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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20444CATG/VY+T
- Part No.:
- MAX20444CATG/VY+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX20444CATG/VY+T.pdf
- Description:
- 4 CHANNEL LED BACKLIGHT DRIVER W
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,860
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Product details
Overview
The MAX20444CATG/VY+T from Analog Devices is an automotive-grade 4-channel LED backlight driver IC with integrated boost/SEPIC controller, I²C interface, and 130mA per-channel current sinks. It operates from 4.5V to 36V input, withstands 52V load-dump events, supports 400kHz–2.2MHz switching frequency, and delivers >10,000:1 dimming ratio via hybrid or PWM schemes. It targets instrument clusters and infotainment displays requiring robust, low-EMI backlight control.
For engineers reviewing the MAX20444CATG/VY+T datasheet, MAX20444CATG/VY+T pinout, MAX20444CATG/VY+T application, or MAX20444CATG/VY+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed thermal and fault-protection behavior, real-world dimming performance metrics, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for automotive display power design.
Technical Context
The MAX20444CATG/VY+T implements a peak-current-mode DC-DC controller supporting boost or SEPIC topologies, with programmable 400kHz–2.2MHz switching frequency via RT resistor and integrated spread-spectrum modulation. Its adaptive output-voltage control dynamically adjusts headroom across four independent linear current sinks to minimize power dissipation while maintaining ±2% channel-to-channel matching at 120mA.
It integrates dual dimming control-hardware PWM (DIM pin, 500ns min pulse width, 20MHz sampling) and I²C-programmable hybrid dimming-with phase-shifted string timing to reduce EMI. Fault diagnostics include LED open/short detection, BSTMON over/undervoltage monitoring, thermal warning (125°C) and shutdown (165°C), and ADC-based current/voltage measurement (8-bit resolution, ±6mA error at 120mA).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 36V - supports full automotive battery range including cold-crank (4.2V post-startup) and load-dump survival up to 52V |
| LED Current per Channel | Up to 132mA - set via IREF resistor (45.3kΩ for 130mA); enables driving medium-brightness LED strings in 7–10″ displays |
| Switching Frequency | 400kHz to 2.2MHz - adjustable via RT pin; higher frequencies allow smaller magnetics and reduced EMI filtering footprint |
| Dimming Ratio | >10,000:1 - achieved via hybrid dimming; enables precise luminance control across daylight-to-night ambient conditions |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood and dashboard-mounted automotive applications |
| Fault Diagnostics | I²C-accessible LED open/short, boost UV/OV, thermal warning/shutdown, and current/voltage ADC measurements - enables ASIL-B–compatible system monitoring |
| Package | 24-pin SWTQFN (4mm × 4mm, T2444Y+4C) - side-wettable leads support automated optical inspection (AOI) for high-reliability automotive PCB assembly |
Pinout & Package
MAX20444CATG/VY+T uses a 24-pin side-wettable TQFN (SWTQFN) package (outline 21-100290, land pattern 90-0022), optimized for thermal performance (θJC = 3.44°C/W) and AOI-compatible solder joint inspection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN | Bias supply input | Accepts 4.5V–36V main rail; internal clamp protects against transients; requires 2.2µF ceramic bypass |
| PGATE | pMOSFET gate driver output | Drives external high-side p-channel MOSFET for reverse-polarity protection and load-dump isolation |
| OUT1–OUT4 | LED cathode current sinks | Four independent open-drain linear sinks; each delivers up to 132mA with <±2% matching at 120mA |
| FSEN/ISET | Fail-safe enable / current-set input | Pull-to-GND sets LED current (via RISET); pulled high enables boost + 100% duty cycle fail-safe mode |
| HDSET | Hybrid dimming crossover control | Resistor-to-GND selects analog-to-PWM transition point (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, or 50% of set current) |
| SCL/IRANGE | I²C clock / current-range select | In I²C mode: SCL input; in stand-alone mode: selects 45–80mA (GND) or 85–120mA (VCC) range |
| SDA/PSEN | I²C data / phase-shift enable | In I²C mode: bidirectional data line; in stand-alone mode: high enables inter-string phase shifting for EMI reduction |
| BSTMON | Boost output voltage monitor | Resistive divider input for OVP/UVP (thresholds: 1.23V OV, 0.43V UV); enables adaptive headroom control |
| DIM | PWM dimming input | Accepts external 100Hz–200Hz PWM signal; 500ns minimum pulse width supports fine-grained brightness control |
| FLTB | Open-drain fault flag output | Asserts low on unmasked faults (LED short/open, thermal warning, BSTMON UV/OV); requires external pull-up |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Spread-spectrum oscillator | Reduces peak EMI by ±3% frequency dithering - eliminates need for additional EMI filters in CISPR-25 Class 5 designs |
| Phase-shifted dimming | Staggered PWM timing across four LED strings - lowers RMS current ripple and conducted emissions by up to 10dB |
| Adaptive output-voltage control | Dynamically minimizes headroom across current sinks - reduces total power dissipation by up to 35% vs fixed-headroom drivers |
| I²C + stand-alone dual-mode operation | Full register control or hardware-pin configuration - enables fallback operation if microcontroller fails or I²C bus is compromised |
| Comprehensive fault reporting | Real-time I²C-accessible status for LED open/short, boost UV/OV, thermal events, and current/voltage measurements - supports ISO 26262 diagnostic coverage |
Applications
| Infotainment Displays | Central Information Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 8–12″ LCD or OLED center-stack display in EVs and premium vehicles, operating across −40°C to +85°C ambient with variable backlight demand. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 4-channel LED current sink and boost controller; manages dynamic dimming during navigation, media playback, and voice assistant UI transitions. Use Value: Hybrid dimming enables seamless brightness ramping without visible flicker; phase shifting suppresses EMI that could interfere with Bluetooth/WiFi coexistence. | Use Scenario: Driver-facing digital cluster with configurable gauge layout, requiring consistent luminance across speedometer, tachometer, and ADAS alerts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Backlight power manager with fail-safe mode (FSEN high) - maintains 100% brightness during MCU reset or communication loss. Use Value: Load-dump tolerance (52V) and thermal shutdown (165°C) ensure uninterrupted operation during alternator surge or prolonged sun exposure. |
| Instrument Clusters | Head-Up Displays (HUD) |
Use Scenario: High-brightness TFT cluster in sports or luxury vehicles, where backlight must remain stable during rapid acceleration/deceleration and vibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current LED driver with adaptive headroom control - regulates sink voltage dynamically to maintain current accuracy despite varying LED forward voltage drift. Use Value: ±2% channel matching ensures uniform panel illumination; BSTMON feedback prevents overvoltage stress on boost capacitor during temperature cycling. | Use Scenario: Compact HUD projector module requiring compact, thermally efficient backlight with minimal EMI coupling into image sensor or projection optics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 4-channel driver with spread-spectrum switching and 4mm × 4mm SWTQFN package - fits tight mechanical envelopes while meeting CISPR-25 radiated emission limits. Use Value: Side-wettable leads enable AOI verification; 2.2MHz max switching allows use of 1.0µH inductors, reducing board area by >40% vs 400kHz designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-channel automotive LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX20446CATG/VY+T | Same pinout and feature set; supports higher 150mA/channel current and extended 4.0V–40V input range | Better suited for larger displays (≥12″) or high-luminance HUDs requiring >130mA per string | Select when higher LED current or wider VIN range is required; otherwise, MAX20444CATG/VY+T offers optimal cost/performance for 10″ infotainment panels |
| TPS61194RGZR | 3-channel, 120mA/channel; no integrated I²C, only analog/PWM dimming; lacks BSTMON feedback and adaptive headroom control | Limited to simpler displays without diagnostic requirements or dynamic headroom optimization | Choose for cost-sensitive non-ASIL designs where I²C telemetry and thermal/fault reporting are not required |
Compared with MAX20446CATG/VY+T, the MAX20444CATG/VY+T trades 20mA/channel headroom and 4V lower VIN min for tighter thermal resistance (3.44°C/W vs 3.8°C/W) and lower BOM count in mid-size displays; versus TPS61194RGZR, it adds I²C diagnostics, adaptive voltage control, and fail-safe operation - critical for ASIL-B–compliant instrument clusters.
Availability
MAX20444CATG/VY+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment displays, digital instrument clusters, and central information displays requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for MAX20444CATG/VY+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
Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving automotive, industrial, and communications markets with precision power, sensing, and timing solutions.
The MAX20444C belongs to Analog Devices' automotive LED driver product line, engineered specifically for ASIL-B–capable display backlight systems requiring robust fault diagnostics, load-dump resilience, and EMI-compliant dimming in space-constrained packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED current per channel supported by the MAX20444CATG/VY+T?
The MAX20444CATG/VY+T supports up to 132mA per channel, configurable via the IREF resistor (e.g., 45.3kΩ yields 130mA). This is validated across −40°C to +125°C and confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3 of the datasheet. The device maintains ±2% channel-to-channel matching at 120mA, making it suitable for uniform backlighting in 8–10″ automotive displays.
Does the MAX20444CATG/VY+T support both I²C and stand-alone (pin-strapped) operation?
Yes, the MAX20444CATG/VY+T supports dual-mode operation. When I2CDIS/RSDT is pulled low, it operates in full I²C mode with register-based control. When I2CDIS/RSDT is configured as a resistive divider, it enters stand-alone mode - using SCL/IRANGE and SDA/PSEN as hardware current-range and phase-shift enable pins. Both modes retain identical fault diagnostics and thermal protection.
What is the purpose of the FSEN/ISET pin on the MAX20444CATG/VY+T?
The FSEN/ISET pin serves two roles: in I²C mode, pulling it high enables fail-safe operation - turning on the boost converter and setting all four LED channels to 100% duty cycle regardless of register state; in stand-alone mode, it sets LED current via an external resistor. Its value is latched at power-up, and the pin also determines the I²C address (default 0x68) when used with I²C.
How does the MAX20444CATG/VY+T reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI)?
The MAX20444CATG/VY+T reduces EMI through three integrated techniques: (1) spread-spectrum oscillator (±3% frequency dithering), (2) phase-shifted PWM dimming across its four LED channels, and (3) programmable 400kHz–2.2MHz switching frequency enabling optimal filter design. These features collectively lower peak radiated emissions, helping meet CISPR-25 Class 5 requirements without added shielding or ferrites.
What fault protection mechanisms are built into the MAX20444CATG/VY+T?
The MAX20444CATG/VY+T includes LED open/short detection, boost output overvoltage (1.23V BSTMON threshold) and undervoltage (0.43V), thermal warning (125°C) and shutdown (165°C), and current/voltage ADC monitoring. All faults are reported via the FLTB pin and readable through I²C registers - enabling real-time system-level diagnostics compliant with ISO 26262 ASIL-B requirements.
MAX20444CATG/VY+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- Flyback, SEPIC, Step-Down (Buck), Step-Up (Boost)
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 4
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 36V
- Voltage - Output:
- 1.25V ~ 36V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 130mA
- Frequency:
- 400kHz ~ 2.2MHz
- Dimming:
- I2C, PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount, Wettable Flank
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-SWTQFN (4x4)
MAX20444CATG/VY+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX20444CATG/VY+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX20444CATG/VY+T 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 MAX20444CATG/VY+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX20444CATG/VY+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX20444CATG/VY+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX20444CATG/VY+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX20444CATG/VY+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX20444CATG/VY+T?
MAX20444CATG/VY+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX20444CATG/VY+T 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 MAX20444CATG/VY+T?
For technical support, including MAX20444CATG/VY+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX20444CATG/VY+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX20444CATG/VY+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX20444CATG/VY+T 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 MAX20444CATG/VY+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX20444CATG/VY+T?
All MAX20444CATG/VY+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX20444CATG/VY+T, 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 MAX20444CATG/VY+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX20444CATG/VY+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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