Texas Instruments LM3561EVM

Overview

LM3561EVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to fully assess the LM3561 synchronous boost LED flash driver IC. It integrates a Lumileds LXCL-EYW4 flash LED, Lite-On LTST-C170KRKT indicator LED, and a USB2ANY interface module for PC-based control via the LM3561.exe GUI. The board supports 2.7–5.5 V input and delivers up to 600 mA flash current with I²C programmable brightness, timeout, and thermal monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the LM3561EVM datasheet, LM3561EVM pinout, LM3561EVM application, or LM3561EVM equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, register-level control capabilities, USB2ANY interface integration, flash/indicator LED test points, and full GUI-driven evaluation workflow - all critical for camera flash subsystem validation and firmware co-development.

Technical Context

The LM3561EVM implements the LM3561 IC in a compact, pre-populated layout optimized for white LED flash evaluation. It exposes all LM3561 pins (VIN, SW, SDA, SCL, HWEN, STROBE, TX1/TX2, NTC, VSENSE, LEDI/NTC) via dedicated test headers and includes passive components matching TI's reference design: 1 µH boost inductor (TOKO MDT2012-CR1R0N), 10 µF input/output capacitors (TDK C1005X5R0J106M), and 0.1 Ω current-sense resistor (Panasonic ERJ-L03KF10CV).

Operation requires external 2.7–5.5 V DC power and a USB2ANY module connected via 10-pin ribbon cable. The GUI enables real-time register writes to configure flash current (36–600 mA), timeout (32–1024 ms), VIN monitor threshold (2.9–3.2 V), torch mode, strobe polarity, and thermal fault response - directly reflecting LM3561's embedded 8-bit register map and hardware-enforced safety limits.

Key Specifications

Availability

LM3561EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile camera flash validation, LED driver firmware development, and I²C-controlled power subsystem prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented TI reference implementation.

Supply support for LM3561EVM 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies.

The LM3561EVM belongs to TI's LED driver evaluation kit product line, engineered specifically to accelerate development of high-current camera flash solutions with integrated thermal protection, VIN monitoring, and flexible I²C programmability.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the LM3561EVM?

The LM3561EVM is an evaluation module designed exclusively to validate the LM3561 synchronous boost LED flash driver IC. It provides a ready-to-use hardware platform with pre-mounted flash and indicator LEDs, full pin access, and USB2ANY interface connectivity to the LM3561.exe GUI - enabling engineers to test flash current regulation, timeout behavior, thermal fault response, and I²C register control without custom PCB design. The LM3561EVM is not a production-ready board but a research and development tool per TI's EVM terms.

Does the LM3561EVM include the LM3561 IC itself?

Yes, the LM3561EVM includes the LM3561 IC mounted on the board as the core controller. The Bill of Materials explicitly lists "LM3561" as the LED Driver component with manufacturer TI and package size 0.4 mm × 1.215 mm × 1.615 mm. All functionality described in the AN-2252 User's Guide - including 2-MHz fixed-frequency boost operation, 600-mA constant-current drive, and register-based configuration - is implemented using this physical LM3561 device.

How is the LM3561EVM powered and what voltage range does it accept?

The LM3561EVM accepts 2.7 V to 5.5 V DC input via red/black banana plug terminals. A jumper must be set to connect VIO either to VIN or to an external 3.3 V source - this powers the I²C pull-up resistors, HWEN pull-up, and STROBE push-button circuitry. The board's boost converter topology and component selection (e.g., TOKO MDT2012-CR1R0N inductor, TDK C1005X5R0J106M capacitors) are validated for stable operation across this full input range, supporting both single-cell Li-ion and USB-powered test scenarios.

What software and interface hardware are required to operate the LM3561EVM?

To operate the LM3561EVM, users must install the LM3561.exe Graphical User Interface from TI's website and connect the included USB2ANY module via its supplied 10-pin ribbon cable to the board. Both LM3561.exe and USB2ANY.dll files must reside in the same folder on the host PC. The GUI communicates over USB to the USB2ANY module, which translates commands into I²C writes to the LM3561 IC - enabling real-time control of flash current, timeout duration, VIN monitor threshold, GPIO modes, and flag status without manual register programming.

Can the LM3561EVM be used in production systems?

No, the LM3561EVM is strictly intended for research, development, and feasibility evaluation under TI's Evaluation Module Terms and Conditions. Section 1.1 states that EVMs "have no direct function and are not finished products" and "shall not be directly or indirectly assembled as a part or subassembly in any finished product." Its layout, component selection, and lack of production-grade certifications (e.g., FCC Class B compliance testing is not claimed for the assembled kit) make it unsuitable for commercial deployment. The LM3561EVM serves only to de-risk design-in of the LM3561 IC into production hardware.