EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE

MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED

Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

General Description Benefits and Features

The MAX16814 high-efficiency, high-brightness LED (HB ●● Cost-Effective 4-Channel Linear LED Current Sinks
LED) driver provides up to four integrated LED current- for Wide Range of LED Lighting Applications
sink channels. An integrated current-mode switching • Drives One to Four LED Strings
DC-DC controller drives a DC-DC converter that provides • 4.75V to 40V Input Voltage Range
the necessary voltage to multiple strings of HB LEDs. • Full-Scale LED Current Adjustable from 20mA
The MAX16814 accepts a wide 4.75V to 40V input volt- to 150mA
age range and withstands direct automotive load-dump • 5000:1 PWM Dimming at 200Hz
events. The wide input range allows powering HB LEDs • Less than 40µA Shutdown Current
for small to medium-sized LCD displays in automotive ●● Minimal Component Count Saves Cost and Space
and general lighting applications. • Internal MOSFET for Each Channel
An internal current-mode switching DC-DC control- • Internal Current-Mode Switching DC-DC Controller
ler supports the boost, coupled-inductor boost-buck, Supporting Boost, Coupled-Inductor Boost-Buck, or
or SEPIC topologies and operates in an adjustable SEPIC Topologies
frequency range between 200kHz and 2MHz. It can • 200kHz to 2MHz Programmable Switching
also be used for single-inductor boost-buck topology in Frequency for Optimizing Size vs. Efficiency
conjunction with the MAX15054 and an additional • External Switching-Frequency Synchronization
MOSFET. The current-mode control with programma- ●● Protection Features and Wide Operating
ble slope compensation provides fast response and Temperature Range improves Reliability
simplifies loop compensation. The MAX16814 also • Open-Drain Fault-Indicator Output
features an adaptive output-voltage-control scheme that • Open-LED and LED-Short Detection and Protection
minimizes the power dissipation in the LED current-sink • Overtemperature Protection
paths. • Available in Thermally Enhanced 20-Pin TQFN,
The MAX16814 consists of four identical linear current QFND, and TSSOP Packages
source channels to drive four strings of HB LEDs. The • Operation Over -40°C to +125°C Temperature Range
channel current is adjustable from 20mA to 150mA with
an accuracy of ±3% using an external resistor. The
external resistor sets all 4-channel currents to the same Applications
value. The device allows connecting multiple channels ●● Automotive Displays LED Backlights
in parallel to achieve higher current per LED string. The ●● Automotive RCL, DRL, Front Position, and Fog Lights
MAX16814 also features pulsed dimming control on all ●● LCD TV and Desktop Display LED Backlights
four channels through a logic input (DIM). In addition, ●● Architectural, Industrial, and Ambient Lighting
the MAX16814A_ _ and MAX16814U_ _ include a unique
feature that allows a very short minimum pulse width as
low as 1µs.
The MAX16814 includes output overvoltage, open-
LED detection and protection, programmable shorted-
Typical Operating Circuit and Ordering Information appear
LED detection and protection, and overtemperature
at end of data sheet.
protection. The device operates over the -40NC to
+125NC automotive temperature range. The MAX16814 is
available in 6.5mm x 4.4mm, 20-pin TSSOP, 4mm x 4mm,
20-pin TQFN and QFND packages.

19-4722; Rev 11; 3/16

MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Absolute Maximum Ratings

IN to SGND.............................................................-0.3V to +45V Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70NC) (Note 1)
EN to SGND................................................-0.3V to (VIN + 0.3V) 20-Pin TQFN (derate 25.6mW/NC above +70NC)........2051mW
PGND to SGND.....................................................-0.3V to +0.3V 20-Pin Side-Wettable QFND
LEDGND to SGND................................................-0.3V to +0.3V (derate 26.5mW/NC above +70NC).............................2050mW
OUT_ to LEDGND..................................................-0.3V to +45V 26-Pin TSSOP (derate 26.5mW/NC above +70NC)......2122mW
VCC to SGND........... -0.3V to the lower of (VIN + 0.3V) and +6V Operating Temperature Range
DRV, FLT, DIM, RSDT, OVP to SGND......................-0.3V to +6V MAX16814A_ _............................................... -40NC to +125NC
CS, RT, COMP, SETI to SGND.................. -0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V) MAX16814BE_ _.............................................. -40NC to +85NC
NDRV to PGND........................................-0.3V to (VDRV + 0.3V) MAX16814U_ _and MAX16814BU_ _.................0NC to +85NC
NDRV Peak Current (< 100ns).............................................. Q3A Junction Temperature......................................................+150NC
NDRV Continuous Current............................................. Q100mA Storage Temperature Range............................. -65NC to +150NC
OUT_ Continuous Current.............................................. Q175mA Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s).................................+300NC
VCC Short-Circuit Duration.........................................Continuous Soldering Temperature (reflow).......................................+260NC
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional opera-
tion of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

Package Thermal Characteristics (Note 1)

20 TQFN/QFND 20 TSSOP
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (BJA)......... +39NC/W Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (BJA)...... +37.7NC/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (BJC)................ +6NC/W Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (BJC)............. +2.0NC/W
Note 1: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-layer
board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to http://www.maximintegrated.com/thermal-tutorial.

Electrical Characteristics
(VIN = VEN = 12V, RRT = 12.25kI, RSETI = 15kI, CVCC = 1FF, VCC = VDRV, NDRV = COMP = OUT_ = unconnected, VRSDT = VDIM
= VCC, VOVP = VCS = VLEDGND = VPGND = VSGND = 0V, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC for MAX16814A_ _, TA = -40NC to +85NC for
MAX16814BE_ _, and TA = TJ = 0NC to +85NC for MAX16814U_ _ and MAX16814BU_ _, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
TA = +25NC.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Operating Voltage Range VIN 4.75 40 V
MAX16814A_ _ and MAX16814U_ _ 2.5 5
Active Supply Current IIN mA
MAX16814B_ _ _ only 2.75 5.5
Standby Supply Current VEN = 0V 15 40 μA
IN Undervoltage Lockout VIN rising 3.975 4.3 4.625 V
IN UVLO Hysteresis 170 mV
VCC REGULATOR
6.5V < VIN < 10V, 1mA < ILOAD < 50mA
Regulator Output Voltage VCC 4.75 5.0 5.25 V
10V < VIN < 40V, 1mA < ILOAD < 10mA
Dropout Voltage VIN - VCC, VIN = 4.75V, ILOAD = 50mA 200 500 mV
Short-Circuit Current Limit VCC shorted to SGND 100 mA
VCC Undervoltage Lockout
VCC rising 4 V
Threshold
VCC UVLO Hysteresis 100 mV
RT OSCILLATOR
Switching Frequency Range fSW 200 2000 kHz

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Electrical Characteristics (continued)

(VIN = VEN = 12V, RRT = 12.25kI, RSETI = 15kI, CVCC = 1FF, VCC = VDRV, NDRV = COMP = OUT_ = unconnected, VRSDT = VDIM
= VCC, VOVP = VCS = VLEDGND = VPGND = VSGND = 0V, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC for MAX16814A_ _, TA = -40NC to +85NC for
MAX16814BE_ _, and TA = TJ = 0NC to +85NC for MAX16814U_ _ and MAX16814BU_ _, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
TA = +25NC.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
fSW = 200kHz to 600kHz, MAX16814A_ _
85 89 93
and MAX16814U_ _
fSW = 600kHz to 2000kHz, MAX16814A_ _
Maximum Duty Cycle 82 86 90 %
and MAX16814U_ _
fSW = 200kHz to 600kHz, MAX16814B_ _ 90 94 98
fSW = 600kHz to 2000kHz, MAX16814B _ _ _ 86 90 94
fSW = 200kHz to 2MHz, MAX16814A_ _
-7.5 +7.5
Oscillator Frequency Accuracy and MAX16814U_ _ %
fSW = 200kHz to 2MHz, MAX16814B_ _ _ -7 +7
Sync Rising Threshold 4 V
Minimum Sync Frequency 1.1fSW Hz
PWM COMPARATOR
PWM Comparator Leading-Edge
60 ns
Blanking Time
PWM to NDRV Propagation Delay Including leading-edge blanking time 90 ns
SLOPE COMPENSATION
Current ramp added to the CS input,
44 49 54
Peak Slope Compensation MAX16814A_ _ only
μA x fSW
Current Ramp Magnitude Current ramp added to the CS input,
45 50 55
MAX16814U_ _ and MAX16814B_ _ _
CS LIMIT COMPARATOR
Current-Limit Threshold (Note 3) 396 416 437 mV
CS Limit Comparator to NDRV 10mV overdrive, excluding leading-edge
10 ns
Propagation Delay blanking time
ERROR AMPLIFIER
OUT_ Regulation Voltage 1 V
Transconductance gM 340 600 880 μS
No-Load Gain (Note 4) 75 dB
COMP Sink Current VOUT_ = 5V, VCOMP = 2.5V 160 375 800 μA
COMP Source Current VOUT_ = 0V, VCOMP = 2.5V 160 375 800 μA
MOSFET DRIVER
ISINK = 100mA (nMOS) 0.9
NDRV On-Resistance ω
ISOURCE = 100mA (pMOS) 1.1
Peak Sink Current VNDRV = 5V 2.0 A
Peak Source Current VNDRV = 0V 2.0 A
Rise Time CLOAD = 1nF 6 ns
Fall Time CLOAD = 1nF 6 ns
LED CURRENT SOURCES
OUT_ Current-Sink Range VOUT_ = VREF 20 150 mA
IOUT_ = 100mA ±2
Channel-to-Channel Matching %
IOUT_ = 100mA, all channels on ±1.5

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Electrical Characteristics (continued)

(VIN = VEN = 12V, RRT = 12.25kI, RSETI = 15kI, CVCC = 1FF, VCC = VDRV, NDRV = COMP = OUT_ = unconnected, VRSDT = VDIM
= VCC, VOVP = VCS = VLEDGND = VPGND = VSGND = 0V, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC for MAX16814A_ _, TA = -40NC to +85NC for
MAX16814BE_ _, and TA = TJ = 0NC to +85NC for MAX16814U_ _ and MAX16814BU_ _, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
TA = +25NC.) (Note 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
TA = +125°C, MAX16814A_ _
±3
IOUT_ = only
100mA TA = -40°C to +125°C,
±5
MAX16814A_ _ only
TA = +25°C, MAX16814U_ _ and
Output Current Accuracy ±2.75 %
MAX16814B_ _ _
IOUT_ =
TA = 0°C to +85°C, MAX16814U_
50mA to ±4
_ and MAX16814BU _ _
150mA
TA = -40°C to +85°C for
±4
MAX16814BE _ _
OUT_ Leakage Current VDIM = 0V, VOUT_ = 40V 1 μA
LOGIC INPUTS/OUTPUTS
VEN rising, MAX16814A_ _ only 1.125 1.23 1.335
EN Reference Voltage VEN rising, MAX16814U_ _ and V
1.144 1.23 1.316
MAX16814B_ _ _
EN Hysteresis 50 mV
EN Input Current VEN = 40V ±600 nA
DIM Input High Voltage 2.1 V
DIM Input Low Voltage 0.8 V
DIM Hysteresis 250 mV
DIM Input Current ±2 μA
DIM to LED Turn-On Delay DIM rising edge to 10% rise in IOUT_ 100 ns
DIM to LED Turn-Off Delay DIM falling edge to 10% fall in IOUT_ 100 ns
IOUT_ Rise and Fall Times 200 ns
FLT Output Low Voltage VIN = 4.75V and ISINK = 5mA 0.4 V
FLT Output Leakage Current VFLT = 5.5V 1.0 μA
LED Short Detection Threshold Gain = 3V 1.75 2.0 2.25 V
Short Detection Comparator Delay 6.5 μs
RSDT Leakage Current ±600 nA
OVP Trip Threshold Output rising 1.19 1.228 1.266 V
OVP Hysteresis 70 mV
OVP Leakage Current VOVP = 1.25V ±200 nA
Thermal-Shutdown Threshold Temperature rising 165 °C
Thermal-Shutdown Hysteresis 15 °C
Note 2: All MAX16814A_ _ are 100% tested at TA = +125NC, while all MAX16814U_ _ and MAX16814B _ _ _ are 100% tested at
TA = +25°C. All limits overtemperature are guaranteed by design, not production tested.
Note 3: CS threshold includes slope-compensation ramp magnitude.
Note 4: Gain = δVCOMP/δVCS, 0.05V < VCS < 0.15V.

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 MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Typical Operating Characteristics

(VIN = VEN = 12V, fSW = 300kHz, RSETI = 15kI, CVCC = 1FF, VCC = VDRV, NDRV = COMP = OUT_ = unconnected, VOVP = VCS =
VLEDGND = VDIM = VPGND = VSGND = 0V, load = 4 strings of 7 white LEDs, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)

SWITCHING WAVEFORM AT 5kHz

(50% DUTY CYCLE) DIMMING SUPPLY CURRENT vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX16814 toc01
3.8

MAX16814 toc02
CNDRV = 13pF TA = +125NC
3.6
VLX
10V/div 3.4
0V
3.2 TA = +25NC

IIN (mA)
IOUT1
100mA/div
3.0
0A TA = -40NC
VOUT 2.8
10V/div
2.6
FIGURE 2
0V 2.4
40Fs/div 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
VIN (V)

SUPPLY CURRENT SWITCHING FREQUENCY

vs. SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. TEMPERATURE VSETI vs. TEMPERATURE
4.4 310 1.240

MAX16814 toc05
MAX16814 toc04
MAX16814 toc03

CNDRV = 13pF
308
4.2
306 1.236
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)

4.0 304
302 1.232
VSETI (V)

3.8
IIN (mA)

300
3.6 298 1.228

3.4 296
294 1.224
3.2
292
3.0 290 1.220
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125
fSW (kHz) TEMPERATURE (NC) TEMPERATURE (NC)

EN THRESHOLD VOLTAGE EN LEAKAGE CURRENT

VSETI vs. PROGRAMMED CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE vs. TEMPERATURE
1.234 1.30 150
MAX16814 toc06

MAX16814 toc07

MAX16814 toc08

VEN = 2.5V
1.233
120
EN THRESHOLD VOLTAGE (V)

EN LEAKAGE CURRENT (nA)

1.25 VEN RISING

1.232
90
VSETI (V)

1.231 1.20
VEN FALLING 60
1.230
1.15
30
1.229

1.228 1.10 0
20 46 72 98 124 150 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125
LED STRING CURRENT (mA) TEMPERATURE (NC) TEMPERATURE (NC)

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VIN = VEN = 12V, fSW = 300kHz, RSETI = 15kI, CVCC = 1FF, VCC = VDRV, NDRV = COMP = OUT_ = unconnected, VOVP = VCS =
VLEDGND = VDIM = VPGND = VSGND = 0V, load =4 strings of 7 white LEDs, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)

VCC LINE REGULATION VCC LOAD REGULATION SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. 1/RT
5.08 5.10 2.00

MAX16814 toc11
MAX16814 toc10
MAX16814 toc09
5.08 1.80
5.06

SWITCHING FREQUENCY (MHz)

5.06 1.60
TA = +125NC
TA = +125NC 5.04
5.04 1.40
5.02 TA = +25NC
TA = +25NC
VCC (V)
VCC (V)

1.20
5.02 5.00
1.00
4.98
5.00 TA = -40NC 0.80
4.96
4.94 TA = -40NC 0.60
4.98
4.92 0.40

4.96 4.90 0.20

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 0 20 40 60 80 0.02 0.06 0.10 0.14 0.18 0.22 0.26 0.30
VIN (V) IVCC (mA) 1/RT (mS)

STARTUP WAVEFORM WITH STARTUP WAVEFORM WITH DIM

DIM ON PULSE WIDTH < tSW ON PULSE WIDTH = 10tSW
MAX16814 toc12
VIN MAX16814 toc13
VIN
20V/div 20V/div
0V 0V
VDIM VDIM
5V/div 5V/div
0V 0V

IOUT_ IOUT1
100mA/div 100mA/div
0A 0A

VLED
VLED 10V/div
20V/div
FIGURE 2
0V 0V
40ms/div 40ms/div

STARTUP WAVEFORM WITH DIM MOSFET DRIVER ON-RESISTANCE

CONTINUOUSLY ON vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX16814 toc14
VIN 1.5
MAX16814 toc15

20V/div
0V
1.3
VDIM
pMOS
ON-RESISTANCE (I)

5V/div
0V 1.1
IOUT1
100mA/div
0A 0.9
nMOS
VLED
10V/div 0.7

FIGURE 2
0V 0.5
40ms/div -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125
TEMPERATURE (NC)

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VIN = VEN = 12V, fSW = 300kHz, RSETI = 15kI, CVCC = 1FF, VCC = VDRV, NDRV = COMP = OUT_ = unconnected, VOVP = VCS =
VLEDGND = VDIM = VPGND = VSGND = 0V, load = 4 strings of 7 white LEDs, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)

LED CURRENT SWITCHING WITH DIM LED CURRENT RISING AND FALLING
AT 5kHz AND 50% DUTY CYCLE WAVEFORM
MAX16814 toc16 MAX16814 toc17

FIGURE 2
IOUT1 VDIM
100mA/div 5V/div
0A 0V

IOUT2
100mA/div
0A

IOUT3 ILED
100mA/div 50mA/div
0A 0A

IOUT4
100mA/div FIGURE 2
0A
100Fs/div 4Fs/div

COMP LEAKAGE CURRENT

OUT_ CURRENT vs. 1/RSETI vs. TEMPERATURE
160 1.0
MAX16814 toc18

MAX16814 toc19
VDIM = 0V
140
COMP LEAKAGE CURRENT (nA)

0.8
120

0.6
IOUT_ (mA)

100
VCOMP = 4.5V
80
0.4
VCOMP = 0.5V
60
0.2
40

20 0
0.010 0.025 0.040 0.055 0.070 0.085 0.100 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125
1/RSETI (mS) TEMPERATURE (NC)

OUT_ LEAKAGE CURRENT OVP LEAKAGE CURRENT RSDT LEAKAGE CURRENT

vs. TEMPERATURE vs. TEMPERATURE vs. TEMPERATURE
100 2.0 250
MAX16814 toc20

MAX16814 toc21

MAX16814 toc22

VDIM = 0V
VOUT = 40V 1.8 VOVP = 1.25V
1.6
OUT_ LEAKAGE CURRENT (nA)

RSDT LEAKAGE CURRENT (nA)

OVP LEAKAGE CURRENT (nA)

200
10 1.4
1.2
VRSDT = 0.5V
1.0 150
0.8
1
0.6
100
0.4
VRSDT = 2.5V
0.2
0.1 0 50
-50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125
TEMPERATURE (NC) TEMPERATURE (NC) TEMPERATURE (NC)

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Pin Configurations

LEDGND
TOP VIEW

OUT4

OUT3

OUT2

OUT1
TOP VIEW
+ 15 14 13 12 11
NDRV 1 20 PGND

DRV 2 19 CS DIM
CS 16 10
VCC 3 18 OUT4
MAX16814 PGND 17 9 SGND
IN 4 17 OUT3

EN 5 16 LEDGND NDRV 18 MAX16814 8 RSDT

COMP 6 15 OUT2 DRV 19 7 SETI

RT 7 14 OUT1 EP*
VCC 20 6 OVP
FLT 8 13 DIM

OVP 9 12 SGND 1 2 3 4 5

IN

EN

COMP

RT

FLT
SETI 10 EP* 11 RSDT

TSSOP TQFN/QFND
*EXPOSED PAD.

Pin Description
PIN
TQFN/ NAME FUNCTION
TSSOP
QFND
Bias Supply Input. Connect a 4.75V to 40V supply to IN. Bypass IN to SGND with a ceramic
1 4 IN
capacitor.
Enable Input. Connect EN to logic-low to shut down the device. Connect EN to logic-high or IN
2 5 EN
for normal operation. The EN logic threshold is internally set to 1.23V.
Switching Converter Compensation Input. Connect the compensation network from COMP to
3 6 COMP
SGND for current-mode control (see the Feedback Compensation section).
Oscillator Timing Resistor Connection. Connect a timing resistor (RT) from RT to SGND to program
the switching frequency according to the formula RT = 7.350 x 109/fsw (for the MAX16814A_ _
4 7 RT
and the MAX16814U_ _) or to the formula RT = 7.72 x 109/fsw (for the MAX16814B_ _ _). Apply an
AC-coupled external clock at RT to synchronize the switching frequency with an external clock.
Open-Drain Fault Output. FLT asserts low when an open LED, short LED, or thermal shutdown
5 8 FLT
is detected. Connect a 10kω pullup resistor from FLT to VCC.
Overvoltage-Threshold-Adjust Input. Connect a resistor-divider from the switching converter
6 9 OVP
output to OVP and SGND. The OVP comparator reference is internally set to 1.23V.
LED Current-Adjust Input. Connect a resistor (RSETI) from SETI to SGND to set the current
7 10 SETI
through each LED string (ILED) according to the formula ILED = 1500/RSETI.
LED Short Detection Threshold Adjust Input. Connect a resistive divider from VCC to RSDT and
8 11 RSDT SGND to program the LED short detection threshold. Connect RSDT directly to VCC to disable
LED short detection. The LED short detection comparator is internally referenced to 2V.
Signal Ground. SGND is the current return path connection for the low-noise analog signals.
9 12 SGND
Connect SGND, LEDGND, and PGND at a single point.

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Pin Description (continued)

PIN
TQFN/ NAME FUNCTION
TSSOP
QFND
Digital PWM Dimming Input. Apply a PWM signal to DIM for LED dimming control. Connect DIM
10 13 DIM
to VCC if dimming control is not used.
LED String Cathode Connection 1. OUT1 is the open-drain output of the linear current sink that
11 14 OUT1 controls the current through the LED string connected to OUT1. OUT1 sinks up to 150mA. If
unused, connect OUT1 to LEDGND.
LED String Cathode Connection 2. OUT2 is the open-drain output of the linear current sink that
12 15 OUT2 controls the current through the LED string connected to OUT2. OUT2 sinks up to 150mA. If
unused, connect OUT2 to LEDGND.
LED Ground. LEDGND is the return path connection for the linear current sinks. Connect
13 16 LEDGND
SGND, LEDGND, and PGND at a single point.
LED String Cathode Connection 3. OUT3 is the open-drain output of the linear current sink that
14 17 OUT3 controls the current through the LED string connected to OUT3. OUT3 sinks up to 150mA. If
unused, connect OUT3 to LEDGND.
LED String Cathode Connection 4. OUT4 is the open-drain output of the linear current sink that
15 18 OUT4 controls the current through the LED string connected to OUT4. OUT4 sinks up to 150mA. If
unused, connect OUT4 to LEDGND.
Current-Sense Input. CS is the current-sense input for the switching regulator. A sense resistor
connected from the source of the external power MOSFET to PGND sets the switching current
16 19 CS
limit. A resistor connected between the source of the power MOSFET and CS sets the slope
compensation ramp rate (see the Slope Compensation section).
Power Ground. PGND is the switching current return path connection. Connect SGND,
17 20 PGND
LEDGND, and PGND at a single point.
Switching n-MOSFET Gate-Driver Output. Connect NDRV to the gate of the external switching
18 1 NDRV
power MOSFET.
MOSFET Gate-Driver Supply Input. Connect a resistor between VCC and DRV to power the
19 2 DRV MOSFET driver with the internal 5V regulator. Bypass DRV to PGND with a minimum of 0.1μF
ceramic capacitor.
5V Regulator Output. Bypass VCC to SGND with a minimum of 1μF ceramic capacitor as close
20 3 VCC
as possible to the device.
Exposed Pad. Connect EP to a large-area contiguous copper ground plane for effective power
— — EP
dissipation. Do not use as the main IC ground connection. EP must be connected to SGND.

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

FLT RSDT

VREF POKD

MAX16814
UNUSED
FAULT FLAG SHORT LED OPEN-LED STRING
LOGIC DETECTOR DETECTOR DETECTOR
SHDN

DRV TSHDN

PWM
NDRV
LOGIC

PGND
CLK

SLOPE MIN STRING OUT_

ILIM VOLTAGE
RT COMPENSATION
RAMP/RT OSC
0.425V
di 2.5V
( dt = 50FA x fsw)

CS CS BLANKING

COMP
OVP R
COMP LOGIC
THERMAL gM
TSHDN
SHUTDOWN
REF FB VBG

SHDN
IN BANDGAP LEDGND
LOGIC
(REF/FB
UVLO DIM
VBG = 1.235V SELECTOR)

5V LDO
VCC
REGULATOR
SS_REF SS_DONE

UVLO TSHDN VREF

POK SOFT-START
POKD SHDN
100ms

VBG

P
EN
SHDN
1.23V

TSHDN

SGND

SGND OVP SETI

Figure 1. Simplified Functional Diagram

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

VIN 7 HBLEDS
L2 L1 D1 PER STRING

C6 C5 C1 C2 C7

R1
M1

C8
R2

D2 R7 RSCOMP RCS

IN NDRV CS OVP

EN
OUT1
VCC OUT2

C3 OUT3
R5
MAX16814 OUT4
VDRV
C4 RSETI
SETI

DIM VCC
R6
FLT
COMP
R3
RSDT

RCOMP R4
RT

RT
CCOMP

SGND PGND LEDGND

Figure 2. Circuit Used for Typical Operating Characteristics

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Detailed Description protection thresholds are programmable using RSDT

The MAX16814 high-efficiency HB LED driver and OVP inputs, respectively. An open-drain FLT signal
integrates all the necessary features to implement a asserts to indicate open-LED, shorted-LED, and over-
high-performance backlight driver to power LEDs in temperature conditions. Disable individual current-sink
small to medium-sized displays for automotive as well channels by connecting the corresponding OUT_ to
as general applications. The device provides load-dump LEDGND. In this case, FLT does not assert indicating
voltage protection up to 40V in automotive applications. an open-LED condition for the disabled channel. The
The MAX16814 incorporates two major blocks: a DC-DC device also features an overtemperature protection that
controller with peak current-mode control to implement shuts down the controller if the die temperature exceeds
a boost, coupled-inductor boost-buck, or a SEPIC-type +165NC.
switched-mode power supply and a 4-channel LED
Current-Mode DC-DC Controller
driver with 20mA to 150mA constant current-sink capa-
bility per channel. Figure 1 is the simplified functional The peak current-mode controller allows boost, coupled-
diagram and Figure 2 shows the circuit used for typical inductor buck-boost, or SEPIC-type converters to generate
operating characteristics. the required bias voltage for the LED strings. The switch-
ing frequency can be programmed over the 200kHz to
The MAX16814 features a constant-frequency peak 2MHz range using a resistor connected from RT to SGND.
current-mode control with programmable slope Programmable slope compensation is available to com-
compensation to control the duty cycle of the PWM pensate for subharmonic oscillations that occur at above
controller. The high-current FET driver can provide up 50% duty cycles in continuous-conduction mode.
to 2A of current to the external n-channel MOSFET.
The DC-DC converter implemented using the controller The external MOSFET is turned on at the beginning of
generates the required supply voltage for the LED every switching cycle. The inductor current ramps up
strings from a wide input supply range. Connect LED linearly until it is turned off at the peak current level set by
strings from the DC-DC converter output to the 4-channel the feedback loop. The peak inductor current is sensed
constant current-sink drivers that control the current from the voltage across the current-sense resistor (RCS)
through the LED strings. A single resistor connected connected from the source of the external MOSFET to
from the SETI input to ground adjusts the forward current PGND. The MAX16814 features leading-edge blanking to
through all four LED strings. suppress the external MOSFET switching noise. A PWM
comparator compares the current-sense voltage plus the
The MAX16814 features adaptive voltage control that slope-compensation signal with the output of the trans-
adjusts the converter output voltage depending on the conductance error amplifier. The controller turns off the
forward voltage of the LED strings. This feature mini- external MOSFET when the voltage at CS exceeds the
mizes the voltage drop across the constant current-sink error amplifier’s output voltage. This process repeats every
drivers and reduces power dissipation in the device. A switching cycle to achieve peak current-mode control.
logic input (EN) shuts down the device when pulled low.
The device includes an internal 5V LDO capable of pow- Error Amplifier
ering additional external circuitry. The internal error amplifier compares an internal feed-
All the versions of the MAX16814 include PWM dimming. back (FB) with an internal reference (REF) and regulates
The MAX16814A_ and the MAX16814U_ versions, in par- its output to adjust the inductor current. An internal mini-
ticular, provide very wide (5000:1) PWM dimming range mum string detector measures the minimum current-sink
where a dimming pulse as narrow as 1µs is possible at voltage with respect to SGND out of the four constant-
a 200Hz dimming frequency. This is made possible by current-sink channels. During normal operation, this
a unique feature that detects short PWM dimming input minimum OUT_ voltage is regulated to 1V through
pulses and adjusts the converter feedback accordingly. feedback. The error amplifier takes 1V as the REF
and the minimum OUT_ voltage as the FB input. The
Advanced features include detection and string- amplified error at the COMP output controls the inductor
disconnect for open-LED strings, partial or fully shorted peak current to regulate the minimum OUT_ voltage at
strings, and unused strings. Overvoltage protection 1V. The resulting DC-DC converter output voltage is the
clamps the converter output voltage to the programmed highest LED string voltage plus 1V.
OVP threshold in the event of an open-LED condi-
tion. Shorted LED string detection and overvoltage The converter stops switching when the LED strings are
turned off during PWM dimming. The error amplifier is

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

disconnected from the COMP output to retain the com- 95% of the OVP voltage and uses feedback from the OVP
pensation capacitor charge. This allows the converter input. Soft-start terminates when the minimum current-sink
to settle to steady-state level almost immediately when voltage reaches 1V or when the converter output reaches
the LED strings are turned on again. This unique feature 95% OVP. The typical soft-start period is 100ms. The 1V
provides fast dimming response, without having to use minimum OUT_ voltage is detected only when the LED
large output capacitors. strings are enabled by PWM dimming. Connect OVP to
For the MAX16814A_ _ and the MAX16814U_ _, if the the boost converter output through a resistive divider
PWM dimming on-pulse is less than or equal to five network (see the Typical Operating Circuit).
switching cycles, the feedback controls the voltage on When there is an open-LED condition, the converter output
OVP so that the converter output voltage is regulated at hits the OVP threshold. After the OVP is triggered, open-
95% of the OVP threshold. This mode ensures that narrow LED strings are disconnected and, at the beginning of the
PWM dimming pulses are not affected by the response dimming PWM pulse, control is transferred to the adaptive
time of the converter. During this mode, the error amplifier voltage control. The converter output discharges to a level
remains connected to the COMP output continuously and where the new minimum OUT_ voltage is 1V.
the DC-DC converter continues switching.
Oscillator Frequency/External Synchronization
Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO) The internal oscillator frequency is programmable
The MAX16814 features two undervoltage lockouts that between 200kHz and 2MHz using a resistor (RT) con-
monitor the input voltage at IN and the output of the inter- nected from the RT input to SGND. Use the equation
nal LDO regulator at VCC. The device turns on after both below to calculate the value of RT for the desired switch-
VIN and VCC exceed their respective UVLO thresholds. ing frequency, fSW.
The UVLO threshold at IN is 4.3V when VIN is rising and
4.15V when VIN is falling. The UVLO threshold at VCC is 7.35 × 10 9 Hz
RT =
4V when VCC is rising and 3.9V when VCC is falling. fSW
Enable (for the MAX16814A_ _ and the MAX16814U_ _).
EN is a logic input that completely shuts down the
device when connected to logic-low, reducing the 7.72 × 10 9
RT =
current consumption of the device to less than 40FA. fSW
The logic threshold at EN is 1.23V (typ). The voltage
at EN must exceed 1.23V before any operation can (for the MAX16814B_ _ _).
commence. There is a 50mV hysteresis on EN. The EN Synchronize the oscillator with an external clock by
input also allows programming the supply input UVLO AC-coupling the external clock to the RT input. The
threshold using an external voltage-divider to sense the capacitor used for the AC-coupling should satisfy the
input voltage as shown below. following relation:
Use the following equation to calculate the value of R1
 9.862 
and R2 in Figure 3: C SYNC ≤  -0.144×10 -3 (µF)
 TR 
V 
=R1  UVLO - 1 × R2
 1.23V  where RT is in Ω.

where VUVLO is the desired undervoltage lockout level VIN

and 1.23V is the EN input reference. Connect EN to IN
MAX16814
if not used. R1

Soft-Start EN

The MAX16814 provides soft-start with internally set timing. At R2

power-up, the MAX16814 enters soft-start once unused LED
1.23V
strings are detected and disconnected (see the Open-LED
Management and Overvoltage Protection section). During
soft-start, the DC-DC converter output ramps towards
Figure 3. Setting the MAX16814 Undervoltage Lockout
Threshold

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

The pulse width for the synchronization pulse should BOOST CONVERTER
satisfy the following relations: OUTPUT

t PW
VS < 0.5
t CLK
40mA TO 300mA
 t PW  PER STRING
 0.8 − VS  + VS > 3.4
 t CLK 
t CLK
t PW < (t CI − 1.05 ×t CLK ) OUT1
t CI
MAX16814 OUT2
where tPW is the synchronization source pulse width, OUT3
tCLK is the synchronization clock time period, tCI is the
OUT4
programmed clock period, and VS is the synchronization
pulse voltage level.
5V LDO Regulator (VCC)
The internal LDO regulator converts the input voltage Figure 4. Configuration for Higher LED String Current
at IN to a 5V output voltage at VCC. The LDO regulator
supplies up to 50mA current to provide power to internal where IOUT_ is the desired output current for each of the
control circuitry and the gate driver. Connect a resistor four channels.
between VCC and DRV to power the gate-drive circuitry;
the recommended value is 4.7I. Bypass DRV with a If more than 150mA is required in an LED string, use two
capacitor to PGND. The external resistor and bypass or more of the current source outputs (OUT_) connected
capacitor provide noise filtering. Bypass VCC to SGND together to drive the string as shown in Figure 4.
with a minimum of 1FF ceramic capacitor as close to the LED Dimming Control
device as possible.
The MAX16814 features LED brightness control using an
PWM MOSFET Driver external PWM signal applied at DIM. A logic-high signal
The NDRV output is a push-pull output with the on-resis- on the DIM input enables all four LED current sources
tance of the pMOS typically 1.1I and the on-resistance and a logic-low signal disables them.
of the nMOS typically 0.9I. NDRV swings from PGND to For the MAX16814A_ _ and the MAX16814U_ _, the duty
DRV to drive an external n-channel MOSFET. The driver cycle of the PWM signal applied to DIM also controls
typically sources 2.0A and sinks 2.0A allowing for fast the DC-DC converter’s output voltage. If the turn-on
turn-on and turn-off of high gate-charge MOSFETs. duration of the PWM signal is less than or equal to 5
The power dissipation in the MAX16814 is mainly a oscillator clock cycles (DIM pulse width decreasing) then
function of the average current sourced to drive the the boost converter regulates its output based on feed-
external MOSFET (IDRV) if there are no additional loads back from the OVP input. During this mode, the converter
on VCC. IDRV depends on the total gate charge (QG) output voltage is regulated to 95% of the OVP threshold
and operating frequency of the converter. Connect DRV voltage. If the turn-on duration of the PWM signal is
to VCC with a 4.7I resistor to power the gate driver with greater than or equal to 6 oscillator clock cycles (DIM
the internal 5V regulator. pulse width increasing), then the converter regulates its
output so that the minimum voltage at OUT_ is 1V.
LED Current Control When the DIM signal crosses the 5 or 6 oscillator clock-
The MAX16814 features four identical constant-current cycle boundary, the control loop of the MAX16814
sources used to drive multiple HB LED strings. The experiences a discontinuity due to an internal mode
current through each one of the four channels is adjust- transition, which can cause flickering (the boost output
able between 20mA and 150mA using an external voltage changes, as described in previous paragraph).
resistor (RSETI) connected between SETI and SGND. To avoid flicker, the following is recommended:
Select RSETI using the following formula:
●● Avoid crossing the 5 or 6 oscillator clock-cycle
R SETI = 1500 IOUT_ boundary.

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

●● Do not set the OVP level higher than 3V converter output reaches the overvoltage
above the maximum LED operating voltage. protection threshold, the PWM controller is switched off,
●● Optimize the compensation components so setting NDRV low. Any current-sink output with VOUT_
that recovery is as fast as possible. If the loop < 300mV (typ) is disconnected from the minimum voltage
phase margin is less than 45°, the output voltage detector.
may ring during the 5 or 6 oscillator clock-cycle Connect the OUT_ of all channels without LED
boundary crossing, which can contribute to flicker. connections to LEDGND before power-up to avoid OVP
triggering at startup. When an open-LED overvoltage
Fault Protections condition occurs, FLT is latched low.
Fault protections in the MAX16814 include cycle-
by-cycle current limiting using the PWM controller, Short-LED Detection
DC-DC converter output overvoltage protection, open- The MAX16814 checks for shorted LEDs at each rising
LED detection, short LED detection and protection, and edge of DIM. An LED short is detected at OUT_ if the fol-
overtemperature shutdown. An open-drain LED fault lowing condition is met:
flag output (FLT) goes low when an open-LED string VOUT_ > VMINSTR + 3 x VRSDT
is detected, a shorted LED string is detected, and
where VOUT_ is the voltage at OUT_, VMINSTR is
during thermal shutdown. FLT is cleared when the fault
the minimum current-sink voltage, and VRSDT is the
condition is removed during thermal shutdown and
programmable LED short detection threshold set at
shorted LEDs. FLT is latched low for an open-LED
the RSDT input. Adjust VRSDT using a voltage-divider
condition and can be reset by cycling power or toggling
resistive network connected at the VCC output, RSDT
the EN pin. The thermal shutdown threshold is +165NC
input, and SGND.
and has 15NC hysteresis.
Once a short is detected on any of the strings, the LED
Open-LED Management and strings with the short are disconnected and the FLT
Overvoltage Protection output flag asserts until the device detects that the shorts
On power-up, the MAX16814 detects and disconnects are removed on any of the following rising edges of DIM.
any unused current-sink channels before entering Connect RSDT directly to VCC to always disable LED
soft-start. Disable the unused current-sink channels short detection.
by connecting the corresponding OUT_ to LEDGND.
This avoids asserting the FLT output for the unused Applications Information
channels. After soft-start, the MAX16814 detects open
LED and disconnects any strings with an open LED from DC-DC Converter
the internal minimum OUT_ voltage detector. This keeps Three different converter topologies are possible with
the DC-DC converter output voltage within safe limits the DC-DC controller in the MAX16814, which has
and maintains high efficiency. During normal operation, the ground-referenced outputs necessary to use the
the DC-DC converter output regulation loop uses the constant current-sink drivers. If the LED string forward
minimum OUT_ voltage as the feedback input. If any voltage is always more than the input supply voltage
LED string is open, the voltage at the opened OUT_ goes range, use the boost converter topology. If the LED string
to VLEDGND. The DC-DC converter output voltage then forward voltage falls within the supply voltage range, use
increases to the overvoltage protection threshold set by the boost-buck converter topology. Boost-buck topology
the voltage-divider network connected between the con- is implemented using either a conventional SEPIC con-
verter output, OVP input, SGND. The overvoltage protec- figuration or a coupled-inductor boost-buck configura-
tion threshold at the DC-DC converter output (VOVP) is tion. The latter is basically a flyback converter with 1:1
determined using the following formula: turns ratio. 1:1 coupled inductors are available with tight
coupling suitable for this application. Figure 6 shows
 R1  (see the Typical Operating Circuit) the coupled-inductor boost-buck configuration. It is also
VOVP= 1.23 × 1 +  possible to implement a single inductor boost-buck con-
 R2 
verter using the MAX15054 high-side FET driver.
where 1.23V (typ) is the OVP threshold. Select R1 and The boost converter topology provides the highest effi-
R2 such that the voltage at OUT_ does not exceed ciency among the above mentioned topologies. The
the absolute maximum rating. As soon as the DC-DC coupled-inductor boost-buck topology has the advan-

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

tage of not using a coupling capacitor over the SEPIC maximum average current occurs at the lowest line
configuration. Also, the feedback loop compensation for voltage. For the boost converter, the average inductor
SEPIC becomes complex if the coupling capacitor is not current is equal to the input current. Select the maxi-
large enough. A coupled-inductor boost-buck is not suit- mum peak-to-peak ripple on the inductor current (DIL).
able for cases where the coupled-inductor windings are The recommended peak-to-peak ripple is 60% of the
not tightly coupled. Considerable leakage inductance average inductor current.
requires additional snubber components and degrades Use the following equations to calculate the maximum
the efficiency. average inductor current (ILAVG) and peak inductor
Power-Circuit Design current (ILP) in amperes:
First select a converter topology based on the previous
factors. Determine the required input-supply voltage ILED
IL AVG =
range, the maximum voltage needed to drive the LED 1 − D MAX
strings including the minimum 1V across the constant
LED current sink (VLED), and the total output current Allowing the peak-to-peak inductor ripple DIL to be
needed to drive the LED strings (ILED) as follows: +30% of the average inductor current:

=
ILED I STRING × N STRING ∆=
IL IL AVG × 0.3 × 2

where ISTRING is the LED current per string in amperes and:

and NSTRING is the number of strings used.
Calculate the maximum duty cycle (DMAX) using the ∆IL
=
IL P IL AVG +
following equations: 2
For boost configuration: Calculate the minimum inductance value, LMIN, in
henries with the inductor current ripple set to the maxi-
(VLED + VD1 − VIN_MIN ) mum value:
D MAX =
(VLED + VD1 − VDS − 0.3V)
(VINMIN − VDS − 0.3V) × D MAX
For SEPIC and coupled-inductor boost-buck configura- L MIN =
fSW × ∆IL
tions:
where 0.3V is the peak current-sense voltage. Choose
(VLED + VD1)
D MAX = an inductor that has a minimum inductance greater than
(VIN_MIN − VDS − 0.3V + VLED + VD1) the calculated LMIN and current rating greater than ILP.
The recommended saturation current limit of the selected
where VD1 is the forward drop of the rectifier diode in inductor is 10% higher than the inductor peak current
volts (approximately 0.6V), VIN_MIN is the minimum input for boost configuration. For the coupled-inductor boost-
supply voltage in volts, and VDS is the drain-to-source buck, the saturation limit of the inductor with only one
voltage of the external MOSFET in volts when it is on, winding conducting should be 10% higher than ILP.
and 0.3V is the peak current-sense voltage. Initially, use
an approximate value of 0.2V for VDS to calculate DMAX. SEPIC Configuration
Calculate a more accurate value of DMAX after the power Power circuit design for the SEPIC configuration is very
MOSFET is selected based on the maximum inductor similar to a conventional boost-buck design with the
current. Select the switching frequency (fSW) depending output voltage referenced to the input supply voltage.
on the space, noise, and efficiency constraints. For SEPIC, the output is referenced to ground and the
inductor is split into two parts (see Figure 5 for the SEPIC
Inductor Selection configuration). One of the inductors (L2) takes LED
Boost and Coupled-Inductor Boost-Buck current as the average current and the other (L1) takes
Configurations input current as the average current.
In all the three converter configurations, the average
inductor current varies with the line voltage and the

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Use the following equations to calculate the average The combined inductance value and current is calcu-
inductor currents (IL1AVG, IL2AVG) and peak inductor lated as follows:
currents (IL1P, IL2P) in amperes:
L1MIN × L2 MIN
I × D MAX × 1.1 L MIN =
IL1AVG = LED L1MIN + L2 MIN
1 − D MAX
and:
The factor 1.1 provides a 10% margin to account for the =
IL AVG IL1AVG + IL2 AVG
converter losses:
where ILAVG represents the total average current through
both the inductors together for SEPIC configuration. Use
IL2 AVG = ILED
these values in the calculations for SEPIC configuration
Assuming the peak-to-peak inductor ripple DIL is Q30% in the following sections.
of the average inductor current: Select coupling capacitor CS so that the peak-to-
peak ripple on it is less than 2% of the minimum input
∆=
IL1 IL1AVG × 0.3 × 2 supply voltage. This ensures that the second-order
effects created by the series resonant circuit comprising
and: L1, CS, and L2 does not affect the normal operation of
the converter. Use the following equation to calculate the
∆IL1 minimum value of CS:
=
IL1P IL1AVG +
2
ILED × D MAX
CS ≥
VIN_MIN × 0.02 × fSW
∆IL2
= IL2 AVG × 0.3 × 2
where CS is the minimum value of the coupling capacitor
and:
∆IL2 in farads, ILED is the LED current in amperes, and the
=
IL2 P IL2 AVG + factor 0.02 accounts for 2% ripple.
2
Slope Compensation
Calculate the minimum inductance values L1MIN and The MAX16814 generates a current ramp for slope
L2MIN in henries with the inductor current ripples set to compensation. This ramp current is in sync with
the maximum value as follows: the switching frequency and starts from zero at the
beginning of every clock cycle and rises linearly to
(VINMIN − VDS − 0.3V) × D MAX reach 50FA at the end of the clock cycle. The slope-
L1MIN =
fSW × ∆IL1 compensating resistor, RSCOMP, is connected between
(VINMIN − VDS − 0.3V) × D MAX the CS input and the source of the external MOSFET.
L2 MIN = This adds a programmable ramp voltage to the CS input
fSW × ∆IL2
voltage to provide slope compensation.

where 0.3V is the peak current-sense voltage. Choose Use the following equation to calculate the value of slope
inductors that have a minimum inductance greater than compensation resistance (RSCOMP).
the calculated L1MIN and L2MIN and current rating For boost configuration:
greater than IL1P and IL2P, respectively. The recom-
mended saturation current limit of the selected inductor
R SCOMP =
(VLED − 2VIN_MIN ) × R CS × 3
is 10% higher than the inductor peak current: L MIN × 50FA × fSW × 4
For simplifying further calculations, consider L1 and L2
as a single inductor with L1 and L2 connected in parallel.

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

For SEPIC and coupled-inductor boost-buck: External MOSFET Selection

The external MOSFET should have a voltage rating
R SCOMP =
( VLED − VIN_MIN ) × R CS × 3 sufficient to withstand the maximum output voltage
L MIN × 50FA × fSW × 4 together with the rectifier diode drop and any
possible overshoot due to ringing caused by parasitic
where VLED and VIN_MIN are in volts, RSCOMP and RCS inductances and capacitances. The recommended
are in ohms, LMIN is in henries and fSW is in hertz. MOSFET VDS voltage rating is 30% higher than the sum
of the maximum output voltage and the rectifier diode
The value of the switch current-sense resistor, RCS, can
drop.
be calculated as follows:
The recommended continuous drain current rating of the
For boost:
MOSFET (ID), when the case temperature is at +70NC, is

0.396 × 0.9 = ILP ×RCS +

(DMAX × (VLED − 2VIN_MIN)×RCS × 3) greater than that calculated below:
 
4 ×L MN × fSW ID RMS=  IL AVG 2 × D MAX  × 1.3
 
For SEPIC and boost-buck:
The MOSFET dissipates power due to both switching
losses and conduction losses. Use the following equa-
0.396 × 0.9 = ILP ×RCS +
(DMAX × (VLED − VIN_MIN ) ×RCS × 3) tion to calculate the conduction losses in the MOSFET:
4 ×L MN × fSW

where 0.396 is the minimum value of the peak cur- PCOND = IL AVG 2 × D MAX × RDS (ON)
rent-sense threshold. The current-sense threshold also
includes the slope compensation component. The mini- where RDS(ON) is the on-state drain-to-source resistance
mum current-sense threshold of 0.396 is multiplied by of the MOSFET.
0.9 to take tolerances into account. Use the following equation to calculate the switching
losses in the MOSFET:
Output Capacitor Selection
For all the three converter topologies, the output capaci-
IL AVG × VLED 2 × C GD × fSW  1 1 
tor supplies the load current when the main switch= is PSW × + 
on. The function of the output capacitor is to reduce the 2  I GON I GOFF 
converter output ripple to acceptable levels. The entire
where IGON and IGOFF are the gate currents of the
output-voltage ripple appears across constant current-
MOSFET in amperes, when it is turned on and turned
sink outputs because the LED string voltages are stable
off, respectively. CGD is the gate-to-drain MOSFET
due to the constant current. For the MAX16814, limit
capacitance in farads.
the peak-to-peak output voltage ripple to 200mV to get
stable output current. Rectifier Diode Selection
The ESR, ESL, and the bulk capacitance of the output Using a Schottky rectifier diode produces less forward
capacitor contribute to the output ripple. In most of the drop and puts the least burden on the MOSFET during
applications, using low-ESR ceramic capacitors can reverse recovery. A diode with considerable reverse-
dramatically reduce the output ESR and ESL effects. recovery time increases the MOSFET switching loss.
To reduce the ESL and ESR effects, connect multiple Select a Schottky diode with a voltage rating 20% higher
ceramic capacitors in parallel to achieve the required than the maximum boost-converter output voltage and
bulk capacitance. To minimize audible noise during current rating greater than that calculated in the follow-
PWM dimming, the amount of ceramic capacitors on the ing equation:
output are usually minimized. In this case, an additional
electrolytic or tantalum capacitor provides most of the = ID IL AVG × (1 − D MAX ) x 1.2
bulk capacitance.

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Feedback Compensation For SEPIC and coupled-inductor boost-buck configurations:

During normal operation, the feedback control loop
regulates the minimum OUT_ voltage to 1V when LED ILED × D MAX
string currents are enabled during PWM dimming. When fP1 =
2 × π × VLED × C OUT
LED currents are off during PWM dimming, the control
loop turns off the converter and stores the steady-state where fP1 is in hertz, VLED is in volts, ILED is in amperes,
condition in the form of capacitor voltages, mainly the and COUT is in farads.
output filter capacitor voltage and compensation capaci-
Compensation components (RCOMP and CCOMP)
tor voltage. For the MAX16814A_ _ and the MAX16814U_
perform two functions. CCOMP introduces a low-
_, when the PWM dimming pulses are less than or equal
frequency pole that presents a -20dB/decade slope
to 5 switching clock cycles, the feedback loop regulates
to the loop gain. RCOMP flattens the gain of the error
the converter output voltage to 95% of OVP threshold.
amplifier for frequencies above the zero formed by
The worst-case condition for the feedback loop is when RCOMP and CCOMP. For compensation, this zero is
the LED driver is in normal mode regulating the minimum placed at the output pole frequency fP1 so that it pro-
OUT_ voltage to 1V. The switching converter small-signal vides a -20dB/decade slope for frequencies above fP1
transfer function has a right-half plane (RHP) zero for to the combined modulator and compensator response.
boost configuration if the inductor current is in continuous
The value of RCOMP needed to fix the total loop gain
conduction mode. The RHP zero adds a 20dB/decade
at fP1 so that the total loop gain crosses 0dB with
gain together with a 90N-phase lag, which is difficult to
-20dB/decade slope at 1/5 the RHP zero frequency is
compensate.
calculated as follows:
The worst-case RHP zero frequency (fZRHP) is
For boost configuration:
calculated as follows:
For boost configuration: fZRHP × R CS × ILED
R COMP =
5 × fP1 × GM COMP × VLED × (1 − D MAX )
VLED (1 − D MAX ) 2
fZRHP =
2π × L × ILED For SEPIC and coupled-inductor boost-buck
configurations:
For SEPIC and coupled-inductor boost-buck
configurations: fZRHP × R CS × ILED × D MAX
R COMP =
5 × fP1 × GM COMP × VLED × (1 − D MAX )
VLED (1 − D MAX ) 2
fZRHP =
2π × L × ILED × D MAX where RCOMP is the compensation resistor in
ohms, fZRHP and fP2 are in hertz, RCS is the switch
where fZRHP is in hertz, VLED is in volts, L is the induc- current-sense resistor in ohms, and GMCOMP is the
tance value of L1 in henries, and ILED is in amperes. A transconductance of the error amplifier (600FS).
simple way to avoid this zero is to roll off the loop gain
The value of CCOMP is calculated as follows:
to 0dB at a frequency less than one fifth of the RHP zero
frequency with a -20dB/decade slope.
1
The switching converter small-signal transfer function C COMP =
2π × R COMP × fZ1
also has an output pole. The effective output impedance
together with the output filter capacitance determines the
where fZ1 is the compensation zero placed at 1/5 of
output pole frequency fP1 that is calculated as follows:
the crossover frequency that is, in turn, set at 1/5 of the
For boost configuration: fZRHP.

ILED
fP1 =
2 × π × VLED × C OUT

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

If the output capacitors do not have low ESR, the ESR multiplied by a factor of 1220 is the current through
zero frequency may fall within the 0dB crossover fre- each one of the four constant current-sink channels.
quency. An additional pole may be required to cancel Adjust the current through SETI to get analog dimming
out this pole placed at the same frequency. This is functionality by connecting the external control voltage
usually implemented by connecting a capacitor in paral- to SETI through the resistor RSETI2. The resulting change
lel with CCOMP and RCOMP. Figure 5 shows the SEPIC in the LED current with the control voltage is linear and
configuration and Figure 6 shows the coupled-inductor inversely proportional. The LED current control range
boost-buck configuration. remains between 20mA to 150mA.
Analog Dimming Using External Use the following equation to calculate the LED current
Control Voltage set by the control voltage applied:
Connect a resistor RSETI2 to the SETI input as shown
in Figure 7 for controlling the LED string current using 1500 (1.23 − VC )
I OUT = + × 1220
an external control voltage. The MAX16814 applies a R SETI R SETI2
fixed 1.23V bandgap reference voltage at SETI and
measures the current through SETI. This measured current

VIN
4.75V TO 40V
L1 CS D1
UP TO 40V

C1 C2
N R1
L2

RSCOMP RCS R2

IN NDRV CS OVP

EN OUT1

VCC OUT2
C3
MAX16814 OUT3
R5

DRV OUT4
RSETI
C4
SETI
VCC

DIM FLT
COMP R3
RSDT
RCOMP
RT
R4
SGND PGND LEDGND
RT
CCOMP

Figure 5. SEPIC Configuration

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

PCB Layout Considerations 3) There are two loops in the power circuit that carry
LED driver circuits based on the MAX16814 device use high-frequency switching currents. One loop is when
a high-frequency switching converter to generate the the MOSFET is on (from the input filter capacitor
voltage for LED strings. Take proper care while laying positive terminal, through the inductor, the internal
out the circuit to ensure proper operation. The switching- MOSFET, and the current-sense resistor, to the input
converter part of the circuit has nodes with very fast capacitor negative terminal). The other loop is when
voltage changes that could lead to undesirable effects the MOSFET is off (from the input capacitor positive
on the sensitive parts of the circuit. Follow the guidelines terminal, through the inductor, the rectifier diode,
below to reduce noise as much as possible: output filter capacitor, to the input capacitor negative
1) Connect the bypass capacitor on VCC and DRV as terminal). Analyze these two loops and make the loop
close to the device as possible and connect the areas as small as possible. Wherever possible, have a
capacitor ground to the analog ground plane using return path on the power ground plane for the switch-
vias close to the capacitor terminal. Connect SGND ing currents on the top layer copper traces, or through
of the device to the analog ground plane using a via power components. This reduces the loop area con-
close to SGND. Lay the analog ground plane on the siderably and provides a low-inductance path for
inner layer, preferably next to the top layer. Use the the switching currents. Reducing the loop area also
analog ground plane to cover the entire area under reduces radiation during switching.
critical signal components for the power converter. 4) Connect the power ground plane for the constant-
2) Have a power ground plane for the switching- current LED driver part of the circuit to LEDGND as
converter power circuit under the power components close to the device as possible. Connect SGND to
(input filter capacitor, output filter capacitor, inductor, PGND at the same point.
MOSFET, rectifier diode, and current-sense resis-
tor). Connect PGND to the power ground plane as
close to PGND as possible. Connect all other ground
connections to the power ground plane using vias
close to the terminals.

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MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

VIN
4.75V TO 40V
T1 D1
(1:1)

C1

UP TO 40V

C2
N R1

RSCOMP RCS R2

IN NDRV CS OVP

EN OUT1

VCC OUT2
C3
MAX16814 OUT3
R5

DRV OUT4
RSETI
C4
SETI
VCC

DIM FLT
COMP R3
RSDT
RCOMP
RT
R4
SGND PGND LEDGND
RT
CCOMP

Figure 6. Coupled-Inductor Boost-Buck Configuration

MAX16814
RSETI2
SETI
1.23V

RSETI VC

Figure 7. Analog Dimming with External Control Voltage

www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated │  22

MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Typical Operating Circuit

VIN
4.75V TO 40V
L D1 UP TO 40V

C1 C2
N R1

RSCOMP RCS R2

IN NDRV CS OVP

EN OUT1

VCC OUT2
C3
MAX16814 OUT3
R5

DRV OUT4
RSETI
C4
SETI
VCC

DIM FLT
COMP R3
RSDT
RCOMP
RT
R4
SGND PGND LEDGND
RT
CCOMP

www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated │  23

MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Ordering Information Chip Information

PROCESS: BiCMOS DMOS
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX16814ATP+ -40°C to +125°C 20 TQFN-EP*
MAX16814ATP/V+ -40°C to +125°C 20 TQFN-EP*
MAX16814AGP/VY+ -40°C to +125°C 20 QFND-EP* (SW) Package Information
MAX16814AUP+ -40°C to +125°C 20 TSSOP-EP*
For the latest package outline information and land patterns, go
MAX16814AUP/V+ -40°C to +125°C 20 TSSOP-EP* to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that a “+”, “#”,
MAX16814BETP+ -40°C to +85°C 20 TQFN-EP* or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only. Package
MAX16814BEUP+ -40°C to +85°C 20 TSSOP-EP* drawings may show a different suffix character, but the drawing
MAX16814BUTP+ 0°C to +85°C 20 TQFN-EP* pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
MAX16814BUUP+ 0°C to +85°C 20 TSSOP-EP*
PACKAGE PACKAGE OUTLINE LAND PATTERN
MAX16814UTP+ 0°C to +85°C 20 TQFN-EP* TYPE CODE NO. NO.
MAX16814UUP+ 0°C to +85°C 20 TSSOP-EP* 20 TSSOP-EP U20E+1 21-0108 90-0114
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package. 20 TQFN-EP T2044+3 21-0139 90-0037
*EP = Exposed pad. 20 QFND-EP
/V denotes an automotive qualified part; (SW) = side wettable. G2044Y+1 21-0576 90-0360
(Side Wettable)

www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated │  24

MAX16814 Integrated, 4-Channel, High-Brightness LED
Driver with High-Voltage DC-DC Controller

Revision History
REVISION REVISION
DESCRIPTION PAGES CHANGED
NUMBER DATE
0 7/09 Initial release —
1 9/09 Correction to slope compensation description and block diagram 10, 18
Correction to synchronization description frequency and minor
2 11/09 1–4, 8, 12–20, 22, 25
edits
3 2/10 Correction to CSYNC formula 13
4 6/10 Added MAX16814BE _ _ parts; corrected specification 1–4, 8, 13, 25
Correction to output current accuracy specification and Absolute
5 3/11 1, 2, 4
Maximum Ratings
6 10/11 Correction to the last formula and description 19
Added side-wettable package option and updated EN leakage in
7 1/13 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 23, 24
Electrical Characteristics

Minor corrections to Figures 1, 2, and the LED Diming Control,

8 4/13 10, 11, 14, 18, 19
Rectifier Diode Selection, and Feedback Compensation sections
9 11/13 Corrected VCOMP offset voltage in Figure 1 10
10 2/15 Updated the Benefits and Features section 1
11 3/16 Updated the LED Dimming Control section 14

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.

Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent licenses
are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits)
shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.

Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. © 2016 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. │  25