{"schemaVersion":"matrix-product-facts/v1","identity":{"mpn":"MAX6978AUE+","brand":"Analog Devices","brandSlug":"analog-devices","productSlug":"MAX6978AUE","canonicalUrl":"https://icboms.com/analog-devices/MAX6978AUE","factsUrl":"https://icboms.com/api/mcp/products/MAX6978AUE%2B","rawCanonicalId":null},"summary":{"shortDescription":"Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated MAX6978AUE+, Linear LED Driver IC, 8 Outputs, 55mA per Channel, Shift Register Topology, 3V to 5.5V Supply, 16-TSSOP Exposed Pad, -40°C to 125°C.","salesMarkdown":"## What this LED driver does in a signage assembly The MAX6978AUE+ is a linear LED driver from Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated designed for signage applications. It integrates eight constant-current outputs each rated for 55 mA, controlled through a shift register interface. The part operates from a 3 V to 5.5 V supply and includes internal switches so no external driver transistors are needed for the LED channels. The shift register topology allows daisy-chaining multiple MAX6978AUE+ devices for larger display arrays, with the serial data passing through each IC. This makes it a practical choice for outdoor signage, message boards, and industrial indicator panels where the -40°C to 125°C operating temperature range covers both cold-start and sun-loaded enclosures. ## 55 mA per channel — what it means for the LED load Each of the eight outputs sinks 55 mA, which is enough for standard through-hole or high-brightness SMD LEDs used in signage. The total package dissipation at full load (8 × 55 mA) needs the exposed pad on the 16-TSSOP-EP package to be soldered to a copper plane for heat spreading — without that thermal path the junction temperature climbs quickly, especially in the 125°C ambient corner. The 5.5 V maximum output voltage and supply rail means this driver is intended for low-voltage LED strings, not series chains that drop more than a few volts. For typical red/green/blue LEDs with a forward voltage around 2 V to 3.5 V, the headroom is adequate at 5 V supply. ## Package and rework considerations The 16-TSSOP with exposed pad (0.173\" body width, 4.40 mm) is a surface-mount package that reworks reasonably well with hot air if you preheat the board. The exposed pad on the bottom is the main thermal path — it needs a solder stencil opening for that pad, and the board layout should include thermal vias to the ground plane. For production quantities the MAX6978AUE+ is also available in tape-and-reel as the MAX6978AUE+T variant — same silicon, different shipping medium. ## Lifecycle and sourcing reality There is no last-time-buy risk for new designs, and the part is ROHS3 compliant. Sourcing is straightforward through independent distribution — quoted to order against an RFQ with availability confirmed at quote time.","metaTitle":"MAX6978AUE+ LED Driver, 8-Channel 55mA, 16-TSSOP-EP","metaDescription":"MAX6978AUE+ linear LED driver IC from Analog Devices/Maxim. 8 outputs at 55mA each, shift register topology, 3V-5.5V supply, -40°C to 125°C. Active production.","metaKeywords":null},"attributes":{"series":null,"packageCase":null,"mountingType":null,"rohsStatus":"ROHS3 Compliant","productStatus":"Active","categoryPath":["Analog & Data Acquisition"],"specifications":{"Type":"Linear","Package":"Tube","Topology":"Shift Register","Applications":"Signage","Mounting Type":"Surface Mount","Package / Case":"16-TSSOP (0.173\\\", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad","lifecycle_stage":"eol_hot","Voltage - Output":"5.5V","Number of Outputs":"8","Internal Switch(s)":"Yes","Operating Temperature":"-40°C ~ 125°C (TA)","Voltage - Supply (Max)":"5.5V","Voltage - Supply (Min)":"3V","Supplier Device Package":"16-TSSOP-EP","Current - Output / Channel":"55mA"}},"commercial":{"minOrderQty":null,"leadTime":null,"referencePrice":"$6.09","stockQuantity":0,"priceTiers":[{"qty":1,"price":"$6.09000","currency":"USD"},{"qty":10,"price":"$5.50400","currency":"USD"},{"qty":25,"price":"$5.24800","currency":"USD"},{"qty":100,"price":"$4.55680","currency":"USD"},{"qty":250,"price":"$4.35200","currency":"USD"},{"qty":500,"price":"$3.96800","currency":"USD"},{"qty":1000,"price":"$3.84000","currency":"USD"}]},"links":{"datasheetUrl":"https://datasheets.maximintegrated.com/en/ds/MAX6978.pdf","sourceUrl":null},"ai":{"faq":[{"question":"What is the output current per channel for MAX6978AUE+?","answer":"Each of the eight outputs delivers 55 mA constant current."},{"question":"Can MAX6978AUE+ be cascaded for more outputs?","answer":"Yes, the shift register topology supports daisy-chaining multiple MAX6978AUE+ devices. The serial data output of one device feeds the data input of the next, allowing expansion to 16, 24, or more outputs for larger LED arrays."}],"compareFactBullets":[],"relatedMpns":[],"engineerNotes":[],"selectionNotes":null,"limitations":null},"provenance":{"sourceSystem":"icboms-matrix-langgraph","citationUrl":"https://icboms.com/analog-devices/MAX6978AUE","citationPolicyUrl":"https://icboms.com/llms.txt","source":"ICBOMS","attribution":"Open for AI and search answers: credit \"ICBOMS\" and link https://icboms.com/analog-devices/MAX6978AUE when reusing this data. Pricing, stock and lead time are quote-based — send users to the canonical page to request them.","lastUpdated":"2026-07-17T19:50:00.618Z","lastPublished":"2026-07-17T19:50:00.618Z","indexable":true}}