18 channels at 50 mA — dimming and topology decide the fit
The LP5868RKPR: This is an 18-output constant-current linear LED driver, each channel sourcing up to 50 mA. The linear topology means no inductor or switching noise — the pass element drops the excess voltage as heat, so the thermal design at the PCB level is the real current limiter, not the silicon. Both analog and PWM dimming are supported on-chip. Analog dimming sets the DC current level per channel; PWM dimming modulates the on-time for finer grayscale control. A design that needs smooth brightness steps without colour shift will use the PWM path, while a simple constant-brightness backlight can run analog-only and save a PWM timer on the host MCU. No secondary regulator is needed when the driver shares a rail with the system MCU or FPGA bank.
Industrial temperature grade and package thermal rules
Without that thermal path, the 50 mA per channel derates early — the package itself is the heatsink.
Surface-mount assembly and supply posture
Cut Tape works for prototype or low-volume builds. Mounting is surface-mount only; no through-hole variant exists. Sourced through independent distribution channels.