Diodes Incorporated released a new series of automotive LED drivers to simply the driving of low-power lighting. The BCR4xxUQ series is designed to provide a total solution for automotive applications including puddle lighting, side markers and internal lighting covering ambient lights, instrument clusters and button backlighting.

(Image: Diodes Incorporated)

Each device in the BCR4xxUQ series provides a pre-set current output, or delivers an adjustable constant current between 10mA and 100mA (BCR401UQ, BCR402UQ, BCR405UQ), 200mA (BCR420UQ), or 350mA (BCR421UQ) with ±10% tolerance. All devices in the series are available in both industry-standard SOT26 and low-profile DFN2020 package options. The thinner 0.6mm DFN2020 is designed for edge-lighting applications in which a less-intrusive, lower-height package is required. All devices include negative temperature coefficient, which lowers the LED driver current as the internal temperature rises, thereby protecting and extending the lifetime of the LEDs. In addition, the linear topology used means the devices exhibit virtually no EMI.

With a wide operating voltage range of between 1.4V and 40V and total power dissipation of up to 1.7W, the devices can be used to drive larger strings of LEDs while still providing sufficient protection from transients in a 12V automotive supply system. The BCR421UQ’s advantage is that it can be PWM dimmed directly from 3.3V MCU signal with up to 25kHz and a duty cycle of 1%.