Diodes Incorporated AL9901EV2

Overview

AL9901EV2 from Diodes Incorporated is an evaluation board for the AL9901 high-voltage PWM LED buck controller with integrated 650V/2A MOSFET, designed for offline AC-input LED lighting systems. It delivers 6–8W output power at 140mA adjustable LED current and supports up to 17-series LEDs (51V max), operating across universal 100–240VAC input with ~86% efficiency and no electrolytic capacitor in the output path.

For engineers reviewing the AL9901EV2 datasheet, AL9901EV2 pinout, AL9901EV2 application, or AL9901EV2 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-voltage LED driver performance-including line regulation (<5%), PFC behavior (0.576–0.752), and ripple reduction options-under real-world AC mains conditions for A60 bulb and retrofit lamp designs.

Technical Context

The AL9901EV2 implements a constant-current buck topology using the AL9901 IC, which integrates a 650V vertical DMOS power switch and internal PWM controller optimized for single-stage AC/DC LED drivers. It operates in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) with valley-switching to minimize switching loss and EMI.

Input rectification is handled by HD06-T bridge rectifier; output current is set via parallel resistors R5/R6 (1.69Ω total); dimming is enabled by removing jumper R2 to accept external PWM signal. No electrolytic capacitor is required on the LED output, though a 68µF option reduces current ripple from ~100% to ~50%.

Key Specifications

Availability

AL9901EV2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED bulb development, retrofit lamp qualification, and offline constant-current driver validation requiring stable component supply, repeatable test platform access, and RoHS-compliant reference design support.

Supply support for AL9901EV2 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 power management, signal integrity, and lighting solutions for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The AL9901EV2 belongs to Diodes' LED driver evaluation platform family, developed to accelerate adoption of high-voltage buck controllers in cost-sensitive, electrolytic-capacitor-free AC/DC LED lighting applications.

FAQ

What is the default LED current setting on the AL9901EV2 board?

The AL9901EV2 is factory preset to deliver 140mA LED current using parallel 1.69Ω resistors (R5 and R6). This value is confirmed in the User Guide's Quick Start Guide and Functional Performance tables under "No Electrolytic Capacitor" conditions at 120–240VAC input.

Can the AL9901EV2 support PWM dimming?

Yes - PWM dimming is enabled by removing resistor R2 (0Ω jumper), which exposes the DIM pin on U1 (AL9901SO16) for external 1–10kHz PWM signal injection. The board schematic and Quick Start Guide explicitly describe this modification step.

Does the AL9901EV2 require an electrolytic capacitor for operation?

No - the board operates stably without any electrolytic capacitor on the LED output, as verified in the Functional Performance tables and waveform analysis (Pages 4–7). A 68µF electrolytic capacitor is optional and only used to reduce LED current ripple from ~100% to ~50%.

Which LED string configuration is validated in the AL9901EV2 User Guide?

The AL9901EV2 User Guide validates operation with 17 white LEDs in series (total Vf ≈ 51V), tested across 100–240VAC input. This configuration is explicitly stated in the "Functional Performance" section and labeled in Figures 1–3 as the baseline test condition.