EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
Highest Efficiency Supply
for 2 to 6 Series WLEDs in a
2mm x 2mm TDFN Package
MAX8901A/MAX8901B
General Description
Benefits and Features
The MAX8901A/MAX8901B step-up converters drive
from two to six series-connected white LEDs (WLEDs)
with constant current to provide uniform WLED intensity
for LCD backlighting in cell phones, PDAs, and other
handheld devices. The MAX8901_ operate at a fixed
750kHz (typ) switching frequency, allowing for tiny exter-
nal components, and are optimized for the highest possi-
ble efficiency over the full 1-cell Li+/Li-Poly battery range.
• Cost-Effective and Flexible Solution for Wide Range of
Backlighting Applications
• Supplies from 2 to 6 WLEDs with 1.3% LED Current
Accuracy
• 2.6V to 5.5V Input Voltage Range
• Fixed-Frequency Operation
• Flexible Dimming Control
• Direct PWM Dimming (MAX8901A)
• 32-Step, Single-Wire Serial Dimming (MAX8901B)
These converters use a single input (ON) to enable the
IC and to control WLED intensity. The MAX8901A
requires a direct PWM input to regulate WLED intensity
with the WLED current proportional to the PWM duty
cycle. The MAX8901B uses single-wire, serial-pulse
dimming that reduces the WLED intensity in 32 linear
steps. Full-scale WLED current for serial-pulse
dimming is 24.75mA (MAX8901B, 0.75mA/step).
• Protection Features Improve System Reliability
• WLED Overvoltage Protection (25V typ)
• Internal Soft-Start and Thermal Shutdown
• Input Undervoltage Lockout
• Input Overvoltage Lockout
• High Efficiency Extends Battery Life
• Up to 91% Efficiency
The MAX8901_ feature an internal soft-start to eliminate
inrush currents during startup, input overvoltage
protection, WLED overvoltage protection, and a shut-
down mode with 0.01µA (typ) shutdown current. No
WLED current is present in shutdown provided the
WLED forward voltage is greater than the input supply
voltage. Additional features include undervoltage lock-
out (UVLO) and thermal shutdown.
• 0.01µA (typ) Shutdown Current
• No WLED Current in Shutdown
• 8-Pin, 2mm x 2mm TDFN Package Saves Space
Ordering Information
PART
PIN-PACKAGE
TOP MARK
The MAX8901_ are available in tiny 8-pin, 2mm x 2mm
TDFN-EP packages (0.8mm max height).
8 TDFN-EP*
2mm x 2mm
MAX8901AETA+T
+ABA
8 TDFN-EP*
2mm x 2mm
Applications
MAX8901BETA+T
+ABB
Display Backlight (from 2 to 6 WLEDs)
Cellular Phones
Note: All devices are specified over the -40°C to +85°C operating
temperature range.
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
PDAs and Smartphones
MP3 and Portable Media Players
Portable Navigation Devices
Digital Cameras
*EP = Exposed pad.
T = Tape and reel.
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
Typical Operating Circuits
INPUT
INPUT
2.6V TO 5.5V
2.6V TO 5.5V
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
UP TO 25V
UP TO 25V
3
3
4
1
5
4
1
5
LX
LX
IN
IN
MAX8901A
MAX8901B
7
6
7
6
COMP
GND
OVP
OVP
COMP
GND
SERIAL-PULSE
DIMMING
CONTROL
PGND
PWM DIMMING
CONTROL
PGND
CS
2
2
8
8
ON
ON
CS
EP
EP
19-0865; Rev 4; 5/15