Automotive-grade LED driver with wide input range
The Maxim Integrated MAX16838ATP+ is a 2-channel DC-DC regulator LED driver designed for automotive and backlight applications. It integrates internal switches and supports SEPIC, step-down (buck), and step-up (boost) topologies, giving the board designer flexibility to drive LED strings from a 4.55V to 40V supply rail. Each channel delivers up to 150 mA, and dimming is controlled via PWM.
Switching frequency and topology selection
The SEPIC topology is particularly useful when the input voltage can be above or below the LED forward voltage — common in automotive cold-crank and load-dump scenarios. The buck and boost modes cover the more straightforward step-down or step-up cases.
Housed in a 20-WFQFN with exposed pad (20-TQFN, 4x4 mm), the MAX16838ATP+ requires a thermal via array under the pad to keep the junction within the -40°C to 125°C range at full load. Surface-mount assembly per standard QFN guidelines applies.
The part is ROHS3 compliant.