Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20446CATGA/V+
- Part No.:
- MAX20446CATGA/V+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX20446CATGA/V+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV CTRL PWM 130MA 24TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX20446CATGA/V+ from Analog Devices is an automotive-grade 6-channel LED backlight driver with integrated boost/SEPIC controller, designed for infotainment and instrument cluster displays. It delivers up to 130mA per channel, operates from 4.5V–36V input, withstands 52V load-dump events, and supports hybrid dimming with >10,000:1 ratio. Its adaptive output-voltage control minimizes power loss in current-sink paths.
For engineers reviewing the MAX20446CATGA/V+ datasheet, MAX20446CATGA/V+ pinout, MAX20446CATGA/V+ application, or MAX20446CATGA/V+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed automotive fault protections (LED open/short, thermal shutdown, BSTMON OVP/UVP), and real-world dimming performance data - all specific to the TQFN-24 package and -40°C to +125°C operating range.
Technical Context
The MAX20446CATGA/V+ integrates a current-mode DC-DC controller supporting both boost and SEPIC topologies, with programmable switching frequency from 400kHz to 2.2MHz and spread-spectrum modulation to reduce EMI. Its internal 8-bit DAC enables precise LED current setting via external resistors on ISET and SET pins.
It implements phase-shifted PWM dimming across six independent current sinks, with 500ns minimum pulse width and dedicated logic for hybrid dimming - combining analog current scaling and digital PWM to achieve >10,000:1 dimming ratio while maintaining low-frequency flicker immunity at 200Hz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 36V - supports full automotive battery range including cold-crank (down to 4.2V after startup) and load-dump survival up to 52V. |
| LED Current per Channel | Up to 130mA - configurable via ISET resistor; channel matching ±2% at 120mA ensures uniform display brightness. |
| Dimming Ratio | >10,000:1 with hybrid dimming - enables deep black levels in automotive displays without visible PWM artifacts. |
| Switching Frequency | 400kHz to 2.2MHz - adjustable via RT resistor; spread-spectrum mode reduces peak EMI by distributing energy across spectrum. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood and dashboard mounting in automotive environments. |
| Fault Protections | Integrated LED open/short detection, BSTMON overvoltage/undervoltage lockout, thermal shutdown (165°C), and short-to-GND monitoring - eliminates need for external supervision circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
MAX20446CATGA/V+ is housed in a compact 4mm × 4mm, 24-pin TQFN package (package code T2444+4C) with exposed pad for thermal dissipation. Pin layout follows standard top-view numbering (1–24), with GND, LEDGND, and PGND tied at a single-point star ground per layout guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN | Bias supply input | Accepts 4.5V–36V main input; bypassed with 2.2µF ceramic capacitor to GND for stability during transients. |
| OUT1–OUT6 | LED string cathode sinks | Open-drain linear current sinks; each drives one LED string up to 130mA with ±2% matching at full scale. |
| PGATE | pMOSFET gate driver | Controls external high-side disconnect switch; enables safe hot-plug and reverse-polarity protection. |
| NDRV | nMOSFET gate driver | Drives external switching MOSFET; rise/fall time <8ns into 1nF load - optimized for low-noise, high-efficiency boost operation. |
| RT | Oscillator timing node | Connects to GND via resistor (e.g., 76.8kΩ) to set fSW; also accepts AC-coupled external sync clock (1.16–1.5× fSW). |
| SET | Hybrid dimming threshold | Resistor-to-GND sets analog dimming range boundary; configuration latched at power-up for deterministic behavior. |
| ISET | LED current reference | Resistor-to-GND (e.g., 49.9kΩ) sets IREF = 1.25V/RIREF, defining full-scale current per channel. |
| BSTMON | Boost output monitor | Resistive divider input for OVP (1.23V threshold) and UVP (0.43V threshold); blanked for 26ms after EN assertion. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive output-voltage control | Minimizes voltage headroom across current sinks - reduces power dissipation and thermal stress in high-current LED strings. |
| Phase-shifted dimming | Staggered PWM timing across 6 channels lowers peak input current and conducted EMI by up to 12dB compared to synchronized dimming. |
| Single-resistor configuration | SET pin resistor alone configures both hybrid dimming threshold and current range - eliminates microcontroller dependency and simplifies BOM. |
| Robust fault diagnostics | Dedicated FLTB pin asserts low on unmasked faults (LED open/short, thermal, BSTMON OVP/UVP); supports ASIL-B system-level safety monitoring. |
| Load-dump hardened design | Withstands 52V/400ms automotive load-dump pulses without latch-up or parameter shift - meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements. |
Applications
| Infotainment Displays | Central Information Displays |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 10.25"–12.3" LCD clusters in premium vehicles requiring uniform brightness, deep dimming, and fast response to ambient light changes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary backlight driver managing six parallel LED strings; synchronizes dimming with display frame rate via DIM input. Use Value: Hybrid dimming achieves >10,000:1 contrast ratio at 200Hz - critical for daylight readability and night-time glare reduction without PWM-induced flicker. |
Use Scenario: Driver-facing central display integrating navigation, media, and vehicle settings with dynamic brightness adaptation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-integration power management IC providing regulated LED current and boost conversion in single-package solution. Use Value: Integrated 5V LDO (VCC), current-mode DC-DC control, and fault reporting eliminate need for discrete supervisors - reducing PCB area by ≥35% vs. multi-chip alternatives. |
| Instrument Clusters | Head-Up Displays (HUD) |
|
Use Scenario: Digital gauge clusters with segmented or full-TFT displays where reliability and temperature resilience are mission-critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Automotive AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualified LED driver ensuring stable current delivery across -40°C to +125°C junction temperature. Use Value: Thermal shutdown (165°C) with 15°C hysteresis prevents thermal runaway; channel-to-channel matching ±2% maintains consistent luminance across speed/tachometer zones. |
Use Scenario: Compact HUD modules projecting onto windshield with tight thermal constraints and minimal EMI impact on ADAS sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: EMI-optimized backlight controller using spread-spectrum switching and phase-shifted dimming to meet CISPR 25 Class 5 limits. Use Value: 400kHz–2.2MHz programmable fSW allows tuning away from sensitive RF bands (e.g., GPS L1 @ 1.575GHz); 8ns NDRV edge rates suppress high-frequency harmonics. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX20446AATGA/V+ | Lower dimming ratio (1000:1 PWM-only); no hybrid dimming support; identical pinout and package. | Suitable for cost-sensitive non-premium displays where deep dimming is not required. | Select MAX20446AATGA/V+ only if >10,000:1 dimming is unnecessary and thermal derating margin is sufficient. |
| LM3409QMY/NOPB | Single-channel controller; requires external current sinks and multiple ICs for 6-string implementation; no integrated fault flag or hybrid dimming. | Used in legacy designs or where channel independence and ASIL-compliant diagnostics are not mandated. | Choose LM3409QMY/NOPB only when system-level flexibility outweighs integration benefits and BOM count reduction. |
Compared with MAX20446AATGA/V+, the MAX20446CATGA/V+ adds hybrid dimming capability and extends dimming ratio beyond 10,000:1 - enabling next-generation automotive displays with enhanced contrast and flicker-free operation. Versus LM3409QMY/NOPB, it delivers full 6-channel integration, diagnostic reporting, and automotive-qualified thermal/EMI performance in a single TQFN-24 package.
Availability
MAX20446CATGA/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for infotainment displays, central information displays, and instrument clusters requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX20446CATGA/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
Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving automotive, industrial, communications, and healthcare markets.
The MAX20446C belongs to Analog Devices' automotive LED driver product line, engineered specifically for AEC-Q100 Grade-1 compliance and robust operation in harsh vehicle environments - targeting display backlighting with high efficiency, low EMI, and functional safety readiness.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED current per channel supported by the MAX20446CATGA/V+?
The MAX20446CATGA/V+ supports up to 130mA per channel across all six OUT_ pins. This rating is validated over the full -40°C to +125°C operating temperature range and confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 9 of the datasheet). Channel-to-channel matching is ±2% at 120mA, ensuring consistent brightness in multi-string automotive displays.
Does the MAX20446CATGA/V+ support both boost and SEPIC topologies?
Yes, the MAX20446CATGA/V+ integrates a current-mode DC-DC controller explicitly supporting both boost and SEPIC configurations, as stated in the General Description and Detailed Description sections. The topology selection is determined by external component layout - no internal configuration bits or firmware are required. SEPIC operation enables buck-boost functionality essential for wide-input automotive systems.
How does hybrid dimming work on the MAX20446CATGA/V+?
Hybrid dimming on the MAX20446CATGA/V+ combines analog current scaling (via SET pin configuration) with digital PWM control (via DIM pin) to achieve >10,000:1 dimming ratio. At high brightness, current is adjusted continuously; at low brightness, PWM takes over with 500ns minimum pulse width - eliminating visible flicker at 200Hz while preserving contrast.
What fault protections are integrated into the MAX20446CATGA/V+?
The MAX20446CATGA/V+ includes LED open-circuit detection, LED short-to-GND detection, BSTMON overvoltage/undervoltage protection, thermal shutdown (165°C), and boost converter fault monitoring. All faults drive the open-drain FLTB pin low, and individual fault sources can be masked via external resistor networks on RSDT and BSTMON pins.
Is the MAX20446CATGA/V+ AEC-Q100 qualified?
Yes, the MAX20446CATGA/V+ is AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualified, rated for operation from -40°C to +125°C ambient temperature. This qualification is documented in the device's ordering information and packaging section, confirming suitability for automotive cabin and under-hood display applications.
MAX20446CATGA/V+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- Boost, SEPIC
- Internal Switch(s):
- No
- Number of Outputs:
- 6
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 36V
- Voltage - Output:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 130mA
- Frequency:
- 360kHz ~ 2.42MHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-TQFN (4x4)
MAX20446CATGA/V+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX20446CATGA/V+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX20446CATGA/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 MAX20446CATGA/V+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX20446CATGA/V+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX20446CATGA/V+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX20446CATGA/V+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX20446CATGA/V+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX20446CATGA/V+?
MAX20446CATGA/V+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX20446CATGA/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 MAX20446CATGA/V+?
For technical support, including MAX20446CATGA/V+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX20446CATGA/V+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX20446CATGA/V+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX20446CATGA/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 MAX20446CATGA/V+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX20446CATGA/V+?
All MAX20446CATGA/V+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX20446CATGA/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 MAX20446CATGA/V+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX20446CATGA/V+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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