LED driver scales up to big displays

16-channel LED driver is easy to cascade for larger-scale display applications.

A new 16-channel LED driver IC from Allegro MicroSystems Europe incorporates serial data inputs and outputs that allow easy cascading in large-scale display applications.

The A6282 includes an input shift register, data latches and 16 constant-current sink drivers delivering up to 50mA per channel at 12V.

The CMOS shift registers and latches allow direct interfacing with microprocessor-based systems with supply voltages of 3.3 to 5V.

The 50mA per channel current rating makes the A6282 suited to both multiplexed and nonmultiplexed applications, and the 12V maximum LED voltage allows it to drive either one LED or series strings of two or three LEDs on each channel.

The maximum LED drive current can be set by a single external resistor, and the brightness of all the channels can be controlled by applying a pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) signal to the output enable input.

Serial data input rates can reach up to 30MHz, and a serial data output permits cascading of multiple devices in applications requiring more than 16 LEDs such as megapixel text or video displays for signs and control panels.

The device can also be used in smaller applications such as LCD backlighting or controlling LEDs in an instrument or control panel.

The device incorporates thermal shutdown and undervoltage lockout protection and power-on reset.

It operates over a temperature range of -40 to +85C, making it suitable for use in outdoor applications, The A6282 is available in a variety of 24-terminal package types including an HTSSOP with exposed thermal pad, a QFN with exposed thermal pad, measuring 4 x 4mm with 0.5mm pitch, and a 0.3in wide SOIC package.

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