Diodes Incorporated AP3607FNTR-G1

Overview

AP3607FNTR-G1 from BCD Semiconductor is a 6-channel charge pump LED driver IC with integrated current sinks, designed for backlighting portable displays powered by single-cell Li-ion batteries. It delivers up to 20mA per channel across six WLEDs, features 16-step digital pulse dimming via the EN pin, operates from 2.7V–5.5V input, and uses auto-selecting 1x/1.5x charge pump mode for peak efficiency in space-constrained mobile applications.

For engineers reviewing the AP3607FNTR-G1 datasheet, AP3607FNTR-G1 pinout, AP3607FNTR-G1 application, or AP3607FNTR-G1 equivalent, this device is selected for compact, battery-powered display backlighting where precise current matching (±3%), low quiescent current (1.7–3mA), thermal shutdown (160°C), and minimal external component count (four 1μF capacitors) are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The AP3607FNTR-G1 integrates a 1MHz switching charge pump with automatic 1x/1.5x mode selection based on input voltage and load conditions-transitioning at 3.5V (falling) and 3.7V (rising) under full 120mA load. Its six independent current sinks provide matched output (±3% typical) with programmable dimming resolution via EN pin pulse timing: each valid low pulse reduces brightness by 1/16, enabling full-scale control over 15 steps.

Internal protection includes under-voltage lockout (2.2V threshold, 250mV hysteresis), overvoltage protection (5.5V), thermal shutdown (160°C, 20°C hysteresis), and soft-start (200μs total). The device uses dual output rails-VOUT1 as the charge pump output and VOUT2 as the current sink supply-requiring PCB connection between pins 15 and 16 per layout guidelines.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP3607FNTR-G1 is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-3×3-16 package with exposed thermal pad connected to AGND. Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with pin 1 marked.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 6-channel LED driver applications.

Compared with AP3606FNTR-G1, the AP3607FNTR-G1 adds two functional current sinks and modifies pin 9/10 roles-making it non-interchangeable without layout changes. Versus RT9397BZSP, it trades external PWM dependency for integrated dimming control and lower quiescent current, favoring battery-sensitive designs.

Availability

AP3607FNTR-G1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone backlighting, portable media player UIs, industrial handheld terminals, and PDA display lighting requiring stable component supply across automotive-grade temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AP3607FNTR-G1 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

BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Limited is a Shanghai-based fabless analog IC designer specializing in power management, LED drivers, and mixed-signal solutions for consumer and industrial markets.

The AP3607 belongs to BCD's charge pump LED driver product line, engineered specifically for space- and power-constrained portable displays requiring high current accuracy, integrated protection, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for AP3607FNTR-G1 to operate in 1.5x charge pump mode?

The AP3607FNTR-G1 enters 1.5x mode when VIN exceeds 3.7V (rising threshold) under full 120mA load with 3.2V WLED forward voltage. Below 3.5V (falling threshold), it automatically reverts to 1x mode. This dual-mode operation ensures optimal efficiency across the entire 2.7–5.5V input range without external mode control.

How is brightness controlled on AP3607FNTR-G1, and what timing parameters define valid dimming pulses?

Brightness is controlled via digital pulse dimming on the EN pin: each valid low pulse reduces current by 1/16, with 15 pulses achieving minimum output. Valid pulses require low time between 0.45μs and 500μs and high time ≥0.45μs. Pulses longer than 1ms force shutdown, and the IC powers up at full brightness by default.

Can unused current sink pins (e.g., D5/D6) be left floating in a 4-WLED design?

No. Unused current sink pins (D5, D6 on AP3607FNTR-G1) must be connected to VIN, not left floating. Floating sinks may cause unpredictable current leakage, instability, or violation of absolute maximum ratings. This requirement is explicitly stated in the datasheet pin description for reliable operation and ESD robustness.

What thermal management considerations apply to the QFN-3×3-16 package of AP3607FNTR-G1?

The QFN-3×3-16 package features an exposed thermal pad tied to AGND. To maintain junction temperature ≤150°C, the pad must be soldered to a minimum 25mm² copper pour with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) connecting to inner ground planes. With θJA = 60°C/W, continuous 120mA operation at 5.5V input requires this layout to avoid thermal shutdown at ambient >65°C.