What the boost topology and external switch mean for your backlight design
The MAX1698EUB+T is a DC-DC boost controller from Analog Devices, purpose-built for driving LED backlight strings in displays. Because the part uses an external switch, the power FET and inductor are selected by the designer to match the LED string current and the switching frequency. This gives flexibility in efficiency and component cost, but it also means the BOM includes a MOSFET, a diode, and a current-sense resistor — the controller itself is just the brains.
Package, temperature, and board-fit considerations
The junction temperature margin depends on the external FET's switching losses and the board's copper pour; a thermal via under the exposed pad (if present on the 10-uMAX) helps keep the controller cool.