Allegro MicroSystems A6262KLPTR-T

Overview

A6262KLPTR-T from Allegro MicroSystems is a quad-channel, linear LED current regulator IC designed for automotive interior lighting. It delivers up to 100 mA per channel (400 mA total), with ±4% current accuracy, 5% current matching between channels, and operates from 6–50 V supply - enabling direct use on 12 V automotive power nets driving 1–3 LEDs per string. Its primary circuit role is high-side constant-current source for LED anodes in dome, map, and mood lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the A6262KLPTR-T datasheet, A6262KLPTR-T pinout, A6262KLPTR-T application, or A6262KLPTR-T equivalent, key selection considerations include thermal foldback behavior (adjustable via THTH pin), short-to-ground protection per output, PWM-compatible enable input, debounced switch toggle control, and 16-pin TSSOP package with exposed thermal pad for junction-to-pad thermal resistance of 2°C/W.

Technical Context

The A6262KLPTR-T implements four independent linear current regulators with matched reference architecture, where each LAx output sources current from VIN to LED anodes using a shared 1.2 V internal reference and external RREF resistor. Regulation relies on voltage-controlled current mirroring with slew-rate limiting during PWM transitions.

It integrates dual-layer protection: per-output short-to-ground detection (1.2–1.8 V threshold) that disables only the affected channel, and adjustable thermal monitoring (95–130°C activation range via THTH pin) that reduces output current at 2.5%/°C until reaching 25% of full scale, followed by full overtemperature shutdown at 170°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-pin TSSOP (4.4 × 5 mm) with exposed thermal pad (suffix LP); RoHS-compliant, 100% matte tin leadframe; R_θJA = 34°C/W on 4-layer JEDEC PCB.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with AL8863-7DT-13 and TPS92692QPWPRQ1, the A6262KLPTR-T offers plug-and-play linear regulation with zero external power components, deterministic thermal foldback, and guaranteed current matching - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-limited automotive interior lighting where supply stays below 24 V and efficiency >80% is acceptable.

Availability

A6262KLPTR-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive dome lighting, map lighting, and mood lighting applications requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and production-ready thermal management.

Supply support for A6262KLPTR-T includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Allegro MicroSystems is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in magnetic sensing, power ICs, and precision motion control solutions for automotive and industrial markets.

The A6262 product line is engineered specifically for automotive interior LED lighting, emphasizing robustness against voltage transients, precise current matching, and integrated thermal safety - targeting applications where reliability, simplicity, and AEC-Q100 conformance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous LED current per channel for the A6262KLPTR-T?

The A6262KLPTR-T supports up to 100 mA per channel (LA1–LA4) under specified thermal conditions. This is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table (ILAx = –95 to –105 mA typical at IREF = 8 mA). The absolute maximum output current is –110 mA, but sustained operation above 100 mA requires careful thermal design due to power dissipation limits. The A6262KLPTR-T's 16-pin TSSOP package with exposed pad enables this rating when mounted on a 4-layer PCB with adequate copper area.

How does the thermal foldback function work on the A6262KLPTR-T?

The A6262KLPTR-T reduces LED current linearly at 2.5%/°C once junction temperature exceeds the thermal monitor activation temperature (TJM), which defaults to 115°C but is adjustable via the THTH pin. Current drops to 25% of full scale at TJL (135°C typical), then full shutdown occurs at 170°C. This behavior is implemented entirely within the A6262KLPTR-T - no external circuitry is needed. The exposed thermal pad must be properly soldered to realize the specified R_θJP = 2°C/W for predictable foldback timing.

Can the A6262KLPTR-T drive more than three LEDs in series per string?

No - the A6262KLPTR-T is optimized for 1–3 LEDs per string. Driving more than three LEDs risks exceeding the minimum dropout voltage (660–800 mV) under low-supply or high-temperature conditions. For example, at 12 V supply and 3 × 3.2 V white LEDs (9.6 V total V_F), the regulator drop is only 2.4 V - well above V_DO. But with 4 × 3.2 V (12.8 V), even a 13.5 V supply leaves only 0.7 V margin, below the guaranteed 0.66 V minimum. The A6262KLPTR-T datasheet explicitly states "optimum performance is achieved driving 1 to 3 LEDs in each string."

What happens if a short-to-ground occurs on one LAx output of the A6262KLPTR-T?

When a short-to-ground is detected on any LAx pin (voltage falling below 1.2–1.8 V), the A6262KLPTR-T disables only that specific output while maintaining regulation on the remaining three channels. A small monitoring current (~0.5–2 mA) continues to flow from the disabled LAx pin to detect short removal. Once the LAx voltage rises above 1.9 V, the regulator automatically resumes full 100 mA current. This per-channel fault isolation prevents single-wire shorts from disabling the entire lighting system - a critical safety feature validated in AEC-Q100 testing.

Is the A6262KLPTR-T compatible with PWM dimming, and how is it implemented?

Yes - the A6262KLPTR-T supports PWM dimming via its dedicated EN pin (Pin 13), which provides direct, slew-rate-limited control of all four outputs. When EN is high, outputs are enabled; when low, all outputs shut down. The internal current slew limiter ensures 50–110 µs rise/fall times, eliminating EMI and visible flicker. Unlike software-based PWM, this hardware method requires no microcontroller intervention and maintains precise current accuracy across duty cycles. The A6262KLPTR-T's EN pin also features 150–350 mV hysteresis to reject noise.