Texas Instruments LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB

Overview

LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB from Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the LM3414HV 65V floating buck LED driver IC in LLP-8 package. It delivers up to 1 A LED current across 1–18 series-connected HBLEDs, operates from 4.5 V to 65 V input, and supports PWM dimming via TTL-compatible DIM pin - used for prototyping high-brightness LED lighting in industrial signage, architectural accent lighting, and automotive exterior lamps.

For engineers reviewing the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB datasheet, LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB pinout, LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB application, or LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, terminal functions, thermal foldback implementation guidance, and real-world design examples for rapid LED driver validation.

Technical Context

The LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB implements a continuous conduction mode (CCM) floating buck topology with proprietary Pulse-Level-Modulation (PLM) for resistorless LED current regulation. It integrates no external current-sense resistor and relies on internal current sensing through the high-side switch.

Board-level control includes adjustable switching frequency (250 kHz–1 MHz) set by RFS, analog/PWM dimming via DIM pin, and thermal foldback using THM+/THM− terminals connected to a PTC thermistor. Core circuitry occupies only 22 mm × 19 mm, optimized for compact LED driver development.

Key Specifications

Availability

LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED lighting prototyping, industrial signage development, and automotive exterior lamp qualification requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for LM3414HVSDEVAL/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 acquired National Semiconductor in 2011 and maintains full technical and supply chain continuity for legacy evaluation modules including LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB.

This board belongs to TI's LED lighting evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of high-voltage buck LED drivers in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB evaluation board?

The LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB evaluation board is a fully assembled, tested platform for validating the LM3414HV 65V floating buck LED driver IC in LLP-8 package. It enables rapid characterization of LED current regulation, PWM/analog dimming, thermal foldback behavior, and efficiency across 4.5–65 V input and 1–18-series LED configurations - all without requiring custom PCB design.

Which LED driver IC does the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB evaluate, and what package is used?

The LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB evaluates the LM3414HV 65V buck LED driver IC in the 3 mm × 3 mm LLP-8 package. This variant is selected for its high power density and thermal performance in compact LED lighting designs - distinct from the PSOP-8 version evaluated on the companion LM3414PSDEVAL/NOPB board.

How is LED current adjusted on the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB board?

LED current on the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB is set by the RIADJ resistor (default 3.09 kΩ for 1 A). Using Equation (1) from AN-2076, ILED = 3.13 V / RIADJ(kΩ), users can scale output from 350 mA to 1000 mA by replacing RIADJ with standard 0603 resistors listed in Table 1 - enabling precise current tuning without firmware or hardware redesign.

Does the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB support thermal protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB supports thermal foldback via dedicated THM+ and THM− terminals. Users connect a PTC thermistor across these pins; rising temperature increases PTC resistance, biasing an external transistor (Q1) to inject current into RIADJ and proportionally reduce LED current - as demonstrated in Figure 4 and the 80°C–100°C design example in AN-2076.

Can the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB be used with the standard LM3414 (non-HV) IC?

No - the LM3414HVSDEVAL/NOPB is specifically configured for the LM3414HV with 65 V maximum input voltage. While AN-2076 notes the board "is also suitable for the LM3414" (42 V max), that requires derating input voltage to ≤42 V and verifying layout compatibility; the board's default component values (e.g., 100 V CIN capacitor) are optimized for HV operation and not guaranteed for standard LM3414 use without modification.