Micrel Introduces Step-Down HBLED Driver IC

Manufacturer of IC solutions, Micrel has introduced a new Step-Down High Brightness LED (HBLED) driver called the MIC3202 with high-side current sense scheme. The HBLED driver is suitable for MR-16 lamps and general lighting applications. It reduces the cost, complexity and size associated with driver IC devices for various illumination applications.

The MIC3202 can drive a maximum of eight 1A HBLEDs in series with a current accuracy of +/-5% from input voltages of 6 to 37 V. It is capable of driving at more than 90% efficiency. The HBLED driver offers constant current with variations in output load and input voltage using its high-side current sense functionality and hysteretic control architecture. The operating frequency of the HBLED driver can be adjusted up to 1 MHz to enable flexibility in the system design.

The Micrel HBLED driver features UVLO, over temperature protection and an enable pin for low power shutdown. In addition, the MIC3202 has a PWM dimming pin that allows ultra-wide contrast ratios. The device does not need any external compensation and includes an internal power switch. The MIC3202 driver is available in an uncovered pad SOIC-8L package.