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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6966AEE+
- Part No.:
- MAX6966AEE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6966AEE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 20MA 16QSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:10,555
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Product details
Overview
MAX6966AEE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 10-port constant-current LED driver and I/O expander with SPI interface, supporting 20mA/10mA per port, individual 8-bit PWM intensity control, and overvoltage-protected Schmitt inputs - used in keypad backlighting, status indication, and RGB LED systems operating from 2.25V to 3.6V.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6966AEE+ datasheet, MAX6966AEE+ pinout, MAX6966AEE+ application, or MAX6966AEE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, QSOP-16 package mapping, real-world use scenarios, and two validated alternative parts for LED driver and GPIO expansion designs.
Technical Context
The MAX6966AEE+ implements a high-speed 26MHz SPI-compatible serial interface with daisy-chain capability via DOUT/OSC, and integrates an internal 27kHz–45kHz PWM oscillator (default 32kHz) that can be replaced by an external up-to-100kHz clock. All 10 I/O ports (P0–P9) are independently configurable as 20mA constant-current sinks, 10mA constant-current sinks, open-drain logic outputs, or overvoltage-protected Schmitt inputs rated to 7V.
Shutdown mode preserves GPIO functionality while disabling LED drivers; hardware wake-up is triggered by a ≥3ms CS pulse. Ramp-down/up timing (1/16s to 4s) and staggered PWM phasing (45° increments across eight steps) reduce supply current ripple and RMS load variation - critical for portable and low-noise power designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 2.25V to 3.6V - compatible with modern low-voltage microcontrollers and battery-powered systems. |
| Port Sink Current | 10mA or 20mA per port (factory-trimmed ±4% matching at 20mA, ±5% at 10mA) - enables uniform LED brightness without external current-setting resistors. |
| PWM Resolution | 8-bit per port + 1-bit analog half/full + 3-bit global scaling - delivers up to 12-bit effective intensity control when combined. |
| Interface Speed | 26MHz SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE - supports fast register writes for dynamic LED updates in real-time UIs. |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +125°C - qualified for automotive cabin modules, industrial HMI, and extended-temperature embedded devices. |
| Shutdown Current | 0.8µA typical - allows ultra-low-power sleep states in always-on portable equipment. |
| I/O Voltage Rating | Ports withstand 7V independent of V+ - permits direct connection to 5V logic or LED supplies without level shifters. |
Pinout & Package
MAX6966AEE+ is housed in a 16-pin QSOP package (5.3mm × 10.2mm × 1.75mm), lead-free and RoHS-compliant, with exposed pad not connected internally (no GND tie required).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (SCLK) | Serial clock input | Rising edge shifts DIN data into shift register; falling edge clocks data out of DOUT - synchronous full-duplex operation. |
| 2 (CS) | Chip-select input | Active-low enable for serial interface; ≥3ms pulse wakes device from shutdown - enables hardware-triggered power management. |
| 3–7, 9–13 (P0–P9) | Configurable I/O ports | Each supports 20mA/10mA constant-current sink, open-drain output, or 7V-tolerant Schmitt input - no external components needed for LED drive or robust GPIO. |
| 8 (GND) | Ground reference | Primary return path for all port sink currents and internal circuitry - requires low-impedance PCB plane for noise-sensitive PWM operation. |
| 14 (DOUT/OSC) | Dual-function terminal | Default DOUT output for daisy-chaining or readback; configurable as OSC input for external PWM clock - eliminates need for separate timing source. |
| 15 (DIN) | Serial data input | Loads 16-bit command/data on SCLK rising edge - supports register writes, reads, and broadcast commands (e.g., 0x0A–0x0D). |
| 16 (V+) | Positive supply | 2.25V–3.6V input powering logic and current mirrors - requires 0.1µF ceramic bypass capacitor placed near pin for stable PWM operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hot-insertion support | All ports remain high-impedance at V+ = 0V with up to 8V applied - enables safe live-board replacement in field-serviceable systems. |
| Staggered PWM phasing | Eight-step 45° phase shift across 10 ports reduces peak supply current by spreading PWM load over time - lowers bulk capacitor and EMI filter requirements. |
| Hardware wake-up via CS | Single ≥3ms CS pulse exits shutdown with preconfigured LED settings - eliminates MCU firmware overhead for display activation. |
| Auto ramp-down/up | Programmable fade duration (1/16s to 4s) before shutdown or after wake-up - prevents visual flicker and mechanical stress in LED arrays. |
| Overvoltage-protected inputs | P0–P9 tolerate −0.3V to +7V regardless of V+ - allows interfacing with 5V sensors or legacy logic without clamping diodes. |
Applications
| Keypad Backlighting | LED Status Indication |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Illuminating membrane keypads in industrial HMIs where ambient light varies and long-term LED consistency is required. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver with individual 8-bit PWM per key, using global 3-bit scaling to compensate for aging or temperature drift. Use Value: Eliminates discrete current-limiting resistors and enables software-tuned brightness uniformity across 10 keys without hardware changes. |
Use Scenario: Providing multi-color status feedback (e.g., power, fault, communication) on network equipment front panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configurable I/O expander driving red/green/blue LEDs with staggered PWM to minimize 5V rail current spikes during simultaneous status updates. Use Value: Reduces conducted EMI and avoids voltage droop on shared 5V supplies - critical for compliance in Class A/B emissions testing. |
| RGB LED Drivers | Portable Equipment |
Use Scenario: Driving RGB LED clusters in handheld medical devices requiring precise color mixing and low standby power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Three ports per RGB channel (e.g., P0/R, P1/G, P2/B) with synchronized 8-bit PWM and 1-bit analog fine-tuning for 9-bit per-channel resolution. Use Value: Achieves >500:1 contrast ratio and smooth dimming curves while maintaining <1µA shutdown current - extends battery life between charges. |
Use Scenario: Backlighting small LCD segments in wearables where board space and thermal dissipation are constrained. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 10-port I/O expander with integrated 20mA sinks, configured as 6 backlight channels + 4 GPIOs for button sensing and sensor control. Use Value: Consolidates discrete LED drivers and GPIO expanders into one 3mm × 5.3mm QSOP - saves >12mm² PCB area versus dual-chip solution. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver and I/O expander applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX6967AEE+ | DOUT/OSC defaults to OSC input (not DOUT); identical pinout, registers, and electrical specs - only functional difference is power-up configuration. | Preferred when external PWM clock synchronization is required; otherwise interchangeable in new designs with minor firmware initialization change. | Select MAX6967AEE+ if system uses a master clock domain; MAX6966AEE+ simplifies daisy-chain debugging with default DOUT output. |
| MAX7317EUE+ | No constant-current control - provides only 10-bit GPIO expansion with 25mA open-drain outputs and no PWM or analog intensity features. | Suitable for pure logic-level I/O extension (e.g., button scanning, relay control), but cannot replace MAX6966AEE+ in LED-driving roles. | Choose MAX7317EUE+ only when LED current regulation and dimming are handled externally; not a functional substitute for lighting applications. |
Compared with MAX6967AEE+, MAX6966AEE+ offers identical performance and package but simplifies initial SPI readback; compared with MAX7317EUE+, it adds full LED driver functionality at the cost of higher firmware complexity for PWM setup - making it the only drop-in solution for mixed LED/GPIO systems.
Availability
MAX6966AEE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for keypad backlighting, LED status indication, RGB LED driving, portable equipment, and industrial HMI applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX6966AEE+ 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 demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX6966AEE+ belongs to Maxim's constant-current LED driver and I/O expander product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained, low-power systems needing integrated PWM dimming, overvoltage tolerance, and hardware-managed power sequencing.
FAQ
What is the default power-up behavior of the MAX6966AEE+?
On power-up, MAX6966AEE+ enters shutdown mode with all 10 I/O ports (P0–P9) in high-impedance state, configuration register set to 0x00 (shutdown enabled, CS run disabled, DOUT/OSC as DOUT), and global current register at 0x07 (full current). This ensures zero LED current and minimal supply draw until initialized via SPI.
Can the MAX6966AEE+ drive 5V LEDs directly?
Yes - MAX6966AEE+ ports are rated to 7V and tolerate VEXT up to 7V independent of V+ (2.25V–3.6V), enabling direct connection to 5V LED anodes with cathodes tied to P0–P9. No level shifter or external current-limiting resistor is needed, as the IC provides precise 10mA/20mA constant-current sinking.
How does the staggered PWM feature reduce power-supply ripple in the MAX6966AEE+?
Staggered PWM phases the 10 port outputs in eight 45° increments across one 256-cycle period, spreading the instantaneous current demand over time. Instead of all ports switching simultaneously (causing large ΔI/Δt spikes), MAX6966AEE+ distributes load current across eight intervals - reducing RMS supply current by up to 30% and easing bulk capacitor sizing.
Is the MAX6966AEE+ pin-compatible with the MAX6967AEE+?
Yes - MAX6966AEE+ and MAX6967AEE+ share identical QSOP-16 pinout, register map, electrical specifications, and thermal characteristics. The sole difference is the power-up default of the DOUT/OSC pin (DOUT for MAX6966AEE+, OSC for MAX6967AEE+), which is configurable in software and does not affect PCB layout.
What is the minimum CS pulse width required to wake the MAX6966AEE+ from shutdown?
The MAX6966AEE+ requires a minimum CS pulse width of 3ms to trigger hardware wake-up from shutdown. This timing is based on the internal PWM clock (27kHz–45kHz); with the default 32kHz oscillator, the exact threshold is 257 cycles ≈ 8.0ms, but the datasheet specifies ≥3ms as the guaranteed functional minimum across all conditions.
MAX6966AEE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 10
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.25V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 3.6V
- Voltage - Output:
- 7V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 20mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QSOP
MAX6966AEE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6966AEE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6966AEE+ 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 MAX6966AEE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6966AEE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6966AEE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6966AEE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6966AEE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6966AEE+?
MAX6966AEE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6966AEE+ 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 MAX6966AEE+?
For technical support, including MAX6966AEE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6966AEE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6966AEE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6966AEE+ 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 MAX6966AEE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6966AEE+?
All MAX6966AEE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6966AEE+, 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 MAX6966AEE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6966AEE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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