19-0886; Rev 0; 8/07
High-Voltage, ±±15V EꢀD-ꢁrotected
Electroluminescent Lamp Driver
MAX490E
General Description
Features
♦ ESD-Protected EL Lamp Outputs
The MAX4990E high-voltage DC-AC converter is ideal
for driving electroluminescent (EL) lamps. The
MAX4990E features a wide +2.4V to +5.5V input range
that allows the device to accept a wide variety of
voltage sources such as single-cell lithium-ion (Li+)
batteries and higher voltage battery chargers. The lamp
outputs of the device generate up to 250V peak-to-
peak output voltage for maximum lamp brightness.
15kV Human Body Model
4kV IEC 61000-4-2 Contact Discharge
15kV IEC 61000-4-2 Air-Gap Discharge
♦ 250V
(MAX) Output for Highest Brightness
P-P
♦ Wide +2.4V to +5.5V Input Voltage Range
♦ Resistor-Adjustable Slew-Rate Control for
Audible Noise Reduction
The MAX4990E utilizes an inductor-based boost con-
verter to generate the high voltage necessary to drive
an EL lamp. The boost-converter switching frequency is
set with the combination of an external capacitor con-
nected from SW to GND and an external resistor con-
nected from SLEW to GND.
♦ Externally Driven Lamp and Switching Converter
Frequencies
♦ Capacitor-Adjustable Lamp and Switching
Converter Frequencies
♦ Low 100nA Shutdown Current
♦ DIM Input for Controlling Output Voltage Through
The MAX4990E uses a high-voltage full-bridge output
stage to convert the high voltage generated by the
boost converter to an AC waveform suitable for driving
the EL panel. The EL output switching frequency is set
with the combination of an external capacitor connect-
ed from EL to GND and an external resistor connected
from SLEW to GND.
DC Analog Voltage, PWM, or Resistor to GND
♦ Capacitor Adjustable for Slow Turn-On/-Off
♦ Space-Saving Packages
14-Pin, 3mm x 3mm TDFN
Applications
Keypad Backlighting
MP3 Players
PDAs/Smartphones
The MAX4990E uses a proprietary acoustic noise-
reduction circuit that controls the slew rate of the AC
voltage, reducing audible noise from the EL panel. The
slew rate is set with an external resistor connected from
SLEW to GND.
Automotive Instrument
Clusters
LCD Backlighting
ꢁin Configuration
The MAX4990E features an EL lamp dimming control
(DIM) that allows the user to set the EL output voltage
with a PWM signal, a DC analog voltage, or a resistor
connected from the DIM input to GND. A capacitor
placed in parallel to the resistor on DIM allows the user
to program a slow turn-on/-off time that generates a soft
fade-on/fade-off effect of the EL lamp.
TOP VIEW
14 13 12 11 10
9
8
MAX4990E
The MAX4990E enters a low-power shutdown mode
(100nA max) when the EN and DIM inputs are connect-
ed to GND. The MAX4990E also enters thermal shut-
down if the die temperature rises above +158°C.
*EP
+
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The MAX4990E is available in a space-saving, 14-pin,
3mm x 3mm TDFN package and is specified over the
extended -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range.
TDFN-EP
*EP = EXPOSED PAD. CONNECT EP TO GND OR LEAVE UNCONNECTED.
Typical Application Circuits appear at end of data sheet.
Ordering Information
TOP
MARK
PKG
CODE
1ꢀ5k
PROTECTION
SLEW-RATE
CONTROL
PART
PIN-PACKAGE
DIM CONTROL
MAX4990ETD+
14 TDFN-EP (3mm x 3mm)
ADL
T1433-2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Note: The device operates over the -40°C to +85°C operating
temperature range.
+Denotes a lead-free package.
EP = Exposed paddle.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.