High brightness LED driver IC offers 90% efficiency

Micrel Inc. announces the MIC3201, a new Step-Down High Brightness LED (HBLED) driver with high-side current sense. This device is the first in a new series of high brightness LED drivers targeting MR-16 lamps and other general illumination applications. This device reduces the size, complexity, and cost of the driver solutions for various lighting applications. The MIC3201 is currently available in volume quantities, with pricing starting at $1.11 for 1K quantities.

The MIC3201 is capable of driving up to four, 1-A HBLEDs in series at more than 90% efficiency with +/-5% current accuracy from input voltages of 4.5 to 20V. With its hysteretic control architecture and high-side current sense scheme, the MIC3201 is positioned to provide constant current with changes in input voltage and output load. The MIC3201 operating frequency is adjustable up to 1 MHz to allow flexibility in the design.

The MIC3201 features a dedicated PWM dimming pin, an enable pin for very low power shutdown, over temperature protection, and UVLO. The MIC3201 has an internal power switch and requires no external compensation. In addition to enhanced power driving capability/reliability, the MIC3201 comes in an exposed pad SOIC-8L package.

For more information, contact Micrel Inc., 2180 Fortune Drive, San Jose, CA 95131. Phone: (408) 944-0800.