Microchip Technology HV9961NG-G-M901

Overview

HV9961NG-G-M901 from Microchip Technology is an average-current mode constant-current LED driver IC operating in constant off-time mode, designed for high-voltage DC/DC and AC/DC LED lighting applications. It delivers ±3% LED current accuracy, supports 8V–450V input voltage range, features linear and PWM dimming inputs, and provides hiccup-mode short-circuit protection. It drives external N-channel MOSFETs in buck topology for architectural lighting and street lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the HV9961NG-G-M901 datasheet, HV9961NG-G-M901 pinout, HV9961NG-G-M901 application, or HV9961NG-G-M901 equivalent, this page details its average-current control architecture, 16-lead SOIC package mapping, thermal performance at +125°C ambient, and drop-in compatibility with HV9910B in retrofit LED driver designs.

Technical Context

The HV9961NG-G-M901 implements a proprietary open-loop average-current sensing scheme that eliminates peak-to-average error without requiring loop compensation or high-side current sensing. Its CS pin senses switch current through an external resistor, while LD and PWMD pins enable dual-dimming control with independent thresholds (150 mV disable / 200 mV enable on LD; TTL-compatible PWMD).

It uses a resistor-programmable RT pin to set off-time (32–48 µs typical), operates with internal 7.5 V regulation (±0.25 V line/load regulation), and integrates gate drive with 165 mA sourcing/sinking capability. Unlike HV9910B, it omits constant-frequency mode and relies solely on constant off-time control for wide-input-voltage regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-lead SOIC (Narrow, 3.90 mm body), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free (JEDEC e3 marking). Thermal resistance θ_JA = 83°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HV9910B, HV9961NG-G-M901 improves current accuracy by 2 percentage points and eliminates compensation components; versus AL8862-7DT-13, it offers superior dimming flexibility and thermal robustness but requires external MOSFET selection and layout for high-current designs.

Availability

HV9961NG-G-M901 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for architectural LED lighting, street lighting infrastructure, and commercial display backlighting requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for HV9961NG-G-M901 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 global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and timing solutions, with emphasis on embedded control and power management.

HV9961NG-G-M901 belongs to Microchip's high-voltage LED driver product line, engineered specifically for accurate, robust, and thermally resilient constant-current regulation in offline AC/DC LED lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the HV9961NG-G-M901 in an LED lighting system?

The HV9961NG-G-M901 serves as an average-current mode constant-current controller for buck-based LED drivers. It regulates LED current with ±3% accuracy across 8–450 V input, using only a single external sense resistor and no loop compensation. Its core function is to maintain stable light output despite input voltage fluctuations, temperature drift, or LED forward voltage variance - making it ideal for outdoor and industrial LED luminaires where precision and reliability are critical. The HV9961NG-G-M901 achieves this through proprietary open-loop sensing and programmable constant off-time control.

Can the HV9961NG-G-M901 replace the HV9910B without hardware changes?

Yes, the HV9961NG-G-M901 is pin-to-pin compatible with HV9910B in the 16-lead SOIC package and shares identical pin functions and placement. It can be used as a drop-in replacement to improve LED current accuracy from ±5% to ±3%, eliminate loop compensation components, and add hiccup-mode short-circuit protection. However, note that HV9961NG-G-M901 does not support constant-frequency mode and requires RT-to-GND (not RT-to-GATE) connection - existing HV9910B layouts must verify RT routing. All other connections remain unchanged.

How does the linear dimming input (LD pin) operate on the HV9961NG-G-M901?

The LD pin on the HV9961NG-G-M901 accepts a 0–1.5 V analog signal to scale the current sense threshold from the internal 275 mV reference to V_LD × 0.185. When V_LD drops below 150 mV, the gate output is disabled; recovery occurs at 200 mV. This enables smooth analog dimming and also supports "mixed-mode" dimming when a pulsed signal <1.5 V is applied. Unlike PWM dimming, linear dimming modulates current continuously - reducing EMI and eliminating low-frequency flicker. The HV9961NG-G-M901 maintains full regulation throughout the LD range as long as inductor conduction remains continuous.

What thermal considerations apply to the HV9961NG-G-M901 at maximum input voltage?

At 450 V input, the HV9961NG-G-M901's internal linear regulator dissipates significant power - limiting practical continuous operation based on package thermal resistance (θ_JA = 83°C/W for 16-lead SOIC). For example, at 2.5 mA input current, max continuous VIN ≈ 396 V (calculated per Equation 3-5). To sustain 450 V operation, external power diversion (e.g., series Zener diode) is recommended. Derating curves in the datasheet specify junction temperature limits (T_J ≤ 150°C) and ambient range (–40°C to +125°C), confirming suitability for sealed, passively cooled outdoor fixtures where the HV9961NG-G-M901's thermal robustness is fully leveraged.

Does the HV9961NG-G-M901 require external compensation components?

No, the HV9961NG-G-M901 operates in fast open-loop average-current mode and requires no external compensation components. Its control architecture eliminates peak-to-average error inherently, enabling stable regulation without feedback loop compensation networks, op-amps, or phase-margin tuning. This simplifies design, reduces BOM count, and improves immunity to layout parasitics - especially beneficial in high-voltage buck converters where traditional peak-current mode controllers demand careful compensation. The HV9961NG-G-M901 achieves this through proprietary current averaging and blanking logic tied directly to the CS pin.