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Texas Instruments LM3404MAX/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM3404MAX/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
LM3404MAX/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER RGLTR PWM 1A 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,814
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Product details
Overview
LM3404MAX/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a monolithic 1-A constant-current buck regulator IC designed to drive high-power LED arrays in automotive and industrial lighting systems. It integrates a high-side N-channel MOSFET (RDS(on) = 0.75 Ω typ), operates from 6 V to 42 V input, delivers up to 1.2-A output current, features 200-mV CS regulation threshold, and supports PWM dimming via the DIM pin for precise light control in headlamps and signage.
For engineers reviewing the LM3404MAX/NOPB datasheet, LM3404MAX/NOPB pinout, LM3404MAX/NOPB application, or LM3404MAX/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its hysteretic controlled-on-time (COT) architecture eliminating loop compensation, 300-ns minimum off-time limiting maximum duty cycle, thermal shutdown at 165°C, integrated 7-V VCC bias regulator, and SOIC-8 PowerPAD™ package optimized for high-current LED driver thermal performance.
Technical Context
The LM3404MAX/NOPB implements a controlled-on-time (COT) buck topology with hysteretic feedback, where LED current is regulated by comparing the voltage across an external sense resistor (RSNS) to a 200-mV internal reference at the CS pin. On-time is programmable via RON and inversely scales with VIN, enabling stable operation across wide input ranges without compensation components.
It uses a bootstrap-driven high-side MOSFET (gate charge ≈6 nC, rise/fall time ≈20 ns) and includes dedicated protection functions: cycle-by-cycle current limit (1.5-A typ), overvoltage/overcurrent comparator (300-mV CS threshold), thermal shutdown (165°C, 25°C hysteresis), and low-power shutdown via RON pin grounding - all supporting robust, maintenance-free LED lighting in harsh environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VIN Range | 6 V to 42 V - supports 12 V/24 V automotive and industrial DC bus inputs without pre-regulation |
| Output Current | 1.2-A continuous - sufficient for driving multi-LED strings (e.g., 3–5 high-brightness white LEDs in series) |
| CS Threshold | 200 mV ±3 mV - sets LED current as IF = 0.2 V / RSNS, enabling accurate, temperature-stable current regulation |
| Switch RDS(on) | 0.75 Ω max - limits conduction loss at 1.2 A to <1.1 W, reducing thermal load in compact layouts |
| Min Off-time | 300 ns - constrains maximum duty cycle and thus maximum output voltage (VO(MAX) ≈ VIN × DMAX) |
| VCC Regulator | 7 V ±0.6 V - powers internal circuitry; bypassed with 0.1-µF ceramic capacitor, active above 5.25 V |
| Thermal Shutdown | 165°C with 25°C hysteresis - protects die during sustained overload or poor heatsinking without latch-up |
Pinout & Package
LM3404MAX/NOPB is housed in an SOIC-8 package with exposed PowerPAD™ (DDA variant), measuring 3.90 mm × 4.89 mm, where the PowerPAD must be soldered to PCB ground plane using 4–6 thermal vias for optimal thermal performance (RθJB = 24.5°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SW | Switch node | Connects to inductor and Schottky diode cathode; carries high di/dt switching current and requires tight layout |
| BOOT | Bootstrap supply | Drives high-side MOSFET gate; requires 10-nF ceramic capacitor to SW for floating gate drive voltage generation |
| DIM | PWM dimming input | TTL-compatible logic input (VIL ≤ 0.8 V, VIH ≥ 2.2 V); enables fast LED on/off control without affecting VCC or bias circuits |
| GND | Power and signal ground | Reference for CS, DIM, RON; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling into current sense path |
| CS | Current sense feedback | Monitors voltage across RSNS; 200-mV threshold ensures precise current regulation independent of VIN or temperature |
| RON | On-time control | Resistor from RON to VIN sets tON; determines switching frequency and maximum output voltage capability |
| VCC | Internal bias supply | 7-V regulated output; must be bypassed locally with 0.1-µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor to stabilize gate drive and control logic |
| VIN | Main power input | Accepts 6–42 V DC; powers internal LDO and high-voltage driver; requires bulk capacitance (CIN) near pin |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No control loop compensation required | Hysteretic COT architecture eliminates external compensation network, reducing BOM count and design iteration time |
| Separate PWM dimming and shutdown | DIM pin enables flicker-free brightness control; RON pin allows true low-power shutdown (IIN = 95 µA typ) without disabling bias rails |
| Supports capacitor-less outputs | Direct inductor-to-LED connection possible due to inherent current regulation - eliminates CO, saving space and cost in high-reliability lighting |
| Integrated 1-A MOSFET with thermal protection | On-chip switch rated for 1.2-A continuous; thermal shutdown prevents damage during open-LED fault or ambient overheating |
| Robust current sensing | 200-mV CS reference with 300-mV overcurrent clamp provides immunity to noise while limiting peak LED current during transients |
Applications
| Automotive Headlamps | Industrial Machine Vision Lighting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-intensity directional lighting for vehicle forward illumination requiring stable current under wide battery voltage swing (9–16 V) and engine cranking dips. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current buck controller regulating 700–1000 mA through 4-series white LED string; manages thermal derating during prolonged high-beam use. Use Value: Eliminates need for external current-sense amplifier and compensation components, reducing system size and improving EMI robustness in crowded engine compartments. | Use Scenario: Stroboscopic LED arrays used in factory automation cameras for high-speed part inspection under variable ambient temperatures (−40°C to +85°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current source synchronized to camera trigger pulses via DIM pin; maintains ±2% LED current accuracy across temperature and input voltage variation. Use Value: Enables consistent image exposure and contrast by delivering repeatable optical output without drift, critical for AI-based defect detection algorithms. |
| Commercial Outdoor Signage | Architectural Accent Lighting |
Use Scenario: Weatherproof LED modules mounted on building facades, exposed to solar heating and wide input fluctuations from PoE or 24 V DC supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary current regulator driving parallel LED strings; leverages thermal shutdown and open-LED protection to prevent catastrophic failure during field operation. Use Value: Extends service life by avoiding thermal runaway during summer ambient peaks (>85°C PCB temp), reducing maintenance frequency and warranty claims. | Use Scenario: Low-profile linear LED strips embedded in aluminum extrusions for interior accent lighting, where thermal dissipation is constrained by enclosure geometry. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact constant-current driver operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM); uses PowerPAD™ package to conduct heat directly into metal housing. Use Value: Achieves >90% efficiency at 1 A while maintaining junction temperature below 125°C without heatsinks, enabling slimmer, aesthetically refined fixtures. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3404MHX/NOPB | Same electrical specs and pinout; packaged in SO PowerPAD™ (DDA) instead of SOIC-8 (D); lower RθJB (24.5 vs 48.7°C/W) | Better thermal performance in high-power or thermally constrained layouts; identical functional behavior | Select LM3404MHX/NOPB when board-level thermal resistance must be minimized - e.g., enclosed luminaires or high ambient temperature environments |
| MPQ4425HGJ-P | Monolithic 1.2-A buck LED driver (MPS); 4.5–40 V input; 200-mV CS threshold; requires external compensation; no integrated VCC LDO | Lacks self-biased VCC rail - requires external bias supply; higher component count but offers adjustable frequency and soft-start | Choose MPQ4425HGJ-P only if programmable switching frequency or soft-start is mandatory; otherwise LM3404MAX/NOPB offers simpler, more integrated solution |
Compared with LM3404MHX/NOPB, LM3404MAX/NOPB trades thermal performance for standard SOIC-8 footprint compatibility; versus MPQ4425HGJ-P, it delivers faster time-to-market via elimination of compensation design and external biasing, at the cost of fixed-frequency operation and less configurability.
Availability
LM3404MAX/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting, industrial machine vision systems, and commercial outdoor signage requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for LM3404MAX/NOPB 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
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and digital signal processing technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The LM3404 family was engineered specifically for high-reliability, high-efficiency constant-current LED driving in demanding environments - emphasizing integration, thermal resilience, and ease of implementation over configurability.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage supported by the LM3404MAX/NOPB?
The LM3404MAX/NOPB supports a maximum input voltage of 42 V, as specified in its recommended operating conditions. This rating applies to the standard LM3404 variant (not the HV version). Exceeding 42 V risks permanent damage, as the absolute maximum VIN is 45 V - a stress rating, not a functional limit. Designers should maintain margin below 42 V to ensure reliability across temperature and line transients.
Does the LM3404MAX/NOPB require external compensation components?
No, the LM3404MAX/NOPB does not require external compensation components. Its controlled-on-time (COT) hysteretic architecture inherently stabilizes the control loop without needing external resistors or capacitors for phase/gain adjustment. This simplifies layout, reduces bill-of-materials cost, and accelerates design validation - a key differentiator versus traditional voltage-mode or current-mode buck controllers.
How is LED dimming implemented on the LM3404MAX/NOPB?
LED dimming on the LM3404MAX/NOPB is implemented via the DIM pin, which accepts TTL-compatible PWM signals (VIL ≤ 0.8 V, VIH ≥ 2.2 V). A logic low disables the internal MOSFET, halting LED current flow; a logic high re-enables regulation. The device retains active VCC bias and control circuitry during dimming, enabling sub-microsecond turn-on response - critical for strobe and synchronization applications.
What thermal management is required for reliable operation of the LM3404MAX/NOPB?
Reliable operation of the LM3404MAX/NOPB requires soldering its exposed PowerPAD™ to a solid PCB ground plane using 4–6 thermal vias. With this layout, junction-to-board thermal resistance is 24.5°C/W. At 1.2-A load and 42-V input, power dissipation can exceed 1.5 W; without proper heatsinking, junction temperature may exceed 125°C. Thermal shutdown activates at 165°C, but sustained operation above 125°C degrades long-term reliability.
Can the LM3404MAX/NOPB drive LED strings without an output capacitor?
Yes, the LM3404MAX/NOPB can drive LED strings without an output capacitor. As a constant-current buck regulator, it regulates LED current directly via inductor current control - eliminating the need for output capacitance to maintain voltage stability. This reduces component count, cost, and board area. A small 10-nF capacitor across the LED array is recommended only to dampen high-frequency ringing at the SW node.
LM3404MAX/NOPB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Regulator
- Topology:
- Step-Down (Buck)
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 6V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 42V
- Voltage - Output:
- 40V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 1A
- Frequency:
- 1MHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Lighting
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
LM3404MAX/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3404MAX/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3404MAX/NOPB 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 LM3404MAX/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3404MAX/NOPB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3404MAX/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3404MAX/NOPB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3404MAX/NOPB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM3404MAX/NOPB?
LM3404MAX/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3404MAX/NOPB 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 LM3404MAX/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM3404MAX/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3404MAX/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3404MAX/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3404MAX/NOPB 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 LM3404MAX/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3404MAX/NOPB?
All LM3404MAX/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3404MAX/NOPB, 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 LM3404MAX/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3404MAX/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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