Diodes Incorporated AL8821SP-13

Overview

AL8821SP-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a high-power-factor, boost-type constant-current LED driver IC optimized for dimmable and non-dimmable MR-16 lamps. It integrates a 40V/2A NDMOS switch, supports up to 1MHz switching frequency, delivers ±5% LED current accuracy at 1500mA, and achieves PF > 0.9 with THD < 30% in compact SO-8EP packaging.

For engineers reviewing the AL8821SP-13 datasheet, AL8821SP-13 pinout, AL8821SP-13 application, or AL8821SP-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include Triac dimmer compatibility (leading/trailing-edge), built-in UVLO/OCP/OVP/short-open protection, 5–36V input range, 36V max output voltage, and 100mV current-sense threshold for accurate regulation.

Technical Context

The AL8821SP-13 implements a proprietary current-mode boost control architecture that enables stable operation with legacy electronic transformers and standard AC phase-cut dimmers. Its internal 40V/2A NDMOS switch eliminates external high-side FET requirements while supporting up to 36V output and 1500mA load current.

Operating up to 1MHz, it reduces inductor size and EMI filtering burden; the SO-8EP package provides low thermal resistance for continuous operation across ambient temperatures. Protection features include under-voltage lockout (UVLO), over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), and output short/open detection - all implemented without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SO-8EP (Exposed Pad) package with 0.65mm pitch, thermally enhanced for high-power LED driver applications. Exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AL8820SP-13 and AL8806W6-7, the AL8821SP-13 uniquely combines single-stage boost operation, integrated 40V/2A MOSFET, and native Triac dimmer support - making it the only option among the three that delivers full MR-16 compatibility with minimal external components and no input voltage limitation below 5V.

Availability

AL8821SP-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for architectural track lighting, residential MR-16 retrofit lamps, and commercial display lighting requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for AL8821SP-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 company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for power management, signal integrity, and connectivity applications.

The AL8821SP-13 belongs to Diodes' Medium Voltage DC-DC LED Driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume AC/DC LED lamp replacements with stringent flicker, PF, and dimmer interoperability requirements.

FAQ

What dimmer types does the AL8821SP-13 support?

The AL8821SP-13 natively supports both leading-edge (TRIAC-based) and trailing-edge (electronic low-voltage) dimmers without external circuitry. Its RHYS pin allows hysteresis adjustment to optimize dimming curve linearity and eliminate drop-out at low intensity. Verified operation includes Lutron Diva, Leviton Decora, and Varilux ELV models per Diodes' application note AN-AL8821-01.

Does the AL8821SP-13 require an external MOSFET?

No. The AL8821SP-13 integrates a fully rated 40V/2A N-channel DMOS power switch, eliminating the need for external high-side switching components. This integration reduces board area, simplifies layout, and improves reliability in space-constrained MR-16 lamp modules where thermal management is critical.

How is LED current set and trimmed?

LED current is set by a single external resistor (R_SET) connected between CS and ground, using the device's 100mV current-sense threshold. Current accuracy is ±5% over temperature and line, with no trimming required. For tighter tolerance, a precision 0.5% resistor or optional RHYS-based hysteresis tuning can be applied during production calibration.

What protections are built into the AL8821SP-13?

The AL8821SP-13 includes five autonomous protections: under-voltage lockout (UVLO), cycle-by-cycle over-current protection (OCP), output over-voltage protection (OVP), output short-circuit detection, and open-load detection. All activate without external components and latch off or auto-recover depending on fault type, as defined in the datasheet's protection timing diagrams.