for high-channel-count linear LED drivers resulting from the new and emerging automotive lighting systems being created to meet functional, safety and aesthetic design necessities. Target applications include rear lights, exterior lights and general automotive interior and body lighting.

“LEDs have become fundamental to vehicle lighting systems as OEMs look to create systems that deliver high brightness, advanced functionality and diverse options for customisation and aesthetics,” says Yang WANG, product line marketing director at NOVOSENSE. “The latest sophisticated and dynamic lighting schemes demand high-performance multi-channel LED drivers and the highly integrated NSL21916/24 has been developed to address this demand while offering flexible LED control and minimising the need for additional components.”

Qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (Tj from -40C to 150C), the device supports individual control and high-side currents of up to 100mA for each channel. A 2-bit global and 6-bit individual current setting combined with 12-bit independent PWM dimming and phase shift PWM dimming capabilities provide precise and flexible LED brightness control. Onboard programmable EEPROM enables the same device to be configured for different applications, while a built-in UART/digital interface supports various control and diagnostic functions. The addition of a standard CAN physical layer enables this interface to be utilised for long-distance, off-board communications without any impact on EMC.

The device is supplied in a HTSSOP38 package, has a low dropout voltage of just 600mV Max. (@ 50mA) and provides multiple regulation with LED open-circuit, LED short-to-ground and single LED short-circuit diagnostics. A configurable watchdog timer can be employed to automatically configure failsafe states when connection to the host microcontroller is lost, and a patented thermal sharing mechanism that dissipates heat via a shunt resistor protects against excessive temperature rises.

PCIM Europe, Hall 9, booth 636, from June 11-13, 2024.