A new 16/24 channel driver IC for automotive LED applications

     NOVOSENSE Microelectronics has presented a new 16/24 channel driver IC for automotive LED applications at PCIM Europe 2024. The compact and highly integrated NSL21916/24 is an automotive standards-compliant device that offers a variety of driving options in up to 16/24 channels, with flexible dimming and control features.

     The device was developed to meet the need for high channel count linear LED drivers in emerging automotive lighting systems to meet functional, safety and aesthetic design requirements. Target applications include taillights, exterior lights and general automotive interior and body lighting.

     "Leds have become the foundation of automotive lighting systems as Oems look to create systems that offer high brightness, advanced features and diverse customization and aesthetic options," said Yang WANG, product line marketing director at NOVOSENSE. "The latest complex and dynamic lighting solutions require high-performance multichannel LED drivers, and the highly integrated NSL21916/24 has been developed to meet this demand, while providing flexible LED control and minimizing the need for additional components."

     The device complies with AEC-Q100 Class 1 (Tj range -40 ° C to 150 ° C) and supports individual control with high side currents up to 100mA per channel. The 2-bit global and 6-bit individual current Settings combine 12-bit independent PWM dimming and phase-shift PWM dimming to provide precise and flexible LED brightness control. The onboard programmable EEPROM can be configured with the same device for different applications, while the built-in UART/ digital interface supports a variety of control and diagnostic functions. The addition of the standard CAN physical layer enables the interface to be used for long-distance, off-board communication without any impact on EMC.

     The device is packaged in HTSSOP38 with a maximum voltage reduction of only 600mV. (@50mA), and provides multiple regulation of LED open circuit, LED short circuit and single LED short circuit diagnosis. When the connection to the host microcontroller is lost, a configurable watchdog timer can be used to automatically configure a fail-safe state, and a patented heat sharing mechanism dissipates heat through shunt resistors, preventing excessive temperature increases.