Convertor powers handset backlights and flash

Synchronous buck-boost DC/DC convertor is optimised for driving two banks of white LEDs from a single Li-ion battery.

New from Linear Technology, the LTC3452 is a synchronous buck-boost DC/DC convertor optimised for driving two banks of white LEDs from a single Li-ion battery.

Up to five parallel LEDs can be driven at up to 25mA each for backlighting LCD panels, and two LEDs can be driven at up to 200mA each (or one LED at 400mA) for camera flash applications.

The LTC3452's synchronous buck-boost topology delivers up to 90% efficiency over the entire usable Li-ion range of 2.7 to 4.2V, maximising battery runtime.

The combination of a 4 x 4mm QFN package and a constant 1MHz switching frequency ensures the compact footprint required in most handhelds.

The LTC3452 operates in either synchronous buck, synchronous boost or buck-boost mode, depending on the input voltage and the maximum LED forward voltage drop.

Optimum efficiency is achieved by sensing which LED requires the largest forward voltage drop at its programmed current and regulating the common output rail for the lowest dropout.

Maximum LED current for each display is programmable with a single external resistor.

Dual enable pins allow for PWM brightness control for the TFT display while an independent on/off control is used for the flash output.

Other features include: internal soft start, open/shorted LED protection and overtemperature protection.

The LTC3452EUF is available from stock in a 4 x 4mm DFN package.

Pricing starts at $1.80 each for 1000-piece quantities.

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