Texas Instruments LM3550SPX/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM3550SPX/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 20-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
LM3550SPX/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR CTRLR I2C 5A 20UQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,680
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Product details
Overview
LM3550SPX/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 5-A switched-capacitor super-capacitor flash LED driver IC with integrated NFET controller, I²C-programmable flash/torch current (60–200 mA), 4 selectable charge voltages (4.5 V/5 V/5.3 V/Optimized), and ambient light/temperature sensing via ALD/TEMP pin - designed for high-intensity camera flash in compact mobile imaging systems.
For engineers reviewing the LM3550SPX/NOPB datasheet, LM3550SPX/NOPB pinout, LM3550SPX/NOPB application, or LM3550SPX/NOPB equivalent, this device delivers precise flash timing control, true LED disconnect shutdown, end-of-charge flagging (EOC), and no-inductor operation - critical for space-constrained, thermally sensitive handheld camera modules and emergency strobes.
Technical Context
The LM3550SPX/NOPB implements a multi-gain (1×/1.5×/2×) charge-pump architecture to regulate super-capacitor voltage up to 5.3 V while limiting input current to 534 mA (typ). Its internal NFET controller maintains constant flash current up to 5 A sourced from the charged super-capacitor, independent of VOUT droop during discharge.
Flash duration, torch level, and ALS/thermal scaling are configured via an I²C-compatible interface (SCL/SDA), with STROBE supporting both edge-triggered (internal timing) and level-sensitive (external timing) modes. EOC provides open-drain end-of-charge signaling, and BAL enables active cell balancing for dual-section super-capacitors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max Flash Current | 5 A - enables high-luminance single/dual-LED flash without external power stage |
| Charge Voltage Options | 4.5 V / 5 V / 5.3 V / Optimized - selects super-capacitor termination point to match LED forward voltage and thermal limits |
| Torch Current Range | 60–200 mA - digitally adjustable constant-current sink for preview/illumination mode |
| Switching Frequency | 0.882–1.153 MHz - high-frequency operation minimizes flying capacitor size (1 µF) and EMI footprint |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7–5.5 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, Li-polymer, or USB-powered systems |
| Thermal Shutdown | 145°C (engage), 125°C (release) - protects IC and LEDs during sustained high-power flash bursts |
| I²C Interface Speed | 400 kHz - supports standard-mode communication with host microcontrollers without timing overhead |
Pinout & Package
LM3550SPX/NOPB uses a 16-pin UQFN package (3.0 mm × 2.5 mm × 0.8 mm) with exposed die-attach pad (DAP) connected to GND for thermal performance. Pin numbering follows TI's NHU package outline.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VOUT | Charge pump output | Connects to super-capacitor anode and LED anodes; regulated at selected voltage (e.g., 5.3 V) |
| LED− | Torch current sink | Regulated current sink input for low-power illumination mode (60–200 mA) |
| FET_CON | NFET gate driver | Drives external N-channel MOSFET to deliver up to 5 A flash current from VOUT |
| STROBE | Flash trigger input | Rising-edge or level-sensitive enable for synchronous flash initiation with camera module |
| EOC | End-of-charge flag | Open-drain output asserting low when super-capacitor reaches ≥95% target voltage |
| ALD/TEMP | Ambient sensing input | Accepts photosensor or NTC thermistor to auto-scale flash current based on light/temperature |
| SCL / SDA | I²C interface | Standard two-wire bus for configuring flash duration, torch level, ALS zones, and operating mode |
| BAL | Super-capacitor balance | Maintains equal voltage across dual-section super-capacitors (VBAL = VOUT/2) |
| GND (Pins 7,9,17,19 + DAP) | Ground reference | Multiple low-impedance ground connections required for stable switching and thermal dissipation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No-inductor architecture | Eliminates magnetic components and associated EMI; enables ultra-thin PCB layouts using only ceramic capacitors (C1/C2 = 1 µF) |
| True shutdown with LED disconnect | Physically isolates LEDs from VOUT during standby - prevents leakage-induced dim glow and ensures zero torch current |
| Programmable flash timeout | Prevents thermal runaway by automatically terminating flash if STROBE remains asserted beyond register-defined duration |
| Dedicated indicator LED driver | Integrated 5-mA constant-current source (IND pin) for status indication without external current-setting resistor |
| ALS/temperature adaptive scaling | Three-zone detection (via ALD/TEMP) reduces flash current to 70% or disables flash entirely under bright ambient or high-temp conditions |
Applications
| Mobile Camera Flash | Emergency Strobe Lighting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-intensity flash for smartphone or action-camera still capture in low-light environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Super-capacitor charger + flash current controller; manages charge cycle, triggers synchronized flash pulse, and scales intensity based on ambient light. Use Value: Delivers 5-A peak current with <20-ms strobe-to-flash delay and thermal protection - enabling reliable burst capture without battery sag or LED overheating. |
Use Scenario: High-visibility warning strobes in fire alarm panels or industrial safety beacons. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Flash timing controller with programmable pulse width and brightness; uses EOC to confirm energy readiness before each flash. Use Value: Ensures consistent luminous output across wide temperature ranges (−30°C to +85°C) and supports long-life super-capacitor energy storage instead of electrolytic capacitors. |
| Barcode Scanner Illumination | Handheld Data Terminal |
Use Scenario: Short-duration, high-brightness LED illumination for rapid barcode decoding in retail or logistics scanners. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Torch/flash dual-mode driver; switches between 200-mA preview and 5-A flash via I²C command or STROBE edge. Use Value: Enables sub-100-ms decode cycles with minimal power draw in torch mode and full-intensity flash only when needed - extending battery life. |
Use Scenario: Rugged portable terminals used in warehouse inventory or field service requiring reliable flash-assisted imaging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated super-capacitor management and flash control; balances fast recharge (via BAL) and robust overvoltage protection (VOVP = 5.479 V). Use Value: Survives repeated mechanical shock and thermal cycling due to solid-state capacitor storage and 150°C junction rating - no electrolyte drying or capacitor swelling. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar flash LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3554TP/NOPB | Higher 6-A flash current; includes integrated 2-A buck charger for Li-ion input; same 16-pin UQFN package | Requires Li-ion battery input; adds charging path - not suitable for USB-only or fixed-rail systems | Select LM3554TP/NOPB when system requires integrated battery charging alongside flash control |
| MAX77693EWP+T | Multi-function PMIC with flash LED driver (3-A max), buck/boost converters, and fuel gauge; 40-pin WLP package | Broader power management scope; larger footprint and higher BOM cost; I²C register map incompatible with LM3550 | Select MAX77693EWP+T only when consolidating multiple power rails and flash control into one IC |
Compared with LM3550SPX/NOPB, LM3554TP/NOPB adds battery charging capability but increases complexity and cost, while MAX77693EWP+T trades flash performance for system-level integration - making LM3550SPX/NOPB optimal for dedicated, high-efficiency super-capacitor flash applications with minimal footprint.
Availability
LM3550SPX/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile camera flash, emergency strobe lighting, and handheld data terminal applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for LM3550SPX/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 leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in power management and precision analog ICs.
The LM3550SPX/NOPB belongs to TI's high-current flash LED driver product line, engineered specifically for super-capacitor-based camera flash systems where inductor-free design, thermal resilience, and I²C configurability are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum super-capacitor voltage supported by the LM3550SPX/NOPB?
The LM3550SPX/NOPB supports four user-selectable super-capacitor charge voltages: 4.5 V, 5 V, 5.3 V, and an optimized mode. Its output overvoltage protection (OVP) trips at 5.479 V (typical), ensuring safe operation even under transient conditions. This makes LM3550SPX/NOPB compatible with common 5.5-V-rated super-capacitors used in mobile imaging systems.
Does the LM3550SPX/NOPB require an external inductor?
No, the LM3550SPX/NOPB uses a switched-capacitor (charge-pump) topology and requires only ceramic flying capacitors (C1 and C2 = 1 µF each) and input/output bulk capacitors. This eliminates inductors entirely, reducing EMI, board area, and bill-of-materials cost - a key advantage of LM3550SPX/NOPB in space-constrained designs.
How does the ALD/TEMP pin function in the LM3550SPX/NOPB?
The ALD/TEMP pin on LM3550SPX/NOPB accepts either a photodiode/resistor network for ambient light detection or an NTC thermistor/resistor divider for temperature monitoring. It enables automatic flash current scaling across three zones - full (100%), reduced (70%), or disabled - without host processor intervention, directly enhancing reliability and power efficiency of LM3550SPX/NOPB deployments.
What is the role of the BAL pin on the LM3550SPX/NOPB?
The BAL pin on LM3550SPX/NOPB actively regulates voltage across dual-section super-capacitors by maintaining VBAL = VOUT/2. This prevents overvoltage on either section during charge/discharge cycles - a critical safeguard for series-connected EDLCs. BAL functionality is optional and only required when using two-cell super-capacitor configurations with LM3550SPX/NOPB.
Can the LM3550SPX/NOPB drive multiple LEDs simultaneously?
Yes, the LM3550SPX/NOPB drives multiple LEDs through its external NFET controller (FET_CON pin), which can switch up to 5 A sourced from the super-capacitor. Typical implementations use parallel high-current LEDs (e.g., two 2.5-A LEDs) or series strings with appropriate VOUT selection. The LM3550SPX/NOPB's torch mode (LED−) supports only single-string constant-current sinking.
LM3550SPX/NOPB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- Switched Capacitor (Charge Pump)
- Internal Switch(s):
- No
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 5.3V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 5A (Flash)
- Frequency:
- 1MHz
- Dimming:
- I2C
- Applications:
- Camera Flash
- Operating Temperature:
- -30°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-UQFN (3x2.5)
LM3550SPX/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3550SPX/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3550SPX/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 LM3550SPX/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3550SPX/NOPB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3550SPX/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3550SPX/NOPB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM3550SPX/NOPB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM3550SPX/NOPB?
LM3550SPX/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3550SPX/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 LM3550SPX/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM3550SPX/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3550SPX/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3550SPX/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3550SPX/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 LM3550SPX/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3550SPX/NOPB?
All LM3550SPX/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3550SPX/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 LM3550SPX/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3550SPX/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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