Allegro launches new 10 channel LED car driver

Allegro Micro Systems announced the launch of a new programmable multi output LED driver for LCD backlight, dashboard and daytime running lights. The Allegro A8517 incorporates a current mode boost regulator with a built-in power switch and 10 IC programmable current absorbers that provide a 5000:1 contrast ratio of PWM dimming at 200Hz. The operating voltage range of IC is from 4.5 to 36 volts, which can withstand up to 40 Volts in the automotive system.

The I2C interface allows the user to set the LED current alone, up to 60mA per LED channel. Adjacent channels can be grouped together to drive higher current LED strings. PWM dimming duty ratio for each LED single channel control, such as the need to enable / disable each channel can be independently. This flexibility makes A8517 a single solution for a variety of LED applications, and in some cases, replace two or more LED drives with a device IC.

A8517 with output short circuit and over voltage protection, open circuit or short circuit two level protection, open circuit or short circuit LED pin protection, short circuit boost switch or inductor protection and IC over temperature protection. Dual level cycle by cycle current limiting prevents switching over current in the internal switch. If necessary, the IC can be used as an external P-FET for the input isolation switch, which is triggered by an integrated current sensor. A8517KLPTR-T is available in 28 pin eTSSOP package.