Microchip Technology CL8801K63-G

Overview

CL8801K63-G from Microchip Technology is a sequential linear LED driver IC designed to directly drive long series/parallel LED strings from AC mains without magnetics or bulk capacitors. It features four independently adjustable current sinks (TAP1–TAP4), supports up to 7.5W output (13W with heatsink), achieves >0.95 power factor and <30% THD, and enables phase-dimmer compatibility via external RC network - used in fluorescent tube retrofit and incandescent bulb replacement.

For engineers reviewing the CL8801K63-G datasheet, CL8801K63-G pinout, CL8801K63-G application, or CL8801K63-G equivalent, key selection criteria include high-voltage tap ratings (up to 550V on BIAS, 320V on TAP2–TAP4), thermal derating curves for each tap, resistor-set current precision (±10% typical), and QFN-33 package thermal resistance (θ_JA = 24°C/W).

Technical Context

The CL8801K63-G implements a sequential conduction architecture: four linear current regulators switch in sequence across the AC sine wave, minimizing voltage drop per regulator during conduction to sustain 85% typical efficiency. Each tap's output current is set by an external resistor connected to its dedicated SET pin (SET1–SET4), with regulated reference voltages of 2.0 V (SET1–SET3) and 2.1 V (SET4).

It operates without EMI filters or PFC circuitry due to low-conducted EMI and inherent >0.95 power factor. The BIAS pin accepts rectified AC up to 440 V, while TAP pins connect to discrete points along the LED string - TAP1 rated to 550 V, TAP2–TAP4 to 320 V - enabling optimized voltage distribution and luminous utilization exceeding 85%.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CL8801K63-G uses a 33-lead QFN (6 mm × 6 mm) package with exposed thermal pad. High-voltage pins (BIAS, TAP1–TAP4, SET1–SET4) are grouped on one side to minimize inter-pin voltage gradients; 19 GND pins provide robust thermal sinking and noise immunity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sequential linear LED driver applications.

Compared with AL8862SP-13 and BP5758D, CL8801K63-G uniquely supports direct AC mains operation with four independently adjustable current taps, 550 V TAP1 rating, and proven phase-dimmer compatibility - making it the only option among the three qualified for universal-input, high-efficacy fluorescent retrofit designs.

Availability

CL8801K63-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fluorescent tube retrofit, incandescent bulb replacement, and general LED lighting applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for CL8801K63-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 CL8801K63-G belongs to Microchip's AC-direct LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, capacitor-free, mains-connected lighting systems targeting regulatory compliance and thermal reliability in retrofit applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous operating voltage on the BIAS pin of CL8801K63-G?

The CL8801K63-G BIAS pin supports a maximum continuous operating voltage of 440 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This rating allows direct connection to full-wave rectified 230 VAC mains (peak ~325 V) with sufficient margin for transients. Absolute maximum rating is +550 V, but sustained operation above 440 V risks reliability degradation per Microchip's DS20005601A specification.

Can CL8801K63-G drive LED strings without external current-setting resistors?

No, CL8801K63-G requires external resistors on SET1–SET4 pins to define output currents for TAP1–TAP4. Each SET pin has an internal reference voltage (2.0 V for SET1–SET3, 2.1 V for SET4), and current is calculated as I_OUT = V_REF/R_SET. Omitting these resistors results in undefined or zero output current - the device does not support internal current programming or default factory-set values.

Does CL8801K63-G require a heatsink for 7.5W operation?

Yes, CL8801K63-G requires PCB-level thermal management to sustain 7.5W output. Its 24°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance assumes a 4 cm² copper pad with thermal vias on a 4-layer board. Without this, junction temperature exceeds 125°C under full load. For 13W operation (with heatsink), external metal-core PCB or bolted heatsink is mandatory per Figure 1-1 derating curves in DS20005601A.

How does CL8801K63-G achieve >0.95 power factor without active PFC circuitry?

CL8801K63-G achieves >0.95 power factor through sequential linear regulation: by activating four current sinks in phase with the AC sine wave, it draws current in overlapping quasi-sinusoidal pulses rather than narrow peaks. This waveform shape inherently meets IEC 61000-3-2 Class C limits, eliminating need for inductors, capacitors, or control ICs typically used in active PFC stages.

Is CL8801K63-G compatible with leading-edge (TRIAC) dimmers used in residential lighting?

Yes, CL8801K63-G supports leading-edge TRIAC dimmers when paired with an external RC network across the AC line (per Figure 3-3 in DS20005601A). The network provides a turn-on current spike to meet TRIAC latching current requirements. TAP1's 60 mA max output exceeds typical 10–20 mA holding current thresholds, ensuring stable dimming down to 10% without dropout or pop-on artifacts.