Diodes Incorporated AL9901S16-13

Overview

AL9901S16-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a universal high-voltage PWM LED driver IC with integrated 650V/2A MOSFET, designed for offline constant-current LED lighting across 85–305VAC rectified inputs. It delivers >90% efficiency, supports linear and PWM dimming via LD and PWM pins, and regulates LED current using a 250mV current-sense threshold with ±5% tolerance - enabling stable illumination in mains-powered lamps and signage.

For engineers reviewing the AL9901S16-13 datasheet, AL9901S16-13 pinout, AL9901S16-13 application, or AL9901S16-13 equivalent, key selection considerations include its SO-16 high-voltage creepage compliance, fixed-frequency or fixed-off-time operation (20–300kHz), internal 7.5V LDO supply (1mA drive capability), thermal shutdown at +150°C, and dual-package availability (SO-16/U-DFN6040-12).

Technical Context

The AL9901S16-13 implements a buck-based constant-current regulator using peak-current-mode control with internal MOSFET switching. Its integrated 7.5V LDO powers gate drive and internal circuitry, eliminating external start-up resistors and reducing quiescent input current to 0.5mA. The device operates in either fixed-frequency PWM mode (ROSC-to-GND) or variable-frequency fixed-off-time mode (ROSC-to-GATE), with blanking time (160–440ns) preventing false current-sense triggering during switching transitions.

Current regulation is achieved by comparing the voltage across an external sense resistor to a temperature-compensated 250mV threshold (±5% over –40°C to +125°C). Dimming is implemented via analog voltage (LD pin: 45–250mV) for linear control or digital enable/disable (PWM pin: 0–100% duty, up to several kHz) for full on/off modulation - both functions coexist without conflict.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AL9901S16-13 is supplied in SO-16 package with high-voltage creepage spacing compliant for 230VAC mains applications. Exposed pad EP1 connects to internal MOSFET drain; EP2 connects to substrate ground and must be soldered to large PCB GND copper area for thermal management.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AL9910S16-13, the AL9901S16-13 trades higher voltage headroom for lower cost and simpler layout; versus AP3766MTR-G1, it offers lower component count and higher integration but lacks isolation - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, non-isolated lamp designs.

Availability

AL9901S16-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED offline lamps, signage lighting, flat-panel display backlights, and general-purpose constant-current sources requiring stable component supply across industrial and consumer production cycles.

Supply support for AL9901S16-13 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 manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in power management, signal integrity, and LED driver solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AL9901 belongs to Diodes' high-voltage LED driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-effective, non-isolated AC/DC LED lighting with integrated switching and thermal protection - targeting retrofit lamp and commercial signage applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended input voltage for AL9901S16-13?

The AL9901S16-13 supports a DC input voltage range of 15V to 500V, corresponding to rectified AC inputs up to 305VAC. Absolute maximum VIN is +520V, but sustained operation above 500V risks exceeding internal MOSFET SOA limits and thermal derating thresholds. Designers should maintain input below 500V with appropriate surge margin per IEC 61000-4-5.

How does the AL9901S16-13 implement PWM dimming?

PWM dimming is executed via the PWM pin (Pin 5), which acts as a TTL-compatible enable input. A high signal (≥2.4V) enables switching; grounding disables the internal MOSFET entirely. Duty cycle directly controls average LED current - e.g., 30% duty yields ~30% light output - with no minimum pulse-width limitation below several kHz. The internal 200kΩ pull-down ensures safe default-off behavior.

Can AL9901S16-13 operate in isolated topologies?

Yes - the AL9901S16-13 supports both isolated (flyback, forward) and non-isolated (buck, buck-boost) configurations. In isolated modes, energy transfers during MOSFET off-time via transformer coupling; the IC still regulates peak primary current using the CS pin. No optocoupler or secondary-side feedback is required, simplifying design while maintaining constant-current accuracy.

What thermal management is required for SO-16 package operation at full load?

The SO-16 package has θ_JA = 100°C/W on standard FR-4. At 1.6A output and 4.4Ω R_DS(on), power dissipation reaches ~11.3W, requiring ≥1000mm² copper pour under EP1/EP2 and forced airflow or heatsinking to maintain T_J ≤ +125°C. For ambient >+60°C, reduce load current or use U-DFN6040-12 (θ_JA = 65°C/W) with enhanced thermal pad layout.