ON Semiconductor LED drivers for vehicle lighting applications

Aimed specifically at low power solid state lighting, the devices are designed for systems that incorporate movement and variable intensity within rear combination lamps (RCLs), turn signals, fog lamps, and other externally modulated LED clusters.

The NCV7685 and NCV7683 integrate twelve and eight linear programmable current sources respectively, enabling multiple strings of LEDs to be driven with up to 100mA per channel.

The devices offer configurability options including daisy-chaining, illumination level control, current regulation, sequencing functionality, and channel combination.

The NCV7685 incorporates an 8-bit I2C interface with CRC8 error detection for individual output current adjustment via pulse width modulation (PWM).

Advanced diagnostics – including detection of an open LED string or under voltage condition – are provided through a dedicated diagnostic pin.

The NCV7685 may be powered with a DC-DC controller and/or LDO voltage regulator depending upon design requirements.

The NCV7691 provides a regulated current range for driving LEDs in one or multiple strings, with an external NPN bipolar transistor and a feedback resistor.

The driver enables additional single channels in multichannel systems and supports a dimming function via its PWM input.

The NCV7691 includes open string, short circuit, and thermal shutdown. The derivative NCV7692 offers a faster response time and a reduced threshold for open load detection.

“With the performance and functionality now possible with LED lighting, and demanded by automakers and consumers alike, sophisticated lighting drivers and controllers are fundamental to help turn ideas into reality,” said Jim Alvernaz, automotive products division at ON Semiconductor.