Microchip Technology CL520N3-G

Overview

CL520N3-G from Microchip Technology is a fixed-current linear LED driver in TO-92 package, delivering 20 mA ±10% constant output current with 1 V dropout voltage, 4.75–90 V wide input supply range, and 90 V transient immunity-designed for driving single or multiple LEDs in low-voltage signage and specialty lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the CL520N3-G datasheet, CL520N3-G pinout, CL520N3-G application, or CL520N3-G equivalent, this part supports ground-referenced, switched, and separate LED supply topologies; requires local 100 nF VDD bypass; and operates across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature with thermal derating above 90 V OUT–GND.

Technical Context

The CL520N3-G implements a temperature-compensated linear current regulator architecture that maintains stable 20 mA sink current over its full operating voltage and temperature range. Its internal reference and feedback loop ensure ±10% output accuracy without external components.

It features dual shutdown mechanisms: VDD < 1 V disables LED current (IOUT < 10 µA), and open-circuit VDD yields <10 µA leakage. Thermal protection is implicit via junction temperature limits (–40°C to +125°C operating, +135°C absolute max) and package-specific θJA = 132°C/W (TO-92).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CL520N3-G is supplied in a 3-lead TO-92 plastic package with standard through-hole mounting. The device uses a sink-output topology where current flows from external LED anode into OUT pin and exits via GND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with CL520K4-G, the CL520N3-G trades thermal performance for through-hole manufacturability and smaller footprint; compared with AL8862SP-13, it offers simplicity and zero external components at the cost of lower efficiency and narrower voltage ceiling.

Availability

CL520N3-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for architectural accent lighting, emergency exit signage, and industrial control panel indicators requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for CL520N3-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 design centers.

The CL520N3-G belongs to Microchip's linear LED driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-component-count illumination in industrial signage and safety-critical visual indicators.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous voltage across the OUT and GND pins of the CL520N3-G?

The CL520N3-G supports up to 90 V across OUT and GND under recommended operating conditions. However, thermal considerations may require pulse operation (e.g., 10% duty cycle) at 90 V to keep junction temperature ≤125°C. Continuous operation at 90 V is feasible only with adequate heatsinking and ambient cooling per the TO-92 θJA = 132°C/W rating.

Can the CL520N3-G drive multiple LEDs in series?

Yes, the CL520N3-G can drive multiple LEDs in series as long as the total forward voltage (V_F) remains within the 1 V to 90 V range across OUT and GND. For example, ten 3 V white LEDs (30 V total) are fully supported with 4.75–90 V supply - the device regulates current regardless of V_F variation, provided dropout (V_DD – V_OUT) ≥1 V.

Does the CL520N3-G require an external current-sense resistor?

No, the CL520N3-G does not require an external current-sense resistor. It integrates a precision temperature-compensated current reference and regulation circuitry to deliver a fixed 20 mA ±10% sink current directly from the OUT pin - no external components are needed for basic operation beyond the mandatory 100 nF VDD bypass capacitor.

How does the CL520N3-G behave when VDD is disconnected?

When VDD is open-circuited, the CL520N3-G draws less than 10 µA from the OUT pin (I_OUT(OFF)), effectively disabling LED current. This behavior enables fail-safe shutdown in systems where VDD is controlled by upstream logic or power switches - no additional MOSFET or blocking diode is required to isolate the LED path.

Is the CL520N3-G RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the CL520N3-G is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, as indicated by the "-G" suffix in the part number and confirmed in Microchip's packaging specification. The TO-92 package uses matte tin (Sn) plating per JEDEC standards, and full Pb-free compliance documentation is available in Microchip's DS20005805A datasheet and packaging reports.