Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16814ATP/V+T

Overview

MAX16814ATP/V+T from Maxim Integrated is a 4-channel high-brightness LED driver IC with integrated current-mode DC-DC controller, designed for automotive and general lighting backlight systems. It delivers up to 150mA per channel with ±3% accuracy, supports 4.75V–40V input, withstands automotive load-dump events, and drives LED strings in LCD displays and RCL/DRL lighting.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16814ATP/V+T datasheet, MAX16814ATP/V+T pinout, MAX16814ATP/V+T application, or MAX16814ATP/V+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its adaptive output-voltage control, 200kHz–2MHz programmable switching frequency, four independent linear current sinks, open/shorted-LED protection, and operation across –40°C to +125°C.

Technical Context

The MAX16814ATP/V+T integrates a peak current-mode DC-DC controller supporting boost, coupled-inductor boost-buck, and SEPIC topologies - enabling flexible high-voltage bias generation for LED strings. Its programmable slope compensation (44–54μA×f_SW) stabilizes control loop operation above 50% duty cycle.

Four matched linear current-sink channels (OUT1–OUT4) each deliver 20–150mA with ±1.5% channel-to-channel matching at 100mA. Adaptive voltage regulation maintains only 1V headroom above the highest LED string forward voltage, minimizing power dissipation in the current sinks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX16814ATP/V+T is packaged in a thermally enhanced 20-pin TQFN (6.5mm × 4.4mm) with exposed pad for improved heat dissipation. Pin functions are validated per Maxim's official datasheet Rev 11 (March 2016).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-channel HB LED driver applications.

Compared with LM3409HVMM/NOPB and TPS92630QPWPRQ1, the MAX16814ATP/V+T uniquely combines integrated DC-DC bias generation, adaptive voltage control, and comprehensive fault protection in a single 20-pin package - reducing BOM count by ≥7 components versus discrete controller+sink solutions.

Availability

MAX16814ATP/V+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive display backlighting, RCL/DRL lighting, and industrial ambient lighting requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX16814ATP/V+T 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The MAX16814 product line targets high-reliability LED lighting systems requiring integrated DC-DC conversion, precise multi-channel current regulation, and robust fault handling - especially in automotive environments with harsh electrical and thermal conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by the MAX16814ATP/V+T?

The MAX16814ATP/V+T does not fix the LED string voltage directly; instead, its adaptive output-voltage control regulates the DC-DC converter output to maintain only 1V above the highest forward voltage among the four LED strings. With a 40V absolute maximum input and internal OVP clamp, the practical string voltage depends on external component selection but is typically limited by the external MOSFET and diode ratings - commonly up to 36V for automotive-grade designs. The MAX16814ATP/V+T itself supports this range via its 4.75V–40V IN rating and programmable OVP threshold.

Does the MAX16814ATP/V+T require an external MOSFET, and what are the gate-drive specifications?

Yes, the MAX16814ATP/V+T requires an external n-channel power MOSFET driven by its NDRV output. The NDRV pin delivers 2A peak sink/source current, with <6ns rise/fall times into 1nF load, and operates with 0.9Ω pMOS and 1.1Ω nMOS on-resistance at room temperature. The DRV pin supplies gate-drive power via an internal 5V LDO; a resistor between VCC and DRV sets the driver supply current. The MAX16814ATP/V+T does not integrate power switching elements - it is a controller + linear current sink hybrid.

How does the adaptive voltage control in the MAX16814ATP/V+T reduce power dissipation?

The MAX16814ATP/V+T monitors the minimum voltage across its four OUTx pins (i.e., the lowest cathode voltage among active LED strings) and regulates the DC-DC converter output to maintain exactly 1V above that value. This minimizes the voltage drop across each linear current sink, directly reducing I²R losses. For example, with four 28V LED strings, a fixed 36V supply would dissipate (36V − 28V) × 150mA = 1.2W per channel; adaptive control at 29V cuts that to (29V − 28V) × 150mA = 0.15W - an 87.5% reduction in sink power loss. This feature is intrinsic to the MAX16814ATP/V+T's error amplifier architecture.

Can the MAX16814ATP/V+T drive more than 150mA per channel by paralleling outputs?

Yes, the MAX16814ATP/V+T datasheet explicitly permits paralleling multiple OUTx pins (e.g., OUT1 + OUT2) to increase total current per LED string. When two channels are paralleled, the combined current capability is 300mA with maintained ±3% accuracy and ±1.5% channel matching - provided PCB layout balances trace impedance and thermal coupling. However, total device power dissipation must remain within the 2051mW limit at +70°C ambient (derated 25.6mW/°C above), and the shared current-sense resistor (R_SETI) continues to set per-channel current, so paralleling doubles total string current while preserving per-sink regulation integrity.

What fault conditions trigger the FLT pin on the MAX16814ATP/V+T, and how is it used?

The FLT pin on the MAX16814ATP/V+T is an open-drain output that pulls low during three confirmed fault conditions: open-LED detection (no current flow in any enabled string), shorted-LED detection (excessive current detected via RSDT comparator), or overtemperature shutdown (junction ≥165°C). FLT remains asserted until the fault clears and soft-start completes. It requires a 10kΩ pull-up to VCC and interfaces directly with microcontroller GPIOs for real-time system diagnostics. Notably, FLT does not assert for disabled channels (OUTx tied to LEDGND), making it suitable for partial-string failure detection in redundant lighting architectures - a behavior defined in the MAX16814ATP/V+T's fault logic block.