Diodes Incorporated AL8808EV2
- Part No.:
- AL8808EV2
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- LED Driver Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
AL8808EV2.pdf
- Description:
- EVAL BOARD FOR AL8808
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,402
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Product details
Overview
AL8808 from Diodes Incorporated is a constant-current buck LED driver IC designed for high-efficiency, low-EMI illumination systems. It delivers up to 1 A output current with ±5% accuracy, operates from 6 V to 30 V input, switches at up to 1 MHz, and supports both analog (0.5–2.5 V) and PWM dimming - enabling uniform brightness in MR16 and general lighting applications with series-connected LEDs.
For engineers reviewing the AL8808 datasheet, AL8808 pinout, AL8808 application, or AL8808 equivalent, key selection criteria include its TSOT25 package thermal performance (θJA = 209 °C/W), fast 5 ns SW fall time, built-in open-circuit and over-temperature protection, and precise 100 mV SET threshold voltage for current-setting resistor design.
Technical Context
The AL8808 implements a current-mode step-down topology with internal N-channel MOSFET (RDS(ON) = 0.35 Ω typ), fixed-frequency PWM control, and adaptive peak-current sensing via the SET pin. Its 100 mV internal reference enables accurate current regulation independent of input voltage variation.
Dimming is implemented through dual-path control: analog dimming uses a linear 0.5–2.5 V CTRL input referenced to an internal 2.5 V reference, while PWM dimming leverages direct logic-level switching (0.4 V low / >2.6 V high) with sub-1 µs transition tolerance - supporting >10-bit resolution at ≤500 Hz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | Up to 1 A DC, set by external resistor between VIN and SET pins; accuracy better than ±5% over temperature and line. |
| Input Voltage Range | 6 V to 30 V - supports wide-range DC supplies including 12 V/24 V industrial and automotive lighting rails. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 1 MHz - enables compact LC filter design with 33–100 µH inductors and reduces EMI through controlled 5 ns fall/7 ns rise times. |
| CTRL Dimming Range | Analog: 20–100% IOUT with 0.5–2.5 V input; PWM: full on/off control with 0.4 V low threshold and <1 µs edge requirement. |
| Protection Features | Built-in open-circuit detection and thermal shutdown at +145 °C with +10 °C hysteresis - prevents latch-up during LED string failure. |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% at 12 V input and 1 A load - achieved via low RDS(ON) switch and optimized gate drive timing. |
| SET Threshold Voltage | 100 mV (typ), ±20 mV hysteresis - defines nominal current as IOUT = 0.1 V / RSET, enabling stable current programming. |
Pinout & Package
AL8808 is housed in a thermally enhanced TSOT25 (5-pin thin small-outline transistor) package with exposed thermal pad - optimized for PCB heat dissipation using minimum 25 mm × 25 mm 1 oz copper and thermal vias to ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1: SW | Power switch node | Connects to inductor and freewheeling diode; track length must be minimized to reduce EMI radiation and switching losses. |
| 2: GND | Power and signal ground | Primary return path for switch current and internal regulator; requires low-inductance connection to thermal pad and bulk capacitor. |
| 3: CTRL | Dimming and enable control | Accepts analog voltage (0.5–2.5 V) or PWM signal (0–0.4 V low, >2.6 V high); floating state defaults to 5 V for full output. |
| 4: SET | Current-sense reference input | Sets nominal LED current via external resistor; senses 100 mV drop - determines IOUT = 0.1 V / RSET. |
| 5: VIN | Main power supply input | 6–30 V DC input; requires ≥2.2 µF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor placed adjacent to pin for stability and EMI suppression. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-EMI switching | Controlled 5 ns SW fall time and 7 ns rise time minimize high-frequency harmonics - reduces need for external EMI filters in Class B lighting designs. |
| High-accuracy current regulation | ±5% output current tolerance across temperature and input voltage - ensures consistent LED brightness without binning or calibration. |
| Thermal robustness | Over-temperature shutdown at +145 °C with +10 °C hysteresis - protects against sustained overload and ambient derating in enclosed fixtures. |
| Flexible dimming interface | Single CTRL pin accepts both analog DC and logic-level PWM - eliminates need for external level shifters or op-amps in microcontroller-driven systems. |
| Open-circuit fault protection | Detects LED string breakage and disables output - prevents voltage runaway on SW node and safeguards external components. |
Applications
| MR16 Retrofit Lamps | Architectural Accent Lighting |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Replacing halogen MR16 lamps in 12 V AC/DC track lighting systems with constant-current LED modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Buck LED driver providing regulated 350–700 mA current to 3–6 series white LEDs, operating directly from rectified 12 V AC or 12 V DC rail. Use Value: Eliminates ballast resistors, achieves >90% efficiency at 12 V input, and maintains ±3% current matching across multiple lamps for uniform color rendering. |
Use Scenario: Low-profile LED strips mounted behind coves or under cabinets requiring smooth 10–100% dimming without flicker. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source driving 4–8 series LEDs per channel, synchronized to microcontroller PWM at 200–500 Hz for high-resolution dimming. Use Value: Enables 10-bit dimming resolution with <2% error at 5% duty cycle, leveraging fast SW fall time and internal 2.5 V reference for stable analog dimming. |
| Industrial Panel Indicators | Commercial Downlight Drivers |
|
Use Scenario: High-reliability status indicators in factory HMIs where long life and stable luminance are critical under variable 24 V DC supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-chip LED driver powering red/green/blue indicator strings with open-circuit detection and thermal foldback. Use Value: Built-in OCP and OTP eliminate need for external monitoring circuitry; TSOT25 package allows integration into space-constrained front-panel PCBs. |
Use Scenario: Cost-sensitive 10–20 W downlights using 10–15 series LEDs powered from 24–30 V DC centralized supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary current-regulated buck stage delivering 1 A at >95% efficiency, paired with external Schottky diode and 68 µH inductor. Use Value: 1 MHz switching enables use of 3.2 mm × 3.2 mm inductors, reducing board area by 40% vs. 250 kHz alternatives while maintaining <10 mVpp output ripple. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current buck LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL8860 | Higher max input voltage (40 V), integrated high-side current sense, no external SET resistor required - uses internal 100 mV reference with adjustable gain. | Targeted at 36 V industrial LED systems with tighter layout constraints; lacks analog dimming support - PWM-only control. | Select AL8860 when input exceeds 30 V or when eliminating the SET resistor improves BOM count and layout simplicity. |
| MPQ4425AGU-A | 40 V input rating, 1.2 A output, integrated MOSFETs, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, but requires external current-sense resistor and has 150 mV VSENSE. | Designed for higher-power LED arrays (up to 25 W); includes enable pin and power-good flag - adds system monitoring capability. | Choose MPQ4425AGU-A for multi-string parallel configurations or when spread-spectrum switching is mandated for EMC compliance. |
Compared with AL8808, AL8860 offers higher input voltage headroom and simplified current setting but sacrifices analog dimming flexibility, while MPQ4425AGU-A provides greater power scalability and advanced EMI features at the cost of increased component count and footprint.
Availability
AL8808 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for MR16 retrofit lamps, architectural accent lighting, and industrial panel indicators requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and production-ready thermal management.
Supply support for AL8808 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 manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-performance power management, signal integrity, and lighting solutions for industrial, consumer, and automotive markets.
The AL8808 belongs to Diodes' LED driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-effective, low-EMI constant-current operation in mains-powered and DC-fed lighting systems - emphasizing thermal resilience, dimming fidelity, and layout simplicity.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for AL8808 startup?
The AL8808 requires a minimum input voltage of 5.6 V to initiate switching, as defined by its internal regulator startup threshold. Below this level, the device remains in shutdown mode regardless of CTRL pin state. This ensures reliable turn-on only after bulk capacitor charging completes, preventing erratic behavior during power ramp-up.
Can AL8808 drive more than 8 LEDs in series?
No - the AL8808 datasheet specifies a maximum of 8 LEDs in series, based on its 30 V input limit and typical forward voltage assumptions (e.g., 3.2 V per white LED = 25.6 V total). Driving more than 8 LEDs risks insufficient headroom for inductor saturation and current regulation, especially at lower input voltages or elevated temperatures.
How does the SET pin function differ from conventional current-sense amplifier inputs?
The SET pin does not measure current directly; instead, it references an internal 100 mV threshold to define nominal output current as IOUT = 0.1 V / RSET. Unlike traditional sense-amplifier-based drivers, AL8808 uses this fixed threshold with internal peak-current control - eliminating gain error and simplifying resistor selection without needing precision amplifiers or external feedback networks.
Is AL8808 qualified for automotive applications?
The standard AL8808 is not AEC-Q101 qualified. Diodes Incorporated explicitly states that automotive-grade variants require specific change control, PPAP capability, and IATF 16949 manufacturing - and must be requested separately. Designers targeting automotive lighting should contact Diodes' automotive team for qualified alternatives such as the AL8860-Q or AP169x series.
AL8808EV2 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 680mA
- Outputs and Type:
- 1 Non-Isolated Output
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Features:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- 12VAC, 12V ~ 20V
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- AL8808
AL8808EV2 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AL8808EV2 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AL8808EV2 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AL8808EV2 reliable?
The price and inventory of AL8808EV2 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AL8808EV2 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AL8808EV2?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AL8808EV2 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AL8808EV2?
AL8808EV2 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AL8808EV2 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AL8808EV2?
For technical support, including AL8808EV2 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AL8808EV2 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AL8808EV2 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AL8808EV2 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AL8808EV2 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AL8808EV2?
All AL8808EV2 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AL8808EV2, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AL8808EV2 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AL8808EV2:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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