Diodes Incorporated AL8860MP-13

Overview

AL8860MP-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a hysteresis-mode DC-DC buck LED driver IC with integrated 40V NDMOS switch, designed for constant-current driving of series-connected LEDs from 4.5V–40V input. It delivers up to 1.5A output current in MSOP-8EP package, supports analog/PWM dimming via single CTRL pin, and provides inherent open-circuit and short-circuit LED protection. Used in industrial signage and low-voltage retrofit lighting.

For engineers reviewing the AL8860MP-13 datasheet, AL8860MP-13 pinout, AL8860MP-13 application, or AL8860MP-13 equivalent, this page details its hysteresis control architecture, 1.5A current capability in MSOP-8EP, ±2% sense threshold accuracy, soft-start programmability, and thermal shutdown behavior at +150°C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The AL8860MP-13 implements fixed-frequency hysteresis control with internal current-sense comparator referencing a 100mV nominal threshold (±20mV hysteresis), enabling fast transient response without external compensation. Its high-side current sensing uses an external resistor between VIN and SET to define I_{OUT_NOM} = 0.1/R_S, supporting precise current setting across input voltage variations.

Operation relies on dual-threshold switching: the internal NDMOS turns off when sensed voltage reaches upper threshold (~104mV), and re-enables when it falls to lower threshold (~96mV). The CTRL pin simultaneously controls enable/disable (≤0.2V), analog dimming (0.3–2.5V), and PWM dimming (open-drain compatible), with soft-start time adjustable via external capacitor (1.5ms/nF).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AL8860MP-13 is packaged in MSOP-8EP (exposed pad), optimized for thermal performance in high-current LED applications. The exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for effective heat dissipation and reduced θ_JA (56°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AL8861MP-13, AL8860MP-13 trades EMI reduction for lower BOM cost and simpler layout; versus LM3409MM/NOPB, it delivers higher integration and lower system-level component count at the expense of flexibility in MOSFET selection and frequency tuning.

Availability

AL8860MP-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED retrofit lighting, industrial panel indicators, illuminated signage, and external multi-channel drivers requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AL8860MP-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 AL8860MP-13 belongs to Diodes' high-efficiency LED driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding constant-current LED applications in industrial and commercial lighting.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable current sense resistor voltage on the SET pin?

The SET pin voltage must remain below 5V during normal operation to prevent entry into test mode. This limits the maximum R_S value when used with high VIN rails - for example, at VIN = 40V, R_S must be >8.2kΩ to keep V_SET = VIN − 0.1/R_S < 5V. Exceeding this threshold disables regulated operation.

Can AL8860MP-13 drive LEDs with forward voltage exceeding 36V?

Yes - the device regulates output current, not voltage; maximum LED string voltage is constrained only by the 40V VIN rating minus dropout. With VIN = 40V and minimum dropout ~1.2V (due to R_DS(on) and diode V_F), up to 38.8V LED string is supported, sufficient for 10–12 high-V_F white LEDs in series.

How does soft-start capacitor value affect PWM dimming fidelity?

A larger soft-start capacitor (e.g., 10nF → 15ms delay) slows output ramp-up, degrading PWM dimming resolution at low duty cycles (<5%) by introducing turn-on latency. For optimal 1%–100% linear dimming, keep C_SS ≤ 1nF (1.5ms) to maintain fast response matching typical PWM periods (≥2ms).

Is the CTRL pin compatible with 1.8V logic microcontrollers?

No - the CTRL pin requires ≥0.3V to initiate dimming and ≥0.25V to enable output; 1.8V logic outputs meet this, but the pin's input leakage is only 8µA, so standard GPIOs can drive it directly without level shifting. However, 1.8V logic cannot achieve full 100% dimming unless V_CTRL ≥ 2.5V, requiring a simple resistive divider or buffer if MCU lacks 2.5V+ output capability.