RangeMAXTM
LX1686
DI G I TA L DI M M I N G CCFL CO N T R O L L E R IC
T H E I N F I N I T E P O W E R O F I N N O V A T I O N
P R E L I M I N A R Y D A T A S H E E T
DESCRIPTION
KEY FEATURES
■ RangeMAXTM Wide Range Dimming (>100:1)
■ Synchronizable To Display Video Frequency
■ High Voltage Feedback Loop Directly
Controls Maximum Open Lamp And
Minimum Strike Voltages
■ Transformer Protected From Over-Heating
During Lamp Striking
■ Micro-Amp Sleep Mode
■ User-Programmable Fixed Frequency
Operation
■ Under-Voltage Lockout Feature With Power-
Up Reset
■ Built-In Soft-Start Feature
■ Operates With 3.3V or 5V Power Supplies
■ 100mA Output Drive Capability
The LX1686 Backlight Controller IC
provides all the control functions needed
to implement Linfinity’s direct drive in-
verters used to operate cold cathode fluo-
rescent lamps (CCFL’s). This IC can be
used to control single or multiple-lamp
configurations. CCFL’s are used for back
or edge lighting of liquid crystal flat panel
displays (LCD’s) and typically find appli-
cation in notebook computers, web
browsers, automotive and industrial in-
strumentation, and entertainment sys-
tems.
The LX1686 includes a PWM con-
trolled lamp current burst circuit that
can provide a >100:1 dimming range from
a simple zero to 2.5V potentiometer in-
put. The PWM dimming burst rate is
easily synchronized to the LCD panel’s
frame rate to prevent interference from
optical beat frequencies.
Safety and reliability features in-
clude a new dual feedback contol loop
that permits regulation of maximum lamp
strike voltage as well as lamp current.
Regulating maximum lamp voltage per-
mits the designer to provide for ample
worst case lamp strike voltage while at
the same time conservatively limit maxi-
mum open circuit voltage.
An innovative new strike voltage
generation techniqueenables the mod-
ule designer to optimize high voltage
transformer design for maximum oper-
ating efficiency with no power dissipat-
ing overhead to guarantee strike capa-
bility.
Direct drive topology is a non-reso-
nant, oscillator-controlled PWM regu-
lation method. The LX1686 allows a
wide choice of fixed operating frequen-
cies to match lamp current frequency to
the lamp’s most efficient operating point,
and to minimize high frequency interfer-
ence.
APPLICATIONS
■ Notebooks
■ Instrumentation Displays
■ Desktop Computer Monitors
■ Low Ambient Light Displays (used in
Aircraft, Automobiles, and Hand-held
Equipment)
BENEFITS
■ Extemely High Efficiency From 3.3V or 5V
Power Supplies
■ Lower Cost Than Conventional Buck / Royer
Inverter Topologies
■ Improved Lamp Strike Capability
■ Improved Over-Voltage Control
NOTE: For current data & package dimensions, visit our web site: http://www.linfinity.com.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
RANGEMAX VS. ANALOG DIMMING
Light emitted by a CCFL is proportional to the current
flowing through it. There are two ways to control the
current: by adjusting the amplitude of a continuous AC
current; or, as with RangeMAX technology, by varying
the amount of time a burst of full current is present.
RangeMAX technology frees the backlight inverter
module designer to operate in a lower brightness and
lower power consumption mode than is possible with
conventional amplitude control methods.
5
4
3
2
1
Standard Analog
Dimming Inverter
LinFinity's
RangeMAX
0
30
45
60
75
90
105
Light Output (Nits)
PACKAGE ORDER INFO
Plastic TSSOP
24-pin
TA (°C)
PW
0 to 85
LX1686CPW
Note: All surface-mount packages are available in Tape & Reel.
Append the letter "T" to part number. (i.e. LX1686CPWT)
L I N F I N I T Y M I C R O E L E C T R O N I C S I N C .
11861 WESTERN AVENUE, GARDEN GROVE, CA. 92841, 714-898-8121, FAX: 714-893-2570
Copyright © 2000
Rev. 0.4 1/00
1