Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Introduces 6-Channel White LED Driver for Notebook PCs
Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Ltd. (AOS) announced the release of AOZ1960, a multi-string dc-dc boost white LED driver. The new product features an integrated 55V low on-resistance boost switch, a wide dimming range, and extensive protection features. It provides an ideal LCD backlighting solution for the latest generation of notebook computers.
The internal 55V boost power switch enables customers to drive up to 15 LEDs in series per string, allowing for bigger and brighter displays. Additionally the boost power switch features a low on-resistance of 140mΩ, reducing dc-dc conversion switching losses and delivering efficiencies over 90% to maximize battery life.
The AOZ1960 provides both analog dimming and digital PWM dimming with 256 steps of dimming resolution. The LED current can be easily programmed with an external resistor, and the internal current regulators ensure the six parallel strings of LEDs have optimal current matching.
The new device offers extensive protection features such as cycle-by-cycle current limit, over-voltage protection, and open/short LED detection. The AOZ1960 also includes an integrated low on-resistance input switch that protects against catastrophic output short-circuit or overload fault conditions.
"Traditional boost regulators cannot protect against output short circuit conditions. To improve system reliability, designers often need to use an external MOSFET or fuse at the input of boost LED driver. The AOZ1960 solves this design challenge by integrating a low on-resistance input protection switch. This feature significantly enhances system robustness, simplifies designs, and reduces component count," said Song Qu, Director of Power IC Marketing at AOS.
The AOZ1960 is available immediately. The unit price for 1,000 pieces is US$1.48. The product is housed in a 7 x 4mm 24-pin DFN package.
