The MAX16832A/MAX16832C from Maxim step-down constant-current high-brightness LED (HB LED) drivers provide a cost-effective design solution for automotive interior/exterior lighting, architectural and ambient lighting, LED bulbs, and other LED illumination applications.

The MAX16832A/MAX16832C operate from a 6.5...65 V input voltage range and can provide an output current up to 700 mA, if operated up to a temperature of +125 °C, or up to 1 A if operated up to a temperature of +105 °C. A high-side current-sense resistor adjusts the output current, and a dedicated pulse-width modulation (PWM) input enables pulsed LED dimming over a wide range of brightness levels.

These devices are well suited for applications requiring a wide input voltage range. The high-side current sensing and an integrated current-setting circuitry minimize the number of external components while delivering an average output current with ±3 % accuracy. A hysteretic control method ensures excellent input supply rejection and fast response during load transients and PWM dimming. The MAX16832A allows 10 % current ripple, and the MAX16832C allows 30 % current ripple. Both devices operate up to a 2 MHz switching frequency, thus allowing the use of small-sized components.

The MAX16832A/MAX16832C offer an analog dimming feature that reduces the output current by applying an external DC voltage below the internal 2 V threshold voltage from TEMP_I to GND. TEMP_I also sources 25 µA to a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor connected between TEMP_I and GND, thus providing an analog thermal-foldback feature that reduces the LED current when the temperature of the LED string exceeds a specified temperature point. Additional features include thermal-shutdown protection.

The MAX16832A/MAX16832C operate over the -40...+125 °C automotive temperature range and are available in a thermally enhanced 8-pin SO package.