Analog Devices Inc. LTC3201EMS#PBF

Overview

LTC3201EMS#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is an ultralow-noise, constant-frequency charge pump DC/DC converter designed specifically for white LED backlighting. It delivers up to 100mA output current with 1.8MHz switching frequency, 3-bit DAC-controlled LED current regulation (0.09V–0.63V FB reference), and operates from 2.7V to 4.5V input. Its integrated input noise filter enables direct battery connection in portable displays.

For engineers reviewing the LTC3201EMS#PBF datasheet, LTC3201EMS#PBF pinout, LTC3201EMS#PBF application, or LTC3201EMS#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include programmable current control via D0–D2 digital inputs, no-inductor architecture, shutdown current <1µA, open-loop output impedance of 8Ω, and MSOP-10 thermal performance (θ_JA = 100°C/W on 4-layer board).

Technical Context

The LTC3201EMS#PBF implements a two-phase nonoverlapping 1.8MHz charge pump topology that stacks the flying capacitor in series with VIN to generate boosted VOUT. Regulation is achieved via closed-loop feedback comparing FB voltage against a 3-bit DAC-generated reference (0.09V–0.63V in 90mV steps), enabling precise LED current control without external op-amps.

Its internal input noise filter-comprising dedicated FILTER pin circuitry and external 0.22µF high-resonant-frequency capacitor-reduces VIN current ripple by canceling high-frequency components, while the 1µF CIN handles lower frequencies. Soft-start limits inrush current to ~1ms turn-on time, and overtemperature protection disables the pump above ~160°C with automatic recovery at ~150°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 10-pin MSOP (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed pad option (not present in LTC3201EMS#PBF per ordering info), θ_JA = 100°C/W on 4-layer PCB.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LTC3201EMS#PBF, LTC3202EMS#PBF offers higher output current in the same package but demands greater thermal management, while LTC3200EMS8#PBF reduces pin count and size at the cost of input noise filtering capability - making LTC3201EMS#PBF optimal for ultra-low-noise, battery-coupled backlighting.

Availability

LTC3201EMS#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone LCD backlighting, tablet display power, and portable medical display applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed performance across –40°C to 85°C.

Supply support for LTC3201EMS#PBF 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

Analog Devices acquired Linear Technology in 2017 and maintains its precision analog and power management portfolio. Linear pioneered high-performance charge pump architectures for portable power.

The LTC3201EMS#PBF belongs to Linear's ultralow-noise LED driver family, engineered specifically for space-constrained, battery-powered displays demanding minimal input ripple, programmable brightness, and robust fault protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of white LEDs the LTC3201EMS#PBF can drive?

The LTC3201EMS#PBF can drive up to six parallel white LEDs, assuming typical forward voltage (VF) of 3.2V and maximum output current of 100mA. The actual count depends on VF matching and sense resistor selection - for example, with 6.3Ω RSENSE and 0.63V FB reference, each LED receives ~100mA. Series configurations are not supported due to limited VOUT headroom (~4.5V max).

Does the LTC3201EMS#PBF require an external inductor?

No, the LTC3201EMS#PBF is a capacitor-based charge pump and does not require an external inductor. It uses a 0.22µF ceramic flying capacitor (CP–CM) and three bypass capacitors (CIN, COUT, CFILTER) to achieve voltage doubling. This eliminates magnetic EMI, reduces solution size, and simplifies layout compared to inductive boost converters.

How does the 3-bit DAC in the LTC3201EMS#PBF control LED brightness?

The LTC3201EMS#PBF uses D0, D1, and D2 as digital inputs to select one of seven FB reference voltages (0.09V–0.63V in 90mV steps); the eighth code (000) enables shutdown. Since LED current IOUT = VFB / RSENSE, changing the DAC code directly scales output current - e.g., 0.63V with 6.3Ω yields 100mA, while 0.18V yields 28.6mA - enabling discrete brightness levels without PWM.

Can the LTC3201EMS#PBF be connected directly to a Li-ion battery?

Yes, the LTC3201EMS#PBF features an integrated input noise filter (via FILTER pin and 0.22µF capacitor) that reduces VIN current ripple to just 30mAP-P. This allows direct connection to a single-cell Li-ion battery (2.7V–4.5V) without intermediate LDOs or chokes - a key advantage for portable display power efficiency and simplicity.

What protection features does the LTC3201EMS#PBF include?

The LTC3201EMS#PBF includes overtemperature protection (shuts down above ~160°C, restarts at ~150°C), indefinite VOUT-to-GND short-circuit tolerance (150mA current limit), internal soft-start (limits inrush current), and low-current shutdown (<1µA). These features ensure robust operation in portable devices subject to thermal stress, accidental shorts, or frequent power cycling.