Exar releases 8-channel compact power optimizing LED driver

FREMONT, USA: Exar Corp. unveiled the XRP7618 an 8-channel constant current LED driver. Supporting up to 30V on its LED channel inputs, the XRP7618 is ideally suited to drive up to eight strings of multiple LEDs at currents up to 100mA. Several devices can be cascaded to drive additional channels.

This makes the XRP7618 the solution of choice for mid to large panel backlighting applications using a matrix of LEDs. Channels may also be combined to achieve customized higher currents per channel while Exar's Smart Talk technology reduces overall system power consumption and heat dissipation.

"LEDs are becoming increasingly more prevalent in all aspects of lighting, where they provide a simple, efficient and highly customizable solution," said Eric Pittana, director of marketing, Power Product Line. "The XRP7618 provides the same versatility and performance at the driver level for all lighting applications requiring multiple strings of several LEDs."

With a capability of 100mA per channel and outputs rated at 30V, the XRP7618 can control strings of multiple LEDs with better than +/- 1.5% channel to channel current matching. Multiple channels can be combined to increase current driving capability per channel, up to 800mA, and multiple XRP7618s can be placed in parallel for applications requiring more than eight strings of LEDs. Current is programmed via an external resistor while analog or PWM dimming control is supported up to 25kHz.

Featuring Exar's Smart Talk technology, the XRP7618 maximizes the overall system efficiency by dynamically reporting the minimum LED voltage necessary to maintain current regulation mode. The under voltage lock out, open LED, and over temperature protection functions insure safe operation under abnormal operating conditions.