Diodes Incorporated AP3608EM-G1
- Part No.:
- AP3608EM-G1
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AP3608EM-G1.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 100MA 20SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,625
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Product details
Overview
AP3608EM-G1 from BCD Semiconductor is an eight-channel constant-current LED sink driver in SOIC-20 package, designed for precise current matching (±1.5%) across all channels with external resistor-set current ranging 10–100 mA per channel. It supports PWM dimming (0.1–25 kHz), open-LED self-check protection, and interface signaling (FB/SDB) for coordinated operation with DC/DC boost converters in LCD backlight systems.
For engineers reviewing the AP3608EM-G1 datasheet, AP3608EM-G1 pinout, AP3608EM-G1 application, or AP3608EM-G1 equivalent, this device is selected for high-accuracy multi-string LED biasing where thermal robustness (150°C junction), UVLO (3.6–4.0 V), and parallel expandability via FBX/SDBX pins are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
The AP3608EM-G1 implements eight matched current-sink channels using a bandgap-referenced ISET input (1.194 V typ) and internal 400× current mirror gain to achieve ±1.5% inter-channel matching at 60 mA. Each channel operates with saturation voltage ≤0.8 V at 60 mA and supports up to 1.5 V forward drop per string.
Its functional block integrates under-voltage lockout (UVLO), over-temperature shutdown (160°C), and open-LED detection (3.0 V threshold) with dedicated FB (min-voltage feedback) and SDB (status flag) pins for closed-loop boost converter control - enabling fault-tolerant backlight operation without latch-off on single-string failure.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.2–5.5 V - powers internal circuitry and enables stable operation with standard 5 V supply rails. |
| Max Output Current per Channel | 100 mA @ 1.5 V - supports high-brightness white LEDs with sufficient headroom for VF variation. |
| Current Matching Accuracy | ±1.5% - ensures uniform luminance across 8 LED strings without per-channel calibration. |
| PWM Dimming Frequency Range | 0.1–25 kHz - avoids audible noise while supporting fine-grained brightness control down to 1% duty cycle. |
| Open-LED Detection Threshold | 3.0 V - triggers self-check when any CHx pin voltage drops below threshold, enabling safe fallback operation. |
| Thermal Shutdown Temperature | 160°C - protects against sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design without premature shutdown. |
| Under-Voltage Lockout Threshold | 3.6–4.0 V (falling edge) - prevents erratic behavior during brown-out conditions in portable display power rails. |
Pinout & Package
AP3608EM-G1 uses the SOIC-20 (G/M) package with 20 leads and exposed pad thermal enhancement. Pin 1 is located at top-left corner with notch or dot marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH1–CH8 | LED cathode current sink outputs | Each sinks up to 100 mA; unused channels must be tied to GND to prevent floating. |
| ISET | Reference current setting input | Connects to external resistor (RISET) to set channel current: ICHX = 1.194 × 400 / RISET. |
| FB | Feedback voltage output | Samples lowest voltage among CH1–CH8 and feeds it to external boost converter for regulation. |
| SDB | Status flag output | Drives low when EN=0 or all channels inactive; synchronous with PWM during dimming mode. |
| FBX / SDBX | Parallel interface terminals | Connect FB→FBX and SDB→SDBX between multiple AP3608E devices to synchronize operation. |
| EN | Enable logic input | High (>1.8 V) enables all channels; low (<0.8 V) disables output and reduces quiescent current to 0.1 µA. |
| PWM | Digital dimming control input | Accepts 0.1–25 kHz PWM signal; brightness scales linearly with duty cycle from 1% to 100%. |
| VCC / AGND / PGND | Power and ground connections | VCC = 4.2–5.5 V; AGND (analog ground) must be quiet and directly connected to CIN; PGND (power ground) ties to exposed pad. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Eight matched current sinks | ±1.5% matching at 60 mA ensures consistent LED brightness across all 8 strings without trimming. |
| Open-LED self-check and protection | Detects open-circuit LED strings at 3.0 V threshold and isolates faulty channel from FB loop while maintaining others. |
| Integrated UVLO and OTP | UVLO (3.6–4.0 V) prevents malfunction during power ramp; OTP (160°C) shuts down safely without latch-up. |
| Parallel operation support | FBX/SDBX pins allow stacking of multiple AP3608E ICs to drive >8 LED strings with synchronized dimming and protection. |
| PWM dimming interface | Direct digital control with 0.1–25 kHz range enables flicker-free dimming compatible with microcontroller GPIOs. |
Applications
| Backlight for Notebook LCD Panels | LCD Monitor Backlight Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 8 parallel white LED strings behind a 15.6-inch notebook display panel with dynamic brightness control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink managing individual LED string currents while coordinating with external boost converter via FB/SDB signals. Use Value: Enables uniform luminance and flicker-free dimming across full brightness range, meeting ENERGY STAR® and DisplayPort™ compliance requirements. |
Use Scenario: Powering dual-zone backlight in 24-inch desktop monitor requiring independent dimming control per zone. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Eight-channel current sink providing matched current to two groups of four LEDs each, with PWM dimming synchronized across zones. Use Value: Delivers localized contrast enhancement and reduced power consumption during dark scenes without visible banding or mismatch. |
| LCD TV Local Dimming Subsystem | Industrial HMI Display Backlight |
|
Use Scenario: Serving as one segment driver in a 64-zone local dimming architecture for 55-inch 4K UHD TV. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current sink for 8 LEDs per zone, interfacing with system MCU via PWM and reporting status via SDB to enable real-time fault recovery. Use Value: Supports <1 ms response time for zone updates and maintains operation even if one LED string opens, improving field reliability. |
Use Scenario: Backlighting ruggedized 10-inch HMI display used in factory automation panels with wide temperature (-40°C to +85°C) operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current sink ensuring consistent brightness over lifetime and temperature, with built-in UVLO and OTP for unattended operation. Use Value: Eliminates need for external protection circuitry and reduces BOM count while meeting IEC 61000-4-2 ESD (6 kV HBM) requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar eight-channel LED sink applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL8862T-7 | Single-channel, higher max current (150 mA), no integrated open-LED detection or FB/SDB interface. | Requires external multiplexing and protection circuitry for 8-string operation; lacks native parallel capability. | Preferred only when per-channel programmability and higher current per string outweigh integration benefits. |
| ISL97686IRZ-T7A | 8-channel with ±2% matching, 3.3–5.5 V input, but no SDBX/FBX pins for parallel expansion. | Supports fewer cascaded units; limited to single-device 8-string configurations without hardware modification. | Chosen when board space is constrained and system requires only one AP3608EM-G1-equivalent unit per board. |
Compared with AL8862T-7 and ISL97686IRZ-T7A, AP3608EM-G1 uniquely combines ±1.5% matching, open-LED self-check, and FBX/SDBX parallel interface in SOIC-20 - making it optimal for scalable, fault-resilient LCD backlight designs requiring minimal external components.
Availability
AP3608EM-G1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook backlight modules, LCD monitor assemblies, and industrial HMI displays requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant green packaging, and long-term lifecycle continuity.
Supply support for AP3608EM-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 analog and power IC designer specializing in high-efficiency LED drivers, AC-DC controllers, and automotive-grade power solutions.
The AP3608E product line targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability LCD backlight applications - delivering precision current matching, integrated protection, and system-level interface features in compact packages.
FAQ
What is the minimum recommended ISET resistor value for AP3608EM-G1?
The minimum ISET resistor is determined by maximum current (100 mA) and reference voltage (1.194 V). Using ICHX = 1.194 × 400 / RISET, RISET = 4.776 kΩ yields 100 mA. Standard 4.7 kΩ resistor achieves ~100.5 mA and is commonly used. Lower values risk exceeding absolute max ratings and degrading matching accuracy.
Can AP3608EM-G1 drive LEDs with forward voltage above 1.5 V per string?
Yes - the device supports up to 40 V breakdown per channel (absolute max), and saturation voltage remains ≤1.2 V at 100 mA. With VCC = 5.5 V, it can drive strings with total VF up to ~4.3 V (5.5 V – 1.2 V), provided external boost converter supplies adequate headroom. The 1.5 V spec refers to guaranteed full-scale current, not absolute limit.
How does the open-LED self-check function interact with the FB pin during normal operation?
During normal operation, FB continuously outputs the lowest voltage among CH1–CH8 to the boost converter's feedback node. If one string opens, its CHx voltage collapses to near 0 V, pulling FB low - causing the boost converter to increase output until remaining strings reach 3.0 V, at which point AP3608EM-G1 identifies and excludes the open channel from regulation while maintaining others at target current.
Is the exposed pad on AP3608EM-G1 electrically connected or thermal-only?
The exposed pad on the SOIC-20 package is electrically connected to PGND and serves both thermal and electrical functions. It must be soldered to a large PCB copper pour tied to PGND and AGND (via low-inductance connection) to ensure proper thermal dissipation (θJA = 87°C/W) and noise immunity for analog sections like ISET and FB.
AP3608EM-G1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 8
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.2V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 100mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SOIC
AP3608EM-G1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP3608EM-G1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP3608EM-G1 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AP3608EM-G1 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP3608EM-G1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP3608EM-G1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP3608EM-G1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP3608EM-G1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP3608EM-G1?
AP3608EM-G1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP3608EM-G1 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AP3608EM-G1?
For technical support, including AP3608EM-G1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP3608EM-G1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP3608EM-G1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP3608EM-G1 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AP3608EM-G1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP3608EM-G1?
All AP3608EM-G1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP3608EM-G1, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AP3608EM-G1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP3608EM-G1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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