Catalyst Intros I2C Programmable Multi-Function LED Driver

Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc. has expanded its family of LED drivers with the CAT3626; a low noise fractional charge pump with an I²C serial bus interface for precise control and programming of up to six white/color LEDs. The CAT3626 is designed to power backlighting for multiple displays, drive RGB "fashion-lighting" and control flash functions in high-performance portable applications, including cell phones, handheld devices and digital cameras.

Unlike most previous devices, the CAT3626 is designed with a current regulation scheme which minimizes LED flicker during periods of sudden battery fluctuations -- a common problem in portable systems experiencing repetitive load bursts, such as RF or audio power amplifiers.

Catalyst helps simplify system programming by configuring the CAT3626 LED driver's six output channels into three separate banks, with each bank containing a pair of tightly regulated and matched output channels. This makes the new device ideal for portable products with any combination of multiple RGB LEDs, LCD/keypad backlighting and flash functions. Additionally, an I²C interface allows LED currents within each dual output channel bank to be conveniently and accurately controlled in 0.5mA steps from zero to 32mA, yielding a total device output current of up to 192mA.

Targeted at battery-powered portable applications with supply voltages from 2.5V to 5.5V, the CAT3626 maximizes battery life with an automatic 1x/1.5x charge pump, which delivers up to 91% power efficiency. A dedicated Enable control allows the device to be placed into "Zero" current shutdown mode, eliminating battery drain when not in use.

The CAT3626 is offered in a RoHS-compliant, environment friendly "green" 4mm x 4mm TQFN 16-lead package. Pricing for the CAT3626HV4-T2 in lots of 10,000 pieces is $0.96. Samples and evaluation kits and are now available. Projected lead-times for production quantities are currently 6 to 8 weeks ARO.