Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6967AEE+T

Overview

MAX6967AEE+T from Maxim Integrated is a 10-port constant-current LED driver and I/O expander with SPI interface, supporting 10mA/20mA per port, individual 8-bit PWM intensity control, and overvoltage-protected Schmitt inputs. It operates from 2.25V to 3.6V and features hardware wake-up via CS pulse, ramp-up/ramp-down shutdown sequencing, and hot-insertion capability - used in keypad backlighting and status indication systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6967AEE+T datasheet, MAX6967AEE+T pinout, MAX6967AEE+T application, or MAX6967AEE+T equivalent, key selection considerations include its QSOP-16 package, dual-mode DOUT/OSC pin (defaulting to OSC input), 7V-rated I/O ports, 0.8µA shutdown current, and configurable PWM phasing for supply-current smoothing.

Technical Context

The MAX6967AEE+T implements a high-speed 26MHz SPI-compatible serial interface with 16-bit shift register architecture and register-mapped control (0x00–0x15). Its I/O ports support four functional modes per pin: static 10mA/20mA constant-current sink, PWM-driven constant-current sink, open-drain logic output, or overvoltage-protected Schmitt input - all sharing the same 7V absolute max rating independent of V+.

Internal PWM timing uses a factory-trimmed 27kHz–45kHz oscillator (typ. 32kHz), optionally replaceable by an external 100kHz CMOS clock on DOUT/OSC. Staggered PWM phasing across eight 45° increments spreads load current over time, reducing RMS supply ripple without requiring external timing components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6967AEE+T is housed in a 16-pin QSOP package (5.3mm × 10.2mm × 1.75mm body height), lead-free and RoHS-compliant, with exposed pad not connected internally (no thermal tie required).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver and I/O expander applications.

Compared with MAX6966AEE+T, MAX6967AEE+T provides native external clock input for deterministic PWM timing, while MAX7317EPE+ sacrifices LED-specific features for higher logic-drive strength - making MAX6967AEE+T optimal for integrated, low-noise LED control in space-constrained designs.

Availability

MAX6967AEE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for keypad backlighting, LED status indication, RGB LED drivers, portable equipment UI, and industrial HMI applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS compliance.

Supply support for MAX6967AEE+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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX6967AEE+T belongs to Maxim's constant-current LED driver and I/O expander product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained, low-power human-interface subsystems requiring integrated dimming, robust I/O protection, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the default power-up behavior of the MAX6967AEE+T?

On power-up, the MAX6967AEE+T enters shutdown mode with all 10 I/O ports (P0–P9) in high-impedance state, configuration register set to 0x00, global current register at 0x07 (full current), and DOUT/OSC configured as OSC input. This ensures zero LED current and minimal supply draw until explicitly configured via SPI interface.

Can the MAX6967AEE+T drive both 10mA and 20mA LEDs simultaneously?

Yes, the MAX6967AEE+T supports per-port selection of 10mA or 20mA constant-current sink mode via the ISET70 and ISET98 registers. Ports P0–P7 are controlled by ISET70, and P8–P9 by ISET98 - allowing mixed configurations, e.g., 20mA for status LEDs and 10mA for backlight segments, without external resistor changes.

How does the staggered PWM feature reduce power-supply ripple in the MAX6967AEE+T?

The MAX6967AEE+T staggers PWM on-times across its 10 ports in eight 45° phase increments, distributing current draw over time. This spreads the 256-cycle PWM period into overlapping intervals, lowering peak supply current by up to 72% compared to synchronous switching - reducing required bulk capacitance and conducted EMI.

Is the MAX6967AEE+T compatible with 5V logic interfaces?

No - the MAX6967AEE+T digital interface pins (SCLK, DIN, CS, DOUT/OSC) are not overvoltage-protected and must not exceed V+ + 0.3V. However, its I/O ports (P0–P9) tolerate up to +7V regardless of V+, enabling direct connection to 5V LED anodes or sensor outputs when used as inputs or constant-current sinks.

What is the function of the DOUT/OSC pin on the MAX6967AEE+T?

On the MAX6967AEE+T, the DOUT/OSC pin defaults to OSC input at power-up and accepts an external square-wave clock up to 100kHz for precise PWM timing. It can be reconfigured via the configuration register to operate as DOUT for serial data readback or daisy-chaining - but unlike the MAX6966AEE+T, its default OSC mode prioritizes clock synchronization.