ON Semiconductor offers a new family of four devices that enhance the high performance and innovative features that automotive manufacturers and consumers now demand for automotive exterior and interior lighting. The new series is specifically targeted at low-power solid-state lighting, including two LED drivers and two current controllers.
To improve road safety, vehicle manufacturers are moving from simple "on / off" operations to advanced systems that include rear combination lights, fog lights, turn signals and other externally modulated LED clusters for motion and variable intensity. Give clearer and more visible warnings to other road users.
The NCV7685 and NCV7683 integrate 12 and 8 linearly programmable current sources respectively, allowing multiple strings of LEDs to be driven at up to 100mA per channel. These devices offer a range of configurable options, including daisy chaining, current regulation, lighting level control, sequencing functions, and channel combinations. The NCV7685 integrates an 8-bit I2C interface with CRC8 error detection for individual output current adjustment through PWM, and for advanced diagnostics-including detection of open LED string or undervoltage conditions-and a dedicated diagnostic pin. Depending on specific design requirements, the NCV7685 can be powered by a DC-DC controller and / or an LDO regulator.
The NCV7691 provides a stable wide current range to drive LEDs with one or more strings, requiring only an external NPN bipolar transistor and a feedback resistor. The driver has design flexibility to add other single channels to a multi-channel system and maintain dimming with its PWM input. The NCV7691 includes open string, short and thermal shutdown functions to provide safe and reliable operation for basic lighting. The derived NCV7692 allows faster response times and lower open load detection thresholds.
Jim Alvinaz of ON Semiconductor's Automotive Products Group said: "Because LED lighting now has performance and features and is being demanded by car manufacturers and consumers, advanced lighting drivers and controllers are helping to change ideas. It's critical for reality. "In addition to gaining important safety, LED-based automotive lighting creates exciting opportunities for vehicle engineers to enhance their brand and image. "
