STMicroelectronics CAN FD Light multi-pixel driver enables next-generation automotive lighting designs

STMicroelectronics CAN FD Light multi-pixel driver enables next-generation automotive lighting designs

October 14, 2022, China – STMicroelectronics’ L99LDLH32 linear current regulator provides an easy-to-integrate solution for controlling dynamic automotive lighting using the lightweight CAN FD Light protocol. The new driver is perfectly matched to OLED lamps, which can emit bright, uniform, and high-contrast light from a small surface, allowing designers to create complex patterns and light effects to enhance the safety and visual design of the car.

The L99LDLH32 has 32 independently programmable regulated current sources in the range of 1mA to 15mA, which can drive each pixel of the interior and exterior lamps individually, and also provides an overall dimming function with 8-bit resolution. When powered by the vehicle battery voltage, the driver has a maximum output voltage of 35 V, covering a wide range of emitter forward voltages.

The on-chip integrated CAN FD Light protocol processor and transceiver simplifies the connection of the current regulator chip to the vehicle communication infrastructure and the control domain electronic control unit ECU. CAN FD Light's controller/responder synchronous communication is based on mature industry standards and is used to control simple devices such as lamps and sensors, saving expensive external components, such as timing crystals. On the other hand, the 1Mbit/s data bandwidth allows designers to create complex animation patterns and achieve smooth modulation of light and dark transitions and dimming effects.

In addition, the on-chip storage unit allows the current intensity and PWM dimming parameters to be set independently, providing failure protection for the system when a functional failure occurs in the communication bus or controller. The target applications of L99LDLH32 include safety-critical lighting such as taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. It provides the functions required to achieve high functional safety, including fault status pins, voltage monitors, temperature monitors, programmable timeout watchdogs, and short-circuit and open-circuit load detection. In addition, frequency jitter technology can minimize electromagnetic radiation.

The L99LDLH32 uses STMicroelectronics' BCD9sL process and is a monolithic integrated solution that meets the AEC-Q100 automotive standard. Users can order it in the ST eStore online mall. The package adopts 7mm x 7mm QFN48, with wettable sides and exposed thermal pads to assist heat dissipation. For inquiries and sample requests, please contact your local STMicroelectronics sales office.