Boost LED driver with 1.2 MHz switching and 38 V output ceiling
The Texas Instruments TPS61165DBVR is a DC DC regulator using a step-up (boost) topology, designed to drive LED strings from a low-voltage supply. It integrates a 1.2 A switch and operates at a fixed 1.2 MHz switching frequency, which keeps the external inductor small and the ripple within the EMI budget for automotive backlight applications.
The output can be set from 3 V up to 38 V via external resistor divider, which covers a string of up to ten white LEDs in series (typical forward voltage ~3.2 V each). PWM dimming is supported directly on the control pin, giving the designer a linear brightness range without colour shift — the dimming frequency and duty cycle are set by the host controller, not the regulator.
Temperature grade and automotive suitability
It is not qualified to AEC-Q100, so for under-hood or mission-critical automotive ECUs a fully AEC-qualified boost driver should be selected. The SOT-23-6 package is surface-mount and reflow-compatible with standard lead-free profiles.
Supply range and input headroom
Input supply range is 3 V minimum to 18 V maximum, covering single-cell Li-Ion, 5 V USB, or 12 V automotive rails. The 3 V minimum allows operation from a nearly depleted Li-Ion cell, which is useful for portable backlight or battery-backed display modules.