Semtech Takes LED Driver Platform Offering to New Level with Its First 10-Channel Device in Ultra-Small, Low-Profile 4x4x0.6mm Package
Source/Type:  LIGHTimes Online - Press Releases - As issued by company

August 3, 2010... SC442 Boost Device Drives up to 120 White LEDs for Large Panels and Ultra-Bright Displays

Camarillo, California USA--Semtech Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced the SC442, its first 10-channel white LED driver with an integrated 3A boost power switch. The device is capable of driving up to 120 LEDs at up to 30mA per channel and is packaged in an ultra-small, low-profile 4x4x0.6mm, 28-pin MLPQ package. The high-density package, small external filter components, wide operating voltage range and high efficiency satisfy space constrained LED backlights serving LCD monitors and LCD-TVs. The high density LED driver is also ideal for ultra-bright displays exceeding 500Nits which serve medical, industrial, avionics and navigation markets, as well as digital signage applications.

“LCD system designers are seeking the largest, brightest viewing area with the smallest possible impact on chassis size and system heat”
The device extends Semtech’s popular SC44x LED driver platform to address large LCD backlighting applications. The SC442 operates across a wide input voltage range of 4.5V to 21V for use with lithium ion battery packs or regulated 5V, 12V or 18V power supplies. The SC442 is capable of up to 42V output for driving up to 12 white LEDs per channel. The device is compatible with boost (step-up), or SEPIC (step-up/down) topologies. It also transitions seamlessly to bypass (or linear) mode; when the input voltage is greater than the output voltage. The synchronization feature eliminates inter-modulation noise found in backlight systems utilizing multiple driver ICs – such as those found in large LED backlit LCD-TVs. Other features include over-temperature, overload, open and programmable short LED protection.

“LCD system designers are seeking the largest, brightest viewing area with the smallest possible impact on chassis size and system heat,” said Steve Hawley, Semtech Product Marketing Manager for LED Lighting and Displays. “The SC442 provides significant illumination, low losses and a small solution size for next generation, large format and high brightness LCD displays.”

Up to 50kHz PWM dimming eliminates audio noise problems. The optimum LED output voltage is maintained dynamically by the internal DC-DC current mode controller. Channels can also be independently disabled for smaller panel designs. Open LED and programmable shorted LED protection as well as over-temperature are provided. The controller switching frequency is programmed from 200kHz to 1MHz to optimize efficiency and L/C filter sizing.

The SC442 LED driver is packaged in an MLPQ-UT 28-pin package with exposed thermal pad for excellent heat sinking. The SC442 is Pb-free, halogen-free and fully RoHS compliant.

Key Features of the SC442

Wide VIN Range: 4.5V to 21V
High VOUT Range: up to 42V
10-channel LED Driver
Up to 30mA per Channel
Drives up to 120 White LEDs
Fully Integrated with Internal 3A Power Switch
Efficiency up to 91%
±1% LED Current Matching
Ultra-thin 4x4x0.6mm, 28-pin MLPQ Package
The SC442 joins Semtech’s existing platform of LED backlight drivers, including the 6-channel SC440A, 4-channel SC441A/C and 3-channel SC443 devices.

Applications

HDTV: LCD Display & Backlight

Notebook PC: LCD Display & Backlight

Pricing and Availability

The SC442 is available immediately in production quantities and is priced at $3.10 each in 3,000-piece lots. The ordering code is SC442ULTRT. Evaluation boards (SC442EVB) are also available. Semtech offers comprehensive design assistance, including field- and factory-based support. Data sheets, volume pricing, and delivery quotes, as well as evaluation kits and samples, are available at http://www.semtech.com/info.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for high-end consumer, computing, communications and industrial equipment. Products are designed to benefit the engineering community as well as the global community. The company is dedicated to reducing the impact it, and its products, have on the environment. Internal green programs seek to reduce waste through material and manufacturing control, use of green technology and designing for resource reduction. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, visit http://www.semtech.com.

Semtech and the Semtech logo are registered marks of Semtech Corporation.

Contacts
Semtech Corporation
Pauline Cadena, 805-389-2755

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