Maxim Integrated introduces automotive backlight driver with integrated boost converter

On July 6, Maxim Integrated Product launched the MAX25512, a four-channel, low-voltage automotive LED backlight driver with an integrated boost converter. This is the only integrated solution that can maintain full and constant brightness of the in-vehicle display even under extreme cold start conditions with an input voltage as low as 3V.

(Image source: Maxim Integrated)

This single-chip LED driver eliminates external MOSFETs and current-sense resistors and integrates I²C communications, which reduces bill of materials costs and reduces board space by 30%. Through the I²C interface, diagnostic features such as SHORT to GND on each current sink can alert the microcontroller and individual channel pulse-width modulation (PWM) settings, ensuring safer and higher-quality displays. In addition, the MAX25512 integrates a hybrid dimming function to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improve the dimming ratio.

The driver includes four 120mA channels and has the industry's highest efficiency of up to 91% when running at 2.2MHz. The MAX25512 is available in a small 24-pin, 4mm x 4mm x 0.75mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. The driver's high integration and elimination of external components result in a 30% reduction in size.

Today's automotive start-stop systems improve fuel economy, but also make it difficult for the power delivery system to maintain the same display brightness when restarting. For example, at startup, functions such as display lighting may be affected by cold start conditions, and the engine consumes too much power from the car battery, causing the display to turn off and back on. Maxim Integrated's MAX25512 LED backlight driver operates as low as 3V after startup, eliminating the need to add a pre-boost converter, thereby protecting the display from power interruptions.

“Automakers require LED drivers with higher levels of integration to reduce solution cost and PCB area,” said Szu-Kang Hsien, director of business management for the Automotive Business Unit at Maxim Integrated. “Maxim Integrated’s MAX25512 LED driver offers the highest level of integration and efficiency at a 2.2MHz switching frequency.”