Single 1500-mA LED flash driver improves picture quality for camera-enabled cell phones

NORWOOD, USA: Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) has introduced the ADP1650 1500-mA white LED driver – the latest addition to ADI’s power management portfolio and its inductive-based flash driver class of devices.

The ADP1650 provides excellent flexibility with features like a programmable I²C-compatible interface, programmable torch and flash currents for one LED up to 1500 mA, two independent TxMASK1 inputs and a 4-bit ADC.

The new LED driver also provides high efficiency at 85 percent at the typical battery voltage (90 percent peak) which reduces high levels of input battery current during flash and limits battery current drain in torch mode. The ultra-compact ADP1650 measures only 2x1.5mm in a 12-ball WLCSP package and reduces PCB (printed circuit board) requirements.

“Camera quality is one of the most important features for consumers when selecting a handset, and since many camera phone images are taken spontaneously and in dimly lit areas or while talking on the phone, a quality flash is expected,” said Jose Rodriguez, technical director, Power Management Technology Group, Analog Devices.

The ADP1650 enables a complete high power flash design in less than 17 mm2 by integrating a programmable 1.5-MHz or 3.0-MHz synchronous inductive boost converter, a tiny, 1-mm high, low-cost, 1-μH power inductor, and an 0603 case-size input and output capacitor.

The new LED driver operates efficiently over the entire battery voltage range by maximizing the input-power-to-LED-power conversion and minimizing battery current draw during flash events. Designed to operate using the limited battery current available for flash, the ADP1650 connects easily to the latest image sensors and image processors to provide excellent picture quality in low ambient light environments.

Rodriguez added: “Maximizing light output for limited battery current and a shrinking PCB area is a key design challenge for portable device designers. The ADP1650 white LED driver meets this challenge.”