Diodes Incorporated AL1794AFE-13

Overview

AL1794AFE-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a quad-channel, ratio-optimized constant-current LED driver IC for tunable white and tunable color smart lighting systems. It delivers independent analog or PWM dimming per channel, supports up to 500mA per channel (with 0.5A/0.5A/0.375A/0.125A nominal ratio), operates from 6.5V–30V input, and integrates UVLO, OTP, LED open/short protection, and fault reporting via FAULTB/LEDPG pins - deployed in U-DFN-4030-14 package for compact SCL bulbs and panel lights.

For engineers reviewing the AL1794AFE-13 datasheet, AL1794AFE-13 pinout, AL1794AFE-13 application, or AL1794AFE-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include channel current ratio accuracy (±4% current matching), deep-dimming capability (0.1%@1kHz), thermal recovery threshold (+100°C), LED power good reporting logic, and compatibility with AC-DC front-end controllers like AP3983C in connected lighting architectures.

Technical Context

The AL1794AFE-13 implements four independent low-side current sinks with fixed internal current ratios (1.0 : 1.0 : 0.75 : 0.25) optimized for 2700K–6500K tunable white plus RGB color mixing. Each channel accepts either analog dimming (0.4V–1.5V linear control) or high-frequency PWM dimming (500Hz–4kHz), with dedicated PWMx inputs and soft-start (100μs slew-controlled ramp) to prevent LED current overshoot.

Fault management is hardware-automated: UVLO triggers at 6.3V (300mV hysteresis), OTP shuts down at +160°C with auto-recovery at +100°C, and LED open/short detection uses deglitch timers (6 cycles in PWM mode, 2ms in analog mode). FAULTB and LEDPG are open-drain outputs enabling multi-device bus-style reporting to an MCU.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AL1794AFE-13 is housed in a thermally enhanced U-DFN-4030-14 package (4.0mm × 3.0mm × 0.55mm) with exposed thermal pad internally tied to GND - requires external connection to PCB ground plane and thermal vias for θJA = 55°C/W performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad-channel tunable LED driver applications.

Compared with AL1793AFE-13, AL1794AFE-13 adds dedicated fourth channel hardware for true 4-channel color mixing; versus AL8863Q-7, it trades I²C configurability for plug-and-play analog/PWM dimming and inherent current ratio accuracy - reducing firmware overhead and component count in smart lighting modules.

Availability

AL1794AFE-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tunable white LED bulbs, smart panel lights, and connected troffer retrofits requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AL1794AFE-13 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 manufacturer specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for power management, signal integrity, and lighting applications.

The AL179x family targets smart-connected lighting systems - designed to integrate seamlessly with AC-DC converters and wireless MCUs while minimizing external components and thermal footprint in space-constrained luminaires.

FAQ

What is the maximum total output current supported by AL1794AFE-13?

The AL1794AFE-13 supports a total IC current of 1.5A, distributed across its four channels at nominal ratios of 0.5A, 0.5A, 0.375A, and 0.125A when configured with a 12kΩ RSET resistor. This distribution is fixed by internal current mirror architecture and cannot be altered without changing RSET or paralleling channels.

How does LEDPG reporting interact with PWM dimming cycles?

LEDPG monitors headroom only during active PWM high periods; it ignores voltage conditions during PWM low intervals. If VLEDx falls below the 250mV regulation threshold while PWMx is high, LEDPG asserts low - ensuring accurate supply-voltage feedback without false triggers from transient dropout during off-cycles.

Can AL1794AFE-13 drive common-anode LED configurations?

Yes - its integrated low-side current sinks are specifically designed for common-anode LED strings. Each LEDx pin connects to the cathode, allowing multiple LEDs with different forward voltages to share a single anode rail while maintaining independent current regulation per channel.

What is the minimum recommended RSET value for AL1794AFE-13?

The minimum recommended RSET is 6.8kΩ, which sets Channel 1 current to approximately 500mA - the absolute maximum per channel. Lower values risk exceeding safe operating area limits and triggering thermal shutdown under sustained load; Diodes' datasheet Table 1 specifies 500mA as the upper bound for Channel 1.