Bigger, higher resolution displays can be used in automotive infotainment systems, at a reduced cost and smaller size using the LED backlight driver.

It is believed to be the first solution integrating four I²C-controlled, 150mA LED backlight drivers and a four-output TFT LDC bias in a single chip. The IC can reduce design footprint up to one-third compared to the closest competitor’s parts, claims the company.

Instrument clusters are expected to migrate to 12.3-inch displays, which will produce challenges for designers in terms of power management and format size to meet increasingly complex system requirements.

The IC supports larger screen sizes and higher resolution by providing positive analogue supply voltage (PAVVD) and negative analogue supply voltage (NAVDD), both of which are required for low-temperature polysilicon panels (LTPS) that deliver higher resolution and are less expensive than the amorphous silicon panels currently in use. The IC also supports the high currents that next-generation displays require, with 150mA per channel in the four-channel LED driver for eight-inch or larger displays and higher resolutions.

The IC uses 25% of the microcontroller register bits, eliminating the need for a more powerful and more expensive microcontroller in display designs, says the company. It also delivers twice the dimming ratio compared to the closest competitor’s offering, maintaining panel readability during transition to different light conditions. It supports increased resolution through a 10,000:1 pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming ratio at 200Hz.

An I²C interface can identify problems, directing the microcontroller to adjust to conditions or alert the driver of a failure and 2.2MHz switching frequency, spread spectrum and phase-shift capabilities help mitigate EMI and emissions.

The IC operates over the -40 to 150°C ambient temperature range and is available in a 6.0 x 6.0mm TQFN package.

An evaluation kit, the MAX20069EVKIT# is also available.