Maxim Releases Dual ESD-Protected Electroluminescent Lamp Driver

Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX14514, a ±15kV ESD-protected, dc-ac converter designed for driving two electroluminescent (EL) lamps. This EL lamp driver utilizes an inductor-based boost converter to generate a high 300Vp-p (max) voltage for maximum EL lamp brightness. A high-voltage, full-bridge output converts this high voltage to the ac waveform required to drive an EL lamp.

To maximize design flexibility, the MAX14514 provides capacitor-adjustable switching frequencies, resistor-adjustable slew-rate control for audible-noise reduction, and multiple options for controlling the output voltage. This device is well suited for MP3 players, PDAs, smartphones, automotive instrument clusters, and other applications that require bright, efficient, even backlighting. The MAX14514 enables aesthetic effects by featuring dimming/enable controls for each output to slowly turn on/off each lamp; the output voltage slowly ramps when the output is enabled or disabled.

Featuring a wide +2.7 to +5.5V supply-voltage range, the MAX14514 accepts a variety of voltage sources, such as lithium-ion (Li+) batteries and battery chargers. Fully specified over the -40 to +85°C extended temperature range, the MAX14514 is available in a tiny, 3 x 3mm, 14-pin TDFN package.

Prices start at $1.03 (1000-up, FOB USA).