http://cdn.specpick.com/images/photonics/dioled_wll_min.jpg712370

Leading semiconductor solutions provide, Diodes Incorporated, has introduced an automotive-compliant linear LED controller for Automotive LED lighting, the AL5816Q. With an operating voltage range of 4.5V to 60V, it supplies an output drive current of 15mA to control LED lights through an external BJT, delivering a constant current of a few mA up to 1.5A, or higher LED current if a MOSFET is used. This ability to optimize the external transistor makes the AL5816Q well-suited for many automotive LED lighting applications, such as rear light clusters, interior illumination, instrument panels, and license plate lighting.

The combination of a high-input voltage and high-output drive current, coupled with a versatile high-voltage PWM dimming feature, means automotive manufacturers can realize a significantly lower BOM for a wide range of automotive applications using the AL5816Q. The 5-pin SOT25 package requires very few external components and does not need a separate switching inductor. It features a high-voltage PWM input for LED light dimming.

The feedback pin operates at just 200mV, enabling the AL5816Q to control the LED drive current precisely while minimizing the drop-out voltage and reducing the LED system power dissipation, particularly when compared against traditional linear LED controllers. The high-output drive current allows it to drive a single LED, an LED chain or multiple LED channels, as required by automotive manufacturers. The PWM dimming input accepts a signal operating at up to 50 kHz. The device also features a number of protection features including input under-voltage lock-out and over-temperature shutdown.

The AL5816Q is available in the SOT25 package and priced at $0.18 each in 1000 piece quantities.