Diodes Incorporated, a global provider of high-quality semiconductor products, has introduced the AL8866Q, an automotive-compliant DC-switching LED driver-controller. This advanced device drives external MOSFETs and supports multiple topologies, including buck, boost, buck-boost, and single-ended primary-inductance converter (SEPIC) configurations for high-power LED lighting systems.
Enhanced Versatility and Performance
The AL8866Q operates within a wide input voltage range of 4.7V to 85V, supporting standard 12V, 24V, and 48V battery power rails. This flexibility and multi-mode operation allow designers to standardize on a single component type, simplifying inventory management and design processes. The driver features a fixed-frequency (400kHz) peak current-mode control architecture with spread spectrum frequency modulation to enhance electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance and ensure compliance with the stringent CISPR 25 Class 5 standard.
The device supports analog and PWM dimming of the LED current via its DIM pin and has a 1% reference tolerance, enabling better brightness control and matching between lamps. With an over 100:1 analog dimming range, it achieves ±12% output current accuracy at low (20%) analog dimming levels, making it more precise than similar LED drivers available. Alternatively, PWM dimming (0.1 to 1kHz) achieves a 100:1 dynamic range.
Robust Features for Safety and Reliability
Designed for demanding automotive environments, the AL8866Q includes several built-in safety features:
- Soft-start functionality: Gradual increase of the inductor and switch current to minimize potential overvoltage and overcurrent at the output during startup.
- Open-drain fault output: Detects and reports various fault conditions such as LED output-overvoltage, LED output-open/-short, cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection, sense-resistor, and shorted-inductor/diode detection.
Compact Packaging and Availability
The AL8866Q is available in SO-8EP and U-DFN3030-10 packages, designed to operate across a wide temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. The AL8866QSP-13 (SO8-EP) and AL8866QFN-7 (U-DFN3030-10) are priced at $0.50 and $0.48, respectively, in 1,000-piece quantities. A standard version, the AL8866, is also available and is suitable for both industrial and commercial applications.
These devices ensure reliability even in challenging conditions. Their versatility makes them ideal for modern automotive lighting systems, where performance, safety, and reliability are paramount. Typical applications include daytime running lights (DRL), high/low beams, fog lights, turn signals, and brake/stop lights.
About Diodes Incorporated
The Plano, Texas-based Diodes Incorporated (Nasdaq: DIOD) provides high-quality semiconductor products to customers in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer electronics, and communications sectors. With a broad portfolio of analog and discrete power solutions, advanced packaging technologies, and global operational capabilities, Diodes delivers innovative, application-specific products, to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
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Source/Photo Credit: Diodes Incorporated
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