LED Controller Keeps Automotive Lighting Cool

Texas Instruments’ TPS92830-Q1 is described as the first three-channel high-side linear automotive light-emitting diode (LED) controller without internal MOSFETs, giving designers greater flexibility for their lighting designs. The device’s architecture is said to enable higher power and better thermal dissipation than conventional LED controllers.

 

The TPS92830-Q1 LED controller's on-board features give designers the freedom to select the best MOSFET for their system requirements. Designers can more quickly and efficiently optimize their lighting power designs for automotive system requirements and desired dimming features.

 

Key features and benefits:

  • Flexibility: The on-chip pulse-width modulation (PWM) generator or PWM input enables flexible dimming. Designers can use either the analog control or PWM to manage an output current of more than 150 mA per channel, to power automotive rear combination lamps and daytime running lights.
  • Improved thermal dissipation: By pairing the LED controller with an external MOSFET, the designer can achieve the required high power output while distributing the power across the controller and MOSFET to avoid system overheating. By retaining linear architecture, the TPS92830-Q1 provides improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance.
  • Greater system reliability: Advanced protection and built-in open and short detection features help designers meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system reliability requirements. The output current derating feature protects the external MOSFET under high voltage conditions to ensure system reliability.

 

Tools and Support

 

Support tools include the TPS92830-Q1 3-Channel High-Current Linear LED Controller evaluation module. Engineers can jump-start automotive lighting systems designs using the TPS92830-Q1 with the EMC Compliant Automotive Daytime Running Light and Position Light Reference Design with LED Thermal Protection.

 

Availability, Packaging and Pricing

 

The TPS92830-Q1 is now available through the TI store and authorized distributors. Offered in a thin small outline package (TSOP), it is priced at US$1.96 in 1,000-unit quantities.

 

For greater details and spec, a TPS92830-Q1 datasheet is available for your perusing pleasure.