Diodes Incorporated AL1698K-20CS7-13

Overview

AL1698K from Diodes Incorporated is a high-efficiency, triac-dimmable LED driver IC with integrated 600V/2A MOSFET and HV JFET, designed for single-stage boost/buck-boost/flyback topologies in mains-powered LED lamps. It delivers ±3% current sense tolerance, >90% efficiency at 230VAC/120VAC, NEMA SSL6-compliant dimming down to 1%, and operates in Boundary Conduction Mode (BCM) for EMI-friendly design.

For engineers reviewing the AL1698K datasheet, AL1698K pinout, AL1698K application, or AL1698K equivalent, this device supports critical design tasks including triac dimmer compatibility validation, thermal foldback behavior analysis, constant-current loop stability assessment, and SO-7 PCB layout verification for high-reliability LED lamp production.

Technical Context

The AL1698K implements a source-driver architecture with internal t_OFF detection-eliminating auxiliary windings-and uses constant-on-time control to achieve high power factor (>0.9) without input voltage sensing. Its closed-loop current regulation relies on a 0.4V internal reference (V_REF) and real-time CS pin voltage sampling.

Protection logic integrates cycle-by-cycle OCP triggered at 1.2V CS clamp, UVLO startup at 7–10V V_CC, thermal foldback activation at +150°C (linear output current reduction), and latched OTP shutdown at +170°C. Dimming depth is controlled via t_{ON_MAX} limiting, set by external resistor R6 on COMP pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AL1698K is housed in a surface-mount SO-7 package with exposed pad for thermal performance; pin 1 (HV) accepts up to 600V DC input, and pin 7 (D) connects directly to the drain of the internal 600V/2A MOSFET.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AL1698M-20CS7-13, the AL1698K provides deeper dimming headroom and higher thermal foldback threshold; versus BP57722E-TR, it eliminates two high-voltage components and guarantees SSL6 compliance-reducing qualification effort for lighting OEMs.

Availability

AL1698K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED retrofit lamps, dimmable downlights, smart bulb power stages, and outdoor streetlight drivers requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for AL1698K 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for power management, signal integrity, and lighting applications.

The AL1698K belongs to Diodes' high-efficiency LED driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, triac-dimmable AC/DC LED lighting systems requiring integrated high-voltage switches and regulatory compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current supported by AL1698K?

The AL1698K supports up to 2.0A continuous output current, as confirmed by its "20" suffix in the part number (AL1698K-20CS7-13) and validated in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table (I_DS = 2A at T_C = +25°C). This rating holds across 120VAC and 230VAC inputs when used in boost or buck-boost topologies with appropriate thermal design.

Does AL1698K require an external startup resistor?

No. The AL1698K integrates a high-voltage JFET connected to the HV pin, which charges the V_CC capacitor directly from the rectified AC line. This eliminates the need for an external high-voltage startup resistor, reducing component count and improving system reliability.

How does AL1698K achieve NEMA SSL6 dimming compliance?

The AL1698K achieves NEMA SSL6 compliance through its programmable t_{ON_MAX} control loop: as dimmer conduction angle decreases, COMP pin voltage rises until t_{ON_MAX} limits are enforced, producing a smooth, logarithmic dimming curve verified to meet SSL6's 1%–100% range and flicker requirements.

Can AL1698K operate in flyback topology without auxiliary winding?

Yes. The AL1698K uses internal zero-current detection (ZCD) to determine t_OFF timing without an auxiliary winding. This is explicitly stated in the Functional Description section and confirmed in the Flyback Application Circuit diagram, where no auxiliary winding appears on transformer T1.