Linear Tech Releases 45V, 2.3A LED Driver for Boost, Buck or Buck-Boost High Current LED Applications

Linear Technology announced the H-grade version of the LT3518. The LT3518 is a 45V, high-side current sense dc-dc converter designed to drive high current LEDs at constant current. Its 3 to 30V input voltage range with transient protection to 40V makes the LT3518 ideal for a wide variety of applications, including automotive, industrial and architectural lighting.

The H-grade version operates with a junction temperature up to 150°C, compared to the E- and I-grade versions’ 125°C maximum junction temperature. All electrical specifications are identical for the E, I and H. The H-grade parts are tested and guaranteed to the maximum junction temperature of 150°C. They are ideal for automotive and industrial applications, which are subjected to high ambient temperatures.

The LT3518 can drive up to eight 300mA white LEDs from a nominal 12V input, making it well suited for applications such as automotive display backlighting. The LT3518 senses output current at the high side of the LED, enabling buck, buck-boost or boost configurations. It can deliver efficiencies up to 90% in boost mode from a 4 x 4mm QFN package. The LT3518 offers True Color PWM™ dimming, delivering constant LED color with dimming ranges of up to 3,000:1. For less demanding dimming requirements, the CNTRL pin can be used to offer 10:1 analog dimming. Its fixed frequency, current-mode architecture ensures stable operation over a wide range of supply and output voltages. A frequency adjust pin enables the user to program the frequency between 250kHz and 2.5MHz to optimize efficiency while minimizing external component size.

The LT3518HUF is available from stock in 16-pin QFN package, priced starting at $3.79 each in 1,000-piece quantities.

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