2A buck LED driver with wide input range
The Maxim Integrated MAX20051AUD/V+T is a DC-DC regulator LED driver built around a step-down (buck) topology, delivering up to 2A per channel from a 4.5V to 65V supply rail. It integrates the switching FET internally, so the external BOM stays compact — just the inductor, sense resistor, and a few passives. The 400kHz fixed switching frequency keeps the magnetics small while staying clear of AM band noise in automotive and industrial lighting panels.
Analog and PWM dimming — two control paths
Dimming is supported through both analog and PWM methods, giving the board designer flexibility. Analog dimming adjusts the LED current linearly via a control voltage, useful for smooth brightness ramps in architectural lighting. PWM dimming switches the output at a duty cycle, preserving color temperature in RGB or tunable-white fixtures. The -40°C to 125°C operating range covers outdoor signage, street lighting, and under-hood automotive applications where the ambient can spike.
Package and thermal management
Housed in a 14-TSSOP package with an exposed pad (14-TSSOP-EP), the part relies on the paddle for heat sinking. The exposed pad must be soldered to a copper plane on the PCB — a via array under the pad pulls heat into the inner layers. Without that thermal path, the 2A output will push the junction above the 125°C limit in continuous operation. The surface-mount footprint is standard for TSSOP-14, so layout reuse across the MAX20051 family is straightforward.
Lifecycle and compliance
The MAX20051AUD/V+T carries an Active product status and is ROHS3 compliant, so there is no last-time-buy pressure for current production. No successor or second-source alternate is recorded in the official cross-reference, so the BOM should be qualified with this exact ordering code. For dual-sourcing or supply resilience, a parametric search against the same 2A, 65V, buck-LED-driver spec is the practical route.