Matrix lighting with adaptive driving beam

Designers of high-performance automotive matrix lighting and adaptive driving beam light-emitting diode (LED) applications can now migrate to higher current devices while reducing solution size and improving flexibility with the MAX20092 12-switch matrix manager from Maxim Integrated Products.

The IC minimizes thermal issues associated with LED matrix lighting applications by offering the industry’s lowest internal switch resistance (RDS_ON), which is 65% lower than the closest competitive solution.

Safety and brand differentiation are two of the leading factors driving greater adoption of LEDs in automotive front-lighting platforms, which are growing at 30% per year, according to Strategy Analytics. As part of their distinctive brand identities, OEMs are designing in advanced safety features such as glare-free high beams along with LED and matrix lighting. However, LED lighting designers are challenged with increasing power, thermal and design complexities.

The MAX20092 provides flexible current management for matrix and pixel lighting. Twelve integrated switches control LEDs in string voltages up to 56V, saving design time and reducing complexity. Its has an integrated MOSFET on resistance (RDS_ON) of 70mOhm, comfortably driving LED currents up to 1.5A. Maxim’s 12-switch LED matrix manager is offered in a small five by five millimeter TQFN package.

Additionally, Maxim today introduced MAX20096 and MAX20097 dual-channel, synchronous buck high-brightness LED controllers to work with the MAX20092, helping designers improve transient response times in LED lighting. The MAX20096 and MAX20097 deliver ultra-fast transient response with near-fixed frequency with Maxim’s proprietary average current mode control scheme, minimizing EMI and enabling a reliable, high-performing design.

Key advantages of MAX20092

• Integration: Reduces bill of materials (BOM) costs while saving space. Manages one to two LEDs per switch with 12-bit pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming. Provides built-in logarithmic fade-in/fade-out capability that simplifies LED programmability and reduces taxation on system bus lines.
• High Performance and Safety: Low RDS_ON of 70mOhm safely enables LED current of up to 1.5A. Features advanced fault protection and management for open, short and open-trace LED detection.
• Flexibility: Can parallel up to 27 MAX20092 devices without daisy-chaining to manage large LED pixel count of up to 324 LEDs; allows designers to configure one string x 12 series switches, two strings x 6 series switches, and four strings x 3 series switches from each IC.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Mitigation: Slew-rate control reduces EMI and noise.

“Although matrix LED headlights enhance safety, they were once exclusively for the premium auto sector, due to their complexity and high cost,” said Kevin Mak, Senior Analyst for the Automotive Practice of Strategy Analytics. “Technology developments that enhance LED efficiency and performance will drive their greater adoption into automotive platforms. Maxim’s MAX20092 is one of the solutions that aligns with greater adoption trends for LED lighting in automotive applications.”

Yin Wu, business manager for the Automotive Business Unit at Maxim Integrated, added: “Maxim designed the MAX20092 to help developers who want to utilize more LEDs in their designs and reduce the BOM cost and solution space. The safety and OEM branding value that LEDs present are compelling, and we enable their adoption in greater numbers through higher flexibility and reliability.”

The MAX20092 is available at Maxim’s website for $2.93 (1000-up, FOB USA).