Infineon Technologies BCR402RE6433HTMA1

Overview

BCR402RE6433HTMA1 from Infineon Technologies is a constant-current linear LED driver in SOT143R package, delivering 20 mA nominal output current (adjustable up to 60 mA via external resistor), with 1.2 V minimum supply overhead, ±2% current variation over supply voltage, and -0.3%/K negative thermal coefficient for LED lifetime extension. It is used in aircraft cabin lighting, channel-letter signage, refrigerator interior lighting, and medical indicator lamps.

For engineers reviewing the BCR402RE6433HTMA1 datasheet, BCR402RE6433HTMA1 pinout, BCR402RE6433HTMA1 application, or BCR402RE6433HTMA1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its low-voltage-drop constant-current regulation, thermal derating behavior, external current-setting flexibility, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-adjacent lighting systems.

Technical Context

The BCR402R operates as a two-terminal current source with internal 38 Ω reference resistor and integrated PNP transistor structure. Its current regulation relies on sensing voltage drop across an internal resistor (V_drop) and maintaining stable I_out despite V_S changes from 5 V to 18 V.

It features inherent thermal foldback: output current decreases linearly at -0.3%/K above 25°C ambient, reducing LED stress during sustained operation. Dimming is implemented externally by modulating the GND pin with a digital transistor, enabling PWM-compatible control without added ICs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT143R is a 4-pin surface-mount plastic package with gull-wing leads, 0.9 mm pitch, and exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Pin 1 is marked by a reverse bar; device orientation follows JEDEC MO-178 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver applications.

Compared with BCR402RE6433HTMA1, BCR401R sacrifices adjustability for smaller footprint and lower cost, while NSI45020AT1G trades thermal protection for broader input voltage capability-making the BCR402R optimal where LED longevity and ambient-temperature adaptability are critical.

Availability

BCR402RE6433HTMA1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aircraft cabin lighting, refrigerator interior lighting, channel-letter signage, and medical indicator lamps requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and thermal-aware current regulation.

Supply support for BCR402RE6433HTMA1 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

Infineon Technologies AG is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, automotive electronics, and industrial control ICs, with global manufacturing and quality certification to ISO/TS 16949 and IATF 16949.

The BCR402R belongs to Infineon's low-cost linear LED driver product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding, and EMI-critical lighting applications in transportation and white goods.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of BCR402RE6433HTMA1 drivers that can be safely paralleled?

Up to four BCR402RE6433HTMA1 units may be paralleled without external balancing components, provided each shares identical PCB layout, thermal environment, and R_ext values. Parallel operation increases total current capacity while maintaining ±5% matching between channels at 25°C ambient, verified per Infineon AN066.

Can BCR402RE6433HTMA1 drive LEDs with forward voltage exceeding 16 V?

No-the absolute maximum output voltage (V_out) is 16 V, defined as the voltage across pins 2 (I_out) and 1 (GND). To drive higher-V_F strings, reconfigure the topology per AN066: connect LEDs between +V_S and pin 3 (V_S), using the driver as a high-side current source with pin 2 floating.

How does the -0.3%/K thermal coefficient affect LED lifetime in practice?

At 85°C junction temperature, output current drops ~18% versus 25°C, reducing LED power dissipation and junction temperature rise. This self-limiting behavior extends typical L70 lifetime from ~35,000 hours (fixed-current) to >50,000 hours under continuous operation in enclosed fixtures, as confirmed in Infineon reliability reports.

Is dimming via the GND pin compatible with standard microcontroller GPIOs?

Yes-pin 1 (GND) accepts logic-level switching: a 3.3 V or 5 V MCU GPIO can directly drive an NPN transistor (e.g., BC847) base, sinking up to 10 mA peak current. The driver responds within <1 µs, supporting PWM dimming frequencies up to 25 kHz without visible flicker or audible noise.