Diodes Incorporated AP3616M28-G1

Overview

AP3616M28-G1 from BCD Semiconductor is a sixteen-channel constant-current LED sink driver with ±1.5% current matching accuracy, 75mA per channel maximum output, and integrated open/short LED protection. It uses an external ISET resistor to set current (20–75mA), supports PWM and linear dimming, and operates from 4.2V to 27V input for LCD backlighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the AP3616M28-G1 datasheet, AP3616M28-G1 pinout, AP3616M28-G1 application, or AP3616M28-G1 equivalent, this device is selected for multi-string LED backlight drivers requiring precise current matching, fault-tolerant operation under open/short conditions, and synchronous dimming across parallel ICs via SYN/FBX pins.

Technical Context

The AP3616M28-G1 implements sixteen independent current-sink channels with matched reference current generation using a bandgap-based 1.194V ISET voltage and internal 1560× current multiplication ratio. Each channel features saturation voltage ≤0.6V at 60mA and supports dynamic load regulation within ±4% over 0.5–2.8V channel voltage range.

Its protection architecture includes dedicated SCP and OVP pins with programmable thresholds (SCP trigger at ~12.5µA; OVP threshold at 1.194V), thermal shutdown at 160°C with 20°C hysteresis, and open-drain FLAG reporting of LED faults. The FB/FBX/SYN interface enables closed-loop DC/DC control and synchronized multi-IC operation without external timing components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP3616M28-G1 is packaged in HSOP-28 (heat sink exposed pad), optimized for thermal performance in LED driver applications. Pin numbering follows top-view orientation with 1–8 and 9–15/28 assigned to CH1–CH16 cathode outputs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AL8861T-13 and MPQ3367-AEC1, AP3616M28-G1 uniquely combines 16-channel programmability, ±1.5% matching, open-drain FLAG reporting, and FBX/SYN synchronization - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability LCD backlight systems requiring scalability and diagnostics.

Availability

AP3616M28-G1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD TV backlighting, industrial HMI panels, and automotive display modules requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for AP3616M28-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, industrial, and automotive markets.

The AP3616 belongs to BCD's high-precision LED backlight driver product line, engineered specifically for multi-string LCD display applications demanding tight current matching, robust fault handling, and thermal resilience in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the recommended external resistor value for 60mA per channel?

Using the formula I_CHANNEL = 1.194 × 1560 / R_ISET, a 30.8kΩ resistor yields 60mA per channel (1.194V × 1560 ÷ 30.8kΩ ≈ 60.2mA). Standard 1% metal-film resistors such as 30.9kΩ or 30.1kΩ are suitable; tolerance directly impacts absolute current accuracy but not matching between channels.

Can AP3616M28-G1 drive LEDs with forward voltage above 27V?

No - the absolute maximum channel voltage is 60V, but the IC requires VIN ≥ V_F + V_SAT (≥0.6V) to maintain regulation. With 27V max input, usable LED string voltage is limited to ≤26.4V. For higher-V_F strings, use an external boost converter regulated by the FB pin, not direct connection to VIN.

How does the FLAG pin behave during LED open versus short conditions?

FLAG asserts low (≤0.3V at 2mA sink) for both open and short LED faults. It does not distinguish fault type - the same signal indicates any channel exceeding safe operating limits. System firmware must correlate FLAG assertion with channel-specific diagnostics (e.g., FB voltage collapse for opens, elevated CHX voltage for shorts) to identify root cause.

Is thermal derating required when operating at 75mA per channel across all 16 channels?

Yes - at full 1.2A total output (16 × 75mA), power dissipation reaches ~0.72W (1.2A × 0.6V V_SAT). With θ_JA = 59°C/W, junction temperature rise is ~42°C above ambient. At 85°C ambient, T_J ≈ 127°C - within 150°C limit but leaves 23°C margin before thermal shutdown. Use minimum 2oz copper and thermal vias under the exposed pad to maintain safety margin.