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Microchip Technology CL6K4-G
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- Part No.:
- CL6K4-G
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Datasheet:
-
CL6K4-G.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 100MA TO252
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:11,872
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Product details
Overview
CL6K4-G from Microchip Technology is a 100 mA ±5% fixed-current linear LED driver in TO-252 (D-PAK) package, designed to drive high-brightness LEDs from 6.5–28 V nominal supplies (up to 90 V transient rating), with built-in reverse polarity protection and overtemperature shutdown at 135°C. It serves as a constant-current sink in low-voltage signage and flashlight power stages.
For engineers reviewing the CL6K4-G datasheet, CL6K4-G pinout, CL6K4-G application, or CL6K4-G equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal behavior, heatsink-integrated GND tab functionality, PWM dimming compatibility, and real-world lighting use cases - all grounded in Microchip's DS20005809A documentation.
Technical Context
The CL6K4-G operates as a three-terminal constant-current sink: VDD supplies bias and control, OUT sinks regulated 100 mA to the LED anode, and dual GND pins provide circuit return and chassis heatsinking. Its internal overtemperature protection activates at 135°C (typical) with 30°C hysteresis, enabling automatic recovery below 105°C.
No external sense resistor is required - current regulation is fully integrated. The device tolerates supply transients up to 90 V without added protection, and supports two-terminal operation when VDD is derived from the LED string, simplifying wiring in compact lighting modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 100 mA ±5% (95–105 mA at 25°C); stable across –40°C to +119°C junction range |
| Supply Voltage Range | 6.5–28 V (normal), up to 90 V transient immunity - eliminates need for external TVS in 24V/48V systems |
| Overtemperature Threshold | 135°C typical shutdown; 105°C resume - enables self-protecting operation under thermal stress |
| Junction-to-Ambient θJA | 81°C/W (TO-252 on 2 cm² copper) - mandates heatsinking above ~1.5 W dissipation |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | Built-in - prevents damage if input leads are swapped during field installation or maintenance |
| PWM Dimming Support | Compatible via VDD modulation - enables smooth brightness control without external FETs or controllers |
| Shutdown Threshold | VDD < 1 V disables output - allows simple on/off control using low-voltage logic signals |
Pinout & Package
CL6K4-G uses the 3-lead TO-252 (D-PAK) package with exposed thermal pad (GND-connected tab). Pin 1 = VDD, Pin 3 = OUT, Pin 4 = GND; Pin 2 is internal GND not intended for external connection. The package enables direct PCB copper-area heatsinking without insulating hardware.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD (Pin 1) | Supply input | Bias and control rail; must be ≥6.5 V for regulation; <1 V disables output |
| OUT (Pin 3) | Constant-current sink | Connects to LED cathode; sinks precisely regulated 100 mA regardless of forward voltage variation |
| GND (Pin 4) | Circuit common & thermal path | Primary ground reference and thermal interface - soldered directly to large copper pour for heatsinking |
| GND (Pin 2) | Internal ground tie | No external connection required; internally bonded to thermal pad and Pin 4 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 100 mA ±5% constant current | Eliminates need for external current-sense resistors and associated power loss or layout sensitivity |
| Tab-grounded thermal design | Enables direct mounting to metal chassis or large PCB copper areas - no mica washers or thermal pads needed |
| 90 V transient rating | Withstands load-dump events in 24V automotive or industrial systems without external clamping components |
| Integrated overtemperature protection | Prevents thermal runaway in enclosed fixtures; auto-recovery avoids manual reset or system lockout |
| PWM-compatible dimming | Accepts standard 100–1000 Hz PWM on VDD - avoids flicker while preserving color consistency vs analog dimming |
Applications
| Flashlights | Low-Voltage Signage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld or tactical flashlights powered from 12V or 24V battery packs with space-constrained PCB layouts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink regulating LED string current independent of battery voltage sag or temperature drift. Use Value: Maintains consistent lumen output across battery discharge cycle; reverse polarity protection prevents field damage during battery swaps. |
Use Scenario: Edge-lit channel letters or backlit acrylic signs operating from 24V DC distribution rails in commercial interiors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary current regulator for parallel LED strings, each driven by one CL6K4-G for uniform brightness. Use Value: Eliminates binning requirements and current-matching resistors; 90 V rating handles switching surges from shared building power. |
| Specialty Lighting | Low-Voltage Lighting |
Use Scenario: Architectural accent lighting in museums or retail displays where EMI-sensitive environments prohibit switching regulators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear LED driver providing ripple-free current with zero conducted EMI - critical near audio or sensor circuits. Use Value: Avoids RF interference with nearby instrumentation; TO-252 footprint allows dense placement behind narrow light guides. |
Use Scenario: Landscape or pathway lighting powered from 12V/24V solar-charged battery banks with variable input voltage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable current source tolerant of wide VDD swing (6.5–28 V), supporting both float and bulk charge phases. Use Value: Delivers full rated brightness even at low battery voltage; overtemperature shutdown prevents thermal failure in sealed outdoor enclosures. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL8862T-13 | Switching buck LED driver (40 V max, 1.5 A adjustable); requires external inductor and diode | Higher efficiency (>90%) at >12 V input; unsuitable for EMI-sensitive or ultra-compact layouts | Select when input voltage exceeds 28 V or thermal budget prohibits linear dissipation |
| NSI45020AZT1G | 20 mA adjustable current regulator (SOD-123); 45 V max rating; no overtemperature protection | Lower cost for low-power indicator LEDs; lacks thermal safety and transient robustness | Select only for non-critical, low-power signage where board space and BOM count dominate |
Compared with AL8862T-13 and NSI45020AZT1G, CL6K4-G uniquely combines 100 mA precision regulation, 90 V transient tolerance, integrated thermal shutdown, and chassis-mountable TO-252 packaging - making it optimal for ruggedized, medium-power linear LED applications where simplicity and reliability outweigh efficiency trade-offs.
Availability
CL6K4-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for flashlights, low-voltage signage, and specialty lighting requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for CL6K4-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.
The CL6 family was developed by Microchip to address demand for robust, easy-to-use linear LED drivers in industrial and portable lighting - emphasizing fault tolerance, thermal resilience, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous supply voltage for CL6K4-G?
The CL6K4-G supports continuous operation up to 28 V under normal conditions, with absolute maximum rating of +100 V for transient events such as load dump. Operation above 28 V may trigger overtemperature protection unless heatsinking is significantly enhanced per the 81°C/W θJA spec. Always verify thermal performance in final layout before extending beyond recommended conditions.
Does CL6K4-G require an external current-sense resistor?
No, CL6K4-G does not require an external current-sense resistor. It integrates precision current regulation to deliver 100 mA ±5% directly from the OUT pin. This eliminates resistor tolerance errors, power loss, and PCB area typically needed for discrete sense networks - simplifying design and improving long-term stability.
How does the overtemperature protection behave in CL6K4-G?
CL6K4-G shuts off LED current when junction temperature reaches 135°C (typical), then resumes full 100 mA output once die temperature falls below 105°C (typical), providing 30°C hysteresis. This behavior is fully internal - no external components or configuration are needed, ensuring fail-safe thermal management in enclosed or high-ambient installations.
Can CL6K4-G be used for PWM dimming, and how is it implemented?
Yes, CL6K4-G supports PWM dimming by modulating its VDD pin. Applying a logic-level PWM signal (100–1000 Hz typical) to VDD enables smooth brightness control without color shift or audible noise. The device turns fully on/off within 100 µs, matching standard microcontroller PWM outputs - no additional gate drivers or level shifters are required.
What is the role of Pin 2 on the CL6K4-G TO-252 package?
Pin 2 on the CL6K4-G is an internal GND connection tied to the thermal pad and Pin 4; it is not intended for external circuit connection. Per Microchip's DS20005809A, only Pins 1 (VDD), 3 (OUT), and 4 (GND) are functional terminals. Soldering Pin 2 provides no benefit and may risk shorting if misaligned during assembly.
CL6K4-G Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-252-3, DPAK (2 Leads + Tab), SC-63
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 6.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 90V
- Voltage - Output:
- 4V ~ 90V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 100mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Lighting, Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 119°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-252 (DPAK)
CL6K4-G FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CL6K4-G through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CL6K4-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 CL6K4-G reliable?
The price and inventory of CL6K4-G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CL6K4-G is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CL6K4-G?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CL6K4-G transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CL6K4-G?
CL6K4-G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CL6K4-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 CL6K4-G?
For technical support, including CL6K4-G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CL6K4-G requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CL6K4-G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CL6K4-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 CL6K4-G meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CL6K4-G?
All CL6K4-G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CL6K4-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 CL6K4-G part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CL6K4-G:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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