Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20446ATG/V+
- Part No.:
- MAX20446ATG/V+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
MAX20446ATG/V+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV CTRL PWM 120MA 24TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:154
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Product details
Overview
MAX20446ATG/V+ from Maxim Integrated is an automotive-grade 6-channel LED backlight driver IC with integrated boost/SEPIC controller, I²C interface, and fail-safe FSEN functionality. It delivers up to 120mA per channel across six independent current sinks, operates from 4.5V–36V input, withstands 52V load-dump events, and supports 400kHz–2.2MHz programmable switching frequency for infotainment display backlighting.
For engineers reviewing the MAX20446ATG/V+ datasheet, MAX20446ATG/V+ pinout, MAX20446ATG/V+ application, or MAX20446ATG/V+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its hybrid/PWM dimming capability (>10000:1 ratio), phase-shifted dimming for EMI reduction, comprehensive fault diagnostics (LED open/short, thermal, BSTMON UV/OV), and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive instrument clusters and central displays.
Technical Context
The MAX20446ATG/V+ integrates a peak-current-mode DC-DC controller supporting boost or SEPIC topologies, with adaptive output-voltage control to minimize power loss in LED current-sink paths. Its multiloop regulation simultaneously manages inductor peak current (via CS), boost output voltage (via BSTMON), and OUT_ headroom (via window comparators at 0.78V/1.03V thresholds).
It implements 8-bit DAC-based soft-start, 20MHz DIM sampling, spread-spectrum oscillator, and phase-shifted PWM dimming across six channels. Fault detection includes LED short-to-GND (250–365mV threshold), open-LED (250–365mV), and thermal shutdown at 165°C with 15°C hysteresis - all reportable via I²C.
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 Channel Current | Up to 120mA per channel - configurable via IREF resistor; channel matching ±2% at 120mA ensures uniform display brightness |
| Switching Frequency | 400kHz to 2.2MHz - programmable via RT pin resistor; enables EMI optimization and compact magnetics selection |
| Dimming Ratio | >10000:1 - achieved via hybrid dimming mode combining analog current reduction and PWM chopping |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood and dashboard-mounted automotive displays |
| I²C Interface Speed | 400kHz - standard Fast Mode compatible with automotive microcontrollers and diagnostic hosts |
| Fault Reporting | Real-time LED open/short, BSTMON UV/OV, thermal warning (125°C), and shutdown (165°C) - all accessible via dedicated I²C registers |
Pinout & Package
MAX20446ATG/V+ is housed in a thermally enhanced 24-pin TQFN package (4mm × 4mm, exposed pad), optimized for high-power LED driver thermal dissipation in automotive environments. The package supports JEDEC-standard reflow and achieves θJA = 36°C/W on a four-layer board.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN | Bias supply input | Accepts 4.5V–36V automotive rail; bypassed with 2.2µF ceramic capacitor for stability during transients |
| PGATE | pMOSFET gate driver output | Controls external high-side pMOSFET for input disconnection during faults; pulldown current 170–230µA |
| OUT1–OUT6 | LED string cathode sinks | Open-drain linear current sinks; each delivers up to 120mA with ±2% matching and 50ns fall time |
| FLTB | Open-drain fault flag output | Asserts low on any unmasked fault (LED open/short, thermal, BSTMON UV/OV); requires external pullup to VCC |
| SCL/SDA | I²C interface pins | Standard bidirectional I²C bus (400kHz max); require external 4.7kΩ pullups to 5V logic supply |
| DIM | PWM dimming input | Accepts external 100Hz–200Hz PWM signal; sampled at 20MHz for precise 500ns minimum pulse width |
| FSEN | Fail-safe enable input | Hardware override: when pulled high, enables boost and sets fixed LED current (25–100mA) independent of I²C |
| RT | Oscillator timing input | Connects to GND via resistor (e.g., 76.8kΩ) to set switching frequency; supports external clock synchronization |
| IREF | Current reference input | Resistor (49.9kΩ) from IREF to GND sets nominal LED current; tolerance directly impacts channel accuracy |
| EN | Enable input | Logic-high enables device; logic-low reduces quiescent current to ≤1µA for system-level power management |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hybrid dimming architecture | Combines analog current scaling and PWM chopping to achieve >10000:1 dimming ratio while minimizing color shift at low brightness |
| Phase-shifted channel dimming | Staggered PWM timing across six LED strings reduces peak input current and conducted EMI by up to 10dB |
| Spread-spectrum oscillator | ±3% frequency dithering lowers EMI peaks without requiring additional filtering components |
| FSEN hardware fail-safe mode | Enables immediate backlight operation during I²C failure; sets fixed LED current and I²C address at power-up via resistor value |
| Comprehensive diagnostics | Real-time monitoring of individual string current, BSTMON voltage, thermal state, and LED fault conditions - all readable via I²C register map |
| AEC-Q100 qualified | Qualified to Grade 0 (−40°C to +150°C junction) for safety-critical automotive displays including instrument clusters and HUDs |
Applications
| Infotainment Displays | Central Information Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-brightness LCD backlighting in center-stack touchscreens with dynamic content and ambient light adaptation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 6-channel constant-current sink driving parallel LED strings; boost controller maintains regulated output voltage as LED forward voltage varies with temperature. Use Value: Phase-shifted dimming and spread spectrum reduce EMI interference with touchscreen digitizer and audio subsystems. |
Use Scenario: Full-color TFT display in digital cockpit with multi-zone brightness control and fail-operational requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary backlight driver with I²C-configurable dimming profiles and real-time fault reporting to MCU for ASIL-B compliance. Use Value: FSEN pin enables fallback to safe illumination level during communication loss, satisfying ISO 26262 functional safety requirements. |
| Instrument Clusters | Head-Up Displays (HUD) |
Use Scenario: Analog gauge and digital readout backlighting with rapid brightness transitions during night/day mode switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Six independent current sinks synchronized to vehicle CAN bus commands; hybrid dimming preserves contrast at low luminance. Use Value: 500ns minimum PWM pulse width enables fine-grained brightness control down to 0.01% duty cycle without flicker. |
Use Scenario: Compact projection-based HUD requiring stable, low-noise LED current for consistent image brightness and color fidelity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current sink with <±2% channel matching and <±8mA ADC measurement error ensures uniform luminance across optical path. Use Value: Adaptive output-voltage control minimizes power dissipation in current-sink pass devices, reducing thermal stress on optical module PCB. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 6-channel automotive LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX25605AUB/V+ (Maxim) | Integrated 6-channel buck-boost controller; no external MOSFET required; lower max current (80mA/channel); supports ASIL-B via dual-die redundancy | Targeted for newer ADAS displays with tighter space constraints; lacks FSEN hardware fail-safe and hybrid dimming | Select when board area is critical and functional safety certification (ISO 26262) is mandatory; not drop-in due to different topology and pinout |
| TPS61196RHAR (TI) | 6-channel boost driver with I²C; 100mA/channel; 2.2MHz max switching frequency; no spread spectrum or phase shifting; thermal shutdown at 150°C | Designed for cost-sensitive infotainment; lacks comprehensive LED fault diagnostics (no open/short per string) and load-dump rating | Select for non-safety-critical consumer-grade automotive accessories; requires external circuitry for 52V load-dump protection |
Compared with MAX20446ATG/V+, MAX25605AUB/V+ offers higher integration but sacrifices fail-safe operation and dimming flexibility, while TPS61196RHAR provides simpler implementation at the cost of reduced fault coverage and ruggedness - making MAX20446ATG/V+ optimal for AEC-Q100-compliant instrument clusters demanding robustness and diagnostic depth.
Availability
MAX20446ATG/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for infotainment displays, central information displays, and instrument clusters requiring stable component supply, automotive qualification, and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for MAX20446ATG/V+ 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, designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications applications.
The MAX20446ATG/V+ belongs to Maxim's automotive LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability backlighting in AEC-Q100 Grade 0 environments - emphasizing fault resilience, EMI robustness, and seamless integration with vehicle network diagnostics.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED current per channel supported by the MAX20446ATG/V+?
The MAX20446ATG/V+ supports up to 120mA per channel (OUT1–OUT6) when configured with the appropriate IREF resistor (e.g., 49.9kΩ). Channel-to-channel matching is ±2% at 120mA, ensuring consistent brightness across multi-string automotive displays. The actual current is set by the voltage at the IREF pin (1.2–1.3V) and remains stable over −40°C to +125°C operating temperature.
Does the MAX20446ATG/V+ support both PWM and hybrid dimming modes?
Yes, the MAX20446ATG/V+ supports four dimming modes: external PWM (via DIM pin), internal PWM (via I²C-programmed TON_[17:0]), external hybrid (DIM pin + analog scaling), and internal hybrid (I²C-only). Hybrid dimming achieves >10000:1 ratio by first reducing LED current analogously, then transitioning to PWM chopping at a user-defined crossover threshold - all implemented within the MAX20446ATG/V+ without external logic.
How does the FSEN pin function in the MAX20446ATG/V+?
The FSEN pin on the MAX20446ATG/V+ provides hardware-level fail-safe operation: when pulled high via a resistor to GND, it overrides I²C settings to immediately enable the boost converter and set a fixed LED current (25–100mA depending on resistor value). This mode operates independently of EN or register states, ensuring backlight functionality during I²C bus failure - a critical feature for instrument cluster safety compliance.
What fault conditions can the MAX20446ATG/V+ detect and report?
The MAX20446ATG/V+ detects and reports LED open-circuit (250–365mV threshold), LED short-to-GND (250–365mV), LED short-to-VOUT (2.8–8.5V depending on SLDET setting), BSTMON undervoltage (0.43V) and overvoltage (1.23V), thermal warning (125°C) and shutdown (165°C), and boost converter startup faults. All are accessible via dedicated I²C status registers and asserted on the FLTB pin.
Is the MAX20446ATG/V+ qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the MAX20446ATG/V+ is AEC-Q100 qualified for Grade 0 (−40°C to +150°C junction temperature) and designed for automotive use cases including infotainment, instrument clusters, and HUDs. It withstands 52V load-dump events, operates across 4.5V–36V input, and features built-in diagnostics essential for ISO 26262-compliant systems - all verified per Maxim's automotive qualification process.
MAX20446ATG/V+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- Boost, SEPIC
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 6
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output:
- 52V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 120mA
- Frequency:
- 400kHz ~ 2.2MHz
- Dimming:
- Analog, I2C, PWM
- Applications:
- Central Information Displays, Infotainment Displays, Instrument Clusters
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-TQFN (4x4)
MAX20446ATG/V+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX20446ATG/V+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX20446ATG/V+ 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 MAX20446ATG/V+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX20446ATG/V+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX20446ATG/V+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX20446ATG/V+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX20446ATG/V+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX20446ATG/V+?
MAX20446ATG/V+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX20446ATG/V+ 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 MAX20446ATG/V+?
For technical support, including MAX20446ATG/V+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX20446ATG/V+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX20446ATG/V+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX20446ATG/V+ 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 MAX20446ATG/V+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX20446ATG/V+?
All MAX20446ATG/V+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX20446ATG/V+, 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 MAX20446ATG/V+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX20446ATG/V+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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