Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20078ATE+
- Part No.:
- MAX20078ATE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX20078ATE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR CTRL PWM 10MA 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:10,676
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Product details
Overview
MAX20078ATE+ from Maxim Integrated is a high-voltage synchronous buck LED controller IC designed for automotive front and matrix lighting systems. It delivers average current-mode control without loop compensation, supports 4.5V–65V input, operates up to 1MHz switching frequency, and integrates dual 2A gate drivers with adaptive dead-time control.
For engineers reviewing the MAX20078ATE+ datasheet, MAX20078ATE+ pinout, MAX20078ATE+ application, or MAX20078ATE+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its AEC-Q100 qualification, analog/PWM dimming support, integrated 5V/10mA VCC regulator, inductor-current monitoring (IOUTV), and open/short LED fault detection with active-low FLT flag.
Technical Context
The MAX20078ATE+ implements a proprietary average current-mode control architecture that senses current through the low-side MOSFET (CSP/CSN) rather than the inductor, eliminating high-side current sensing and enabling operation across 4.5V–65V input while maintaining near-constant switching frequency. Its TON pin sets frequency via external R-C network, with typical range 100kHz–1MHz.
It integrates independent high- and low-side gate drivers (DH/DL) with 2A peak source/sink capability and adaptive nonoverlap logic to prevent shoot-through. The device embeds a 5V LDO (10mA), analog dimming input (REFI, 0.2V–1.2V linear range), PWM dimming input (DIM), and fault-flag output (FLT) with dedicated open/short/overvoltage/thermal shutdown detection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 65V - enables direct connection to automotive battery (12V/24V/48V systems) without pre-regulation. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 1MHz - allows compact magnetics and EMI filtering; programmable via TON resistor-capacitor network. |
| Gate Drive Current | 2A peak source/sink per driver - supports fast switching of high-Qg automotive MOSFETs (e.g., BUK9Y107-80E). |
| VCC Regulator | 5.0V ±150mV @ 10mA - powers external gate drivers and bias circuitry; eliminates need for separate 5V rail. |
| Current Sense Accuracy | 5.0V/V gain ±1% with 0.2V offset - provides precise IOUTV voltage proportional to LED current (VIOUTV = ILED × RCS × 5 + 0.2V). |
| Fault Detection | Open LED (REFI > 325mV required), short LED (<50mV at OUT), overvoltage (3.0V threshold), thermal shutdown (165°C) - all asserted on open-drain FLT pin. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +125°C - fully specified for under-hood automotive environments per AEC-Q100 Grade 0. |
Pinout & Package
MAX20078ATE+ is housed in a 3mm × 3mm, 16-pin TQFN-EP package with exposed pad for thermal dissipation. Pin mapping is identical between TQFN and TSSOP variants per datasheet Pin Configurations (page 7) and Pin Description (page 8).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BST | High-side bootstrap supply | Connects 0.1µF ceramic capacitor to LX; supplies gate drive for DH during high-side conduction. |
| DH | High-side gate driver output | Drives gate of external n-channel high-side MOSFET; 2A peak drive capability with adaptive dead time. |
| LX | Switching node | Connects to inductor and source of high-side MOSFET; carries full switching waveform (0V to VIN). |
| IN | Main power input | Accepts 4.5V–65V DC input; bypassed with ≥2.2µF ceramic capacitor to PGND for stability. |
| DIM | PWM dimming control | TTL-compatible input; enables/disables switching; <200ms low triggers shutdown mode (IQ < 5µA). |
| TON | Frequency programming | Resistor-to-IN and capacitor-to-AGND set switching frequency (fSW = (R2+R3)/(C1·R3·R1)). |
| OUT | Output voltage feedback | Scaled-down representation of LED string voltage; used for OVP (threshold = 3.0V) and regulation. |
| REFI | Analog dimming input | 0.2V–1.2V input sets LED current linearly; clamped at 1.3V; zero current at ≤0.18V. |
| AGND | Analog ground reference | Separate low-noise ground for REFI, OUT, CSP, CSN, IOUTV; must be star-connected to PGND at single point. |
| IOUTV | Inductor current monitor | Analog voltage output (VIOUTV = ILED × RCS × 5 + 0.2V); sampled only when DL is high. |
| FLT | Fault flag output | Active-low open-drain signal indicating open/short LED, OVP, thermal shutdown, or DIM-induced shutdown. |
| CSP / CSN | Current sense inputs | Differential pair across external sense resistor (RCS); measures low-side MOSFET current for average control. |
| PGND | Power ground return | High-current return path for IN, LX, DL, and sense resistor; connects to PCB copper pour under EP. |
| VCC | Internal 5V regulator output | Supplies 10mA max; bypassed with ≥2.2µF ceramic cap to AGND; can be disabled if external 5V is supplied. |
| DL | Low-side gate driver output | Drives gate of external n-channel low-side MOSFET; 2A peak drive; controls sampling of IOUTV. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualification | Validated for −40°C to +125°C ambient operation with full electrical specs and reliability testing per automotive standard. |
| No compensation components required | Proprietary average current-mode control eliminates external RC networks for loop stability - reduces BOM count and layout sensitivity. |
| Matrix lighting support | Maintains stable inductor current regulation even when individual LEDs are shorted/opened - enables pixel-level control in adaptive driving beams. |
| Integrated dual dimming | Simultaneous analog (REFI) and PWM (DIM) dimming with >1000:1 combined dimming ratio - meets high-contrast HUD and DLP projection requirements. |
| Ultrafast fault response | Open/short/overvoltage faults detected within 1.2ms and latched on FLT; prevents LED over-stress and system damage during transient events. |
Applications
| Automotive Front Lights | Automotive Matrix Lights |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-brightness LED headlamps in passenger vehicles requiring adaptive beam shaping and dynamic cutoff lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck controller regulating constant current to multi-LED strings; manages high-side/low-side MOSFET timing with adaptive dead time. Use Value: Enables AEC-Q100-compliant, thermally robust LED drive with real-time fault reporting (FLT) and seamless integration into CAN/FlexRay-controlled lighting modules. |
Use Scenario: Pixelated LED arrays in adaptive driving beam (ADB) systems where individual LEDs or segments are dynamically enabled/disabled. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current regulator maintaining stable inductor current while shorting/opening LEDs in series string; ultrafast control loop prevents overshoot/undershoot. Use Value: Supports sub-100µs LED switching transitions and maintains current regulation integrity during rapid reconfiguration - critical for glare-free high-resolution beam patterns. |
| Head-Up Displays | Constant-Current Regulators |
|
Use Scenario: Compact, high-luminance LED light engines for automotive HUD projection units requiring precise brightness control and minimal thermal drift. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Analog-dimming-enabled buck controller delivering stable current to RGB or white LED sources; uses REFI input for smooth luminance ramping. Use Value: Delivers <±1% LED current accuracy over temperature via integrated current monitor (IOUTV) and 5V VCC regulator - ensures consistent image brightness and color fidelity. |
Use Scenario: Industrial or commercial LED lighting systems needing reliable, wide-input-range constant-current regulation without microcontroller intervention. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone LED driver controller implementing average current-mode control with no external compensation; supports 4.5V–65V input and 1A+ output. Use Value: Reduces design complexity by integrating gate drivers, VCC LDO, dimming interfaces, and fault protection - accelerates time-to-market for certified lighting products. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage synchronous buck LED controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3409HVMM/NOPB | Operates up to 75V input; uses peak current-mode control requiring external compensation; no integrated VCC LDO (requires external 5V supply). | Lacks analog dimming (REFI) and integrated current monitor (IOUTV); fault reporting limited to thermal shutdown only. | Choose LM3409HVMM/NOPB when higher input voltage margin (>65V) is required and system already provides 5V bias; not suitable for matrix lighting due to slower fault response. |
| TPS92692QPWPRQ1 | AEC-Q100 qualified; supports 4.5V–65V; includes integrated 75V N-channel high-side driver; uses current-mode control with internal compensation. | Offers built-in high-side driver (eliminates external Q1), but lacks adaptive dead-time logic and matrix lighting-specific open/short detection logic. | Choose TPS92692QPWPRQ1 when simplifying bill-of-materials by integrating high-side drive; verify compatibility with existing CSP/CSN sensing topology before substitution. |
Compared with LM3409HVMM/NOPB and TPS92692QPWPRQ1, MAX20078ATE+ uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, average current-mode control without compensation, integrated 5V/10mA VCC regulator, and dedicated matrix-lighting features including ultrafast open/short detection and inductor-current monitoring - making it optimal for adaptive front lighting systems demanding functional safety and pixel-level control.
Availability
MAX20078ATE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive front lights, automotive matrix lights, head-up displays, and constant-current regulators requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.
Supply support for MAX20078ATE+ 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 solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.
The MAX20078ATE+ belongs to Maxim's automotive-grade LED driver product line, engineered specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant adaptive lighting systems requiring high-voltage operation, precise current regulation, and robust fault diagnostics.
FAQ
What is the maximum switching frequency supported by the MAX20078ATE+?
The MAX20078ATE+ supports a maximum switching frequency of 1MHz, programmable via the external resistor-capacitor network connected to the TON pin. This high-frequency capability enables compact magnetic design and improved EMI performance in space-constrained automotive lighting modules. The actual operating frequency varies with input/output voltage per fSW = (R2+R3)/(C1·R3·R1), and minimum on-time (80ns) and off-time (200ns) constraints define the upper limit. At 1MHz, the MAX20078ATE+ maintains stable average current-mode regulation without compensation.
How does the MAX20078ATE+ implement analog dimming, and what is the valid input voltage range on REFI?
The MAX20078ATE+ implements analog dimming via the REFI pin, which accepts a DC voltage from 0.2V to 1.2V to linearly set LED current (ILED = (VREFI − 0.2V)/(5 × RCS)). Below 0.18V, LED current is guaranteed zero; above 1.3V, REFI is clamped. This interface enables smooth, flicker-free brightness control in HUD and interior lighting. The MAX20078ATE+ uses an internal inverting amplifier with 5V/V gain and 0.2V offset to convert sensed current into the IOUTV monitor signal - directly tied to the same REFI-controlled current path.
Does the MAX20078ATE+ require external compensation components for its control loop?
No, the MAX20078ATE+ does not require external compensation components. Its proprietary average current-mode control architecture senses current through the low-side MOSFET (CSP/CSN) and inherently stabilizes the loop without RC networks. This eliminates tuning effort and layout sensitivity associated with traditional current-mode controllers. The MAX20078ATE+ maintains nearly constant switching frequency and tight current regulation across input voltage (4.5V–65V) and temperature (−40°C to +125°C) - verified in production across all AEC-Q100 test conditions.
What fault conditions trigger the FLT pin on the MAX20078ATE+, and how is fault latching handled?
The FLT pin on the MAX20078ATE+ is an active-low open-drain output triggered by open LED (IOUTV drop >25% for >1.2ms, REFI >325mV required), short LED (OUT <50mV for >1.2ms), overvoltage (OUT >3.0V for >1.2ms), thermal shutdown (>165°C), or DIM-induced shutdown. FLT remains latched low until the fault condition is cleared and DIM is cycled high. During PWM dimming, fault detection is only active when DIM is high - ensuring accurate reporting without false triggers during off periods. This behavior is intrinsic to the MAX20078ATE+ silicon design and requires no external logic.
Can the MAX20078ATE+ operate without the internal VCC regulator enabled?
Yes, the MAX20078ATE+ can operate with its internal 5V VCC regulator disabled. When an external regulated 5V supply is available, connect IN and VCC together and apply the external 5V directly to VCC - bypassing the internal LDO. This reduces power dissipation and improves efficiency, especially at high input voltages (e.g., 48V). The MAX20078ATE+ retains full functionality including gate drive, dimming, fault detection, and current monitoring. All specifications in the Electrical Characteristics table assume VCC is sourced internally unless otherwise noted.
MAX20078ATE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- Step-Down (Buck)
- Internal Switch(s):
- No
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 65V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 10mA
- Frequency:
- 1MHz
- Dimming:
- Analog, PWM
- Applications:
- Lighting
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (3x3)
MAX20078ATE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX20078ATE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX20078ATE+ 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 MAX20078ATE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX20078ATE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX20078ATE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX20078ATE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX20078ATE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX20078ATE+?
MAX20078ATE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX20078ATE+ 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 MAX20078ATE+?
For technical support, including MAX20078ATE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX20078ATE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX20078ATE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX20078ATE+ 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 MAX20078ATE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX20078ATE+?
All MAX20078ATE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX20078ATE+, 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 MAX20078ATE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX20078ATE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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