EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
MAX17129/MAX17149
Low-Cost, 6-String WLED Drivers with
Quick-PWM Step-Up Converter
General Description
Features
● Independently Controlled Dual Paths
The MAX17129/MAX17149 are high-efficiency drivers
for white LEDs. They are designed for small- to medium-
sized LCDs that employ an array of LEDs as the light
source. An internal switch step-up controller with Quick-
PWM™ drives the LED array, which can be configured for
up to 6 strings in parallel and either 11 LEDs (MAX17129)
or 6 LEDs in series (MAX17149) per string. Each string
is terminated with a ballast that achieves ±2% current-
regulation accuracy, ensuring even LED brightness and
provides an adjustable 10mA to 45mA full-scale LED
current. The devices have a wide input voltage range of
6V to 26V. The MAX17129 integrates an LDO to simplify
applications that have a single high-voltage supply. The
devices also feature a low-input-voltage mode for applica-
tions that have a 3V to 5.5V supply voltage.
● 3V to 26V Input Supply Voltage
● Up to Six Parallel Strings of Multiple Series-
Connected LEDs
● Step-Up Regulator with Quick-PWM Control Scheme
● Two-Level Selectable Switching Frequency
● 0.25Ω Internal HV Power MOSFET (48V max)
● Low String Feedback Voltage: 275mV at 20mA LED
Current
● Full-Scale LED Current Adjustable from 10mA to
45mA
● ±2% Current-Regulation Accuracy Between Strings
● Support PWM and Hybrid Dimming Mode
● 100:1 Dimming Ratio
The devices support both PWM and hybrid dimming
mode. In PWM dimming mode, the external PWM signal
directly controls the brightness of LEDs. The dimming fre-
quency ranges from 100Hz to 25kHz with 400ns minimum
on-time. In hybrid dimming mode, the LED current ampli-
tude can be adjusted to 25% of full-scale LED current to
improve system efficiency when brightness is low.
● 100Hz to 25kHz Dimming Frequency for PWM
Dimming Mode
● Open- and Short-LED Protection
● Output-Overvoltage Protection
The devices have multiple features to protect the
controller from fault conditions. Separate voltage-
feedback loops limit the output voltage to safe operation.
The open- and short-LED detection shuts down the faulty
string while keeping other strings operating normally.
● Small 16-Pin, 3mm x 3mm Thin QFN Package
Applications
● Notebook, Subnotebook, and Tablet Computer
Displays
● Handy Terminals
The devices feature cycle-by-cycle current limit on the
internal switch to provide consistent operation and soft-
start capability. If the devices are in current-limit condition,
the step-up converter is latched off after an internal timer
expires. A thermal-shutdown circuit provides another level
of protection and prevents ICs from damage.
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
PIN-PACKAGE
16 Thin QFN-EP*
16 Thin QFN-EP*
The ICs’ step-up controller features an internal 0.25Ω
(typ), 48V (max) power MOSFET with lossless current
sense and accurate cycle-by-cycle current limit. The
Quick-PWM control architecture provides fast load-tran-
sient response without requiring an external loop com-
pensation component, simplifies the external circuitry, and
saves board area. The Quick-PWM control scheme has
constant off-time and adjustable pseudo-fixed frequency,
which enables a wide variety of applications that can trade
off component size for operating frequency. Low feedback
voltage at each LED string (275mV typ at 20mA LED
current) helps reduce power loss and improve efficiency.
MAX17129ETE +
MAX17149ETE+
+Denotes lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*EP = Exposed pad.
Simplified Operating Circuit appears at end of data sheet.
The ICs are available in a 16-pin, thin QFN package with
Quick-PWM is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
0.5mm lead spacing. The package is 3mm x 3mm with
a
maximum thickness of 0.8mm for ultra-thin LCD panel design.
19-5676; Rev 2; 11/14