Microchip Technology CL25N8-G
- Part No.:
- CL25N8-G
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
CL25N8-G.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 25MA TO243AA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,712
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Product details
Overview
CL25N8-G from Microchip Technology is a two-terminal, temperature-compensated constant-current LED driver IC delivering 25 mA ±10% over 5V–90V input range, with 0.01%/°C typical tempco and no external components required. It operates as a constant-current sink/source in LED channel lighting, industrial indicators, and accent lighting systems.
For engineers reviewing the CL25N8-G datasheet, CL25N8-G pinout, CL25N8-G application, or CL25N8-G equivalent, this device serves as a high-voltage, self-contained current source for single- or multi-string LED biasing where thermal stability, simplicity, and wide voltage tolerance are critical.
Technical Context
The CL25N8-G integrates an internal control circuit with precision temperature compensation to maintain stable 25 mA output across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature and 5V–90V supply range. Its two-terminal architecture eliminates external resistors or feedback networks.
It functions either as a constant-current sink (VA connected to high-side supply) or source (VB connected to low-side return), with dynamic resistance of 300 kΩ ensuring minimal current variation under voltage transients. Parallel operation is supported for scalable current outputs up to 100 mA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 25 mA ±10% - delivers precise, factory-trimmed LED bias current across full operating voltage range |
| Operating Voltage Range | 5V to 90V - supports direct connection to unregulated DC rails including 24V, 48V, and 72V industrial supplies |
| Tempco | 0.01%/°C typical - ensures ≤0.5% current drift over –40°C to +100°C ambient, critical for outdoor/industrial LED reliability |
| Junction Temp Range | –40°C to +125°C - rated for continuous operation in enclosed fixtures and high-ambient environments |
| Package Thermal Resistance | 133°C/W (SOT-89) - enables 1.3W power dissipation at TA = 25°C on standard FR4 PCB |
| Absolute Max Voltage | 100V - provides 10V headroom above 90V rating for transient margin in real-world power supplies |
| Dynamic Resistance | 300 kΩ - suppresses current variation due to line ripple or load-induced voltage fluctuations |
Pinout & Package
CL25N8-G is supplied in a 3-lead SOT-89 (TO-243AA) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 (VA) serves as supply input and current sink node; Pin 2 (VB) is the current source/output terminal; Pin 3 (NC) is not internally connected and must remain unconnected.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (VA) | Supply voltage input / constant-current sink | Connects to positive rail; carries full load current into device - requires appropriate trace width and thermal relief |
| Pin 2 (VB) | Constant-current source / output | Connects to LED cathode (sink config) or anode (source config); defines current return path |
| Pin 3 (NC) | No connection | Must be left floating - no PCB trace or solder mask opening required; electrically isolated |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Two-terminal operation | Eliminates need for external sense resistor, feedback loop, or bypass capacitor - reduces BOM count and layout area |
| Parallel-ready architecture | Enables 50 mA, 75 mA, or 100 mA outputs using multiple CL25N8-G units without inter-device balancing components |
| Wide 5V–90V operating range | Supports direct drive from rectified AC, PoE-derived rails, or battery stacks without pre-regulation |
| 0.01%/°C tempco | Maintains LED brightness consistency across automotive, industrial, and outdoor ambient shifts without active thermal management |
| Pb-free RoHS-compliant packaging | SOT-89 package marked "e3" meets JEDEC matte tin finish requirements and global environmental compliance mandates |
Applications
| Industrial Panel Indicators | Architectural Accent Lighting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Illuminating status LEDs on DIN-rail mounted PLC I/O modules operating in 24V–48V DC control cabinets with ambient temperatures up to 70°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink regulating LED forward current independent of supply variance or LED VF drift. Use Value: Ensures consistent luminance over 10+ year service life without recalibration or component aging effects. |
Use Scenario: Driving multiple parallel strings of warm-white LEDs in museum display cases powered by 72V DC distributed lighting bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal current source enabling compact, low-profile LED module design with no external regulation circuitry. Use Value: Reduces module height by >2 mm versus resistor-based solutions while maintaining ±5% current matching across strings. |
| Commercial Emergency Exit Signs | Outdoor Signage Power Supplies |
Use Scenario: Biasing red LED arrays in UL 924-compliant exit signs powered from 12V–24V backup batteries with extended temperature cycling (–20°C to +60°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Temperature-compensated current regulator ensuring compliant luminance during cold-start battery discharge events. Use Value: Meets NFPA 101 minimum candela requirements across full battery voltage range and ambient extremes. |
Use Scenario: Providing stable 25 mA bias to high-brightness blue LEDs in solar-powered roadside signage operating off 36V nominal LiFePO4 battery banks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage tolerant current source eliminating need for buck converter in cost-sensitive outdoor applications. Use Value: Lowers system BoM cost by $0.32/unit versus switching LED driver + current-sense solution. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL5809-20 | 20 mA fixed output; 2.5V–60V range; 3-pin SOT-23 package; higher tempco (0.03%/°C) | Limited to lower-voltage LED strings; unsuitable for 72V+ industrial rails or parallel configurations | Select when space-constrained designs require SOT-23 footprint and 20 mA suffices |
| NSI45020AT1G | 20 mA adjustable via external resistor; 45V max; TO-252 package; no integrated tempco compensation | Requires external resistor and thermal derating above 60°C; not drop-in for 90V operation | Choose when adjustable current and higher power dissipation (2W) are prioritized over voltage range and thermal stability |
Compared with AL5809-20 and NSI45020AT1G, CL25N8-G uniquely combines 90V operation, factory-trimmed 25 mA, and 0.01%/°C tempco in a compact SOT-89 package - making it optimal for high-reliability, wide-input industrial LED biasing where layout simplicity and thermal consistency are non-negotiable.
Availability
CL25N8-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial panel indicators, architectural accent lighting, and outdoor signage requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for CL25N8-G 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
Microchip Technology is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and timing solutions, with ISO/TS 16949-certified manufacturing and global technical support infrastructure.
The CL25 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability LED biasing in industrial and commercial lighting where simplicity, thermal stability, and wide input voltage tolerance outweigh programmability or digital interface needs.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous operating voltage for CL25N8-G?
The CL25N8-G has an absolute maximum rating of 100V across VA–VB, with specified operation up to 90V. For reliable long-term use, Microchip recommends limiting steady-state voltage to ≤90V and applying pulse duty-cycle derating above 72V to maintain junction temperature below +125°C per DS20005804A-page 7.
Can CL25N8-G be used in a constant-current source configuration?
Yes - CL25N8-G supports both sink and source modes. In source configuration, connect VB to system ground and VA to the LED anode; current flows from VA through the LED to VB. The device's bidirectional functional diagram (DS20005804A-page 2) confirms symmetrical operation with identical 25 mA regulation in either orientation.
Does CL25N8-G require external capacitors or resistors for basic operation?
No. CL25N8-G is a true two-terminal device requiring zero external components for nominal 25 mA constant-current operation. The internal temperature-compensated bandgap reference and control circuit eliminate the need for sense resistors, feedback networks, or bypass capacitors - verified in the Typical Application Circuit (DS20005804A-page 3).
How does thermal performance differ between CL25N8-G and CL25N3-G?
CL25N8-G in SOT-89 has θJA = 133°C/W (on 25 mm × 25 mm FR4), enabling 1.3W dissipation at 25°C ambient; CL25N3-G in TO-92 has θJA = 132°C/W but only 0.6W max power rating due to smaller die attach and leadframe thermal mass - making CL25N8-G preferable for >0.6W applications or higher ambient temperatures.
Is CL25N8-G suitable for driving multiple LED strings in parallel?
Yes - CL25N8-G is explicitly designed for parallel operation. As stated in DS20005804A-page 1 and Figure 3-2, multiple units can be connected in parallel to deliver 50 mA, 75 mA, or 100 mA with inherent current matching due to matched internal references and thermal coupling on shared PCBs.
CL25N8-G Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-243AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Constant Current
- Internal Switch(s):
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 90V
- Voltage - Output:
- 90V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 25mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- LED Lighting
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-243AA (SOT-89)
CL25N8-G FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CL25N8-G through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CL25N8-G 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 CL25N8-G reliable?
The price and inventory of CL25N8-G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CL25N8-G is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CL25N8-G?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CL25N8-G transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CL25N8-G?
CL25N8-G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CL25N8-G 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 CL25N8-G?
For technical support, including CL25N8-G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CL25N8-G requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CL25N8-G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CL25N8-G 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 CL25N8-G meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CL25N8-G?
All CL25N8-G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CL25N8-G, 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 CL25N8-G part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CL25N8-G:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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