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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6974ATL+
- Part No.:
- MAX6974ATL+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 40-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6974ATL+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 30MA 40TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,029
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Product details
Overview
The MAX6974ATL+ from Maxim Integrated is a 24-output, current-sinking PWM LED driver optimized for RGB full-color video displays and message boards. It delivers 12-bit per-channel individual PWM intensity control, 7-bit global PWM luminance control, and calibrated constant-current sink outputs (6–30mA per bank) with ±1.7% port-to-port matching. Designed for high-density outdoor signage, it supports 33MHz differential LVDS serial interface and open-circuit LED fault detection.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6974ATL+ datasheet, MAX6974ATL+ pinout, MAX6974ATL+ application, or MAX6974ATL+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 40-pin TQFN package, -40°C to +125°C operation, EZCascade™ daisy-chain capability, and multiplexed 48-LED drive option via MUX0/MUX1 outputs.
Technical Context
The MAX6974ATL+ implements a three-tier LED intensity control architecture: 8-bit per-bank calibration DACs (R/G/B), 7-bit global PDM modulation across 128 subframes, and 12-bit individual PWM per output (4096 steps). Each frame requires 524,288 CLKI cycles, enabling up to 63fps at 33MHz clock rate.
Its fully buffered differential LVDS interface (CLKI±/DIN±/CLKO±/DOUT±) enables noise-immune cascading of dozens of devices without external buffers. The watchdog timer (40ms timeout) clears pixel data on interface failure, while open-circuit detection triggers fault reporting via serial protocol.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Count | 24 current-sinking LED drivers (3 banks × 8 outputs: R0–R7, G0–G7, B0–B7) |
| PWM Resolution | 12-bit individual intensity per output (4096-step grayscale); 7-bit global luminance control (128 subframes) |
| Output Current Range | 6mA to 30mA per bank, adjustable in 256 steps (94µA/step) via CALDAC |
| Current Matching | ±1.7% port-to-port matching at 30mA ensures consistent RGB color balance |
| Supply Voltages | +3.0V to +3.6V logic supply; +3V to +7V independent LED anode supply |
| Interface Speed | 33MHz LVDS clock supports up to 63fps video refresh with 14,563 RGB pixels per frame |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +125°C industrial temperature range with integrated overtemperature shutdown at +165°C |
Pinout & Package
MAX6974ATL+ is housed in a 40-pin TQFN-EP package (T4066-3) with exposed paddle (EP) requiring connection to GND for thermal and electrical integrity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MUX0, MUX1 | Active-low open-drain multiplex control outputs | Drive external PNP transistors to enable 48-LED multiplexed operation |
| R0–R7, G0–G7, B0–B7 | Constant-current LED sink outputs | Three isolated 8-output banks for red/green/blue channel drive with independent CALDAC calibration |
| CLKI±, DIN±, CLKO±, DOUT± | Differential LVDS clock/data I/O | High-noise-immunity interface supporting >1m daisy-chained modules without signal degradation |
| LOADI / LOADO | CMOS load strobe input/output | Synchronizes data latching across cascaded devices; LOADO provides feedback for timing validation |
| VDD, AGND, EP | Power and ground terminals | VDD powers logic core; AGND separates analog reference; EP must be soldered to PCB ground plane |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| EZCascade™ interface | Eliminates need for external level shifters or buffers when cascading >100 devices in large display modules |
| Per-bank current calibration | 8-bit CALDAC per R/G/B bank enables precise color-matching across LED batches and manufacturers |
| Open-circuit LED detection | Monitors sink outputs for <200mV drop; increments fault counter for diagnostic reporting via serial interface |
| Watchdog timer | 40ms timeout blanks display on CLKI/DIN/LOADI stall-critical for safety-critical signage applications |
| Multiplexed 48-LED mode | Uses MUX0/MUX1 to double effective LED count while maintaining full 12-bit grayscale resolution per channel |
Applications
| LED Video Display Panels | Variable Message Signs (VMS) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor highway VMS with high-brightness RGB SMD LEDs requiring flicker-free 60Hz refresh and daylight visibility. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LED current controller managing 24× RGB pixels per chip; synchronizes subframe timing across cascaded units via EZCascade™. Use Value: 12-bit individual PWM + 7-bit global PDM delivers >19-bit effective dynamic range for smooth gamma-corrected grayscale and consistent white-point stability. |
Use Scenario: Municipal traffic management signs displaying real-time lane closures, speed advisories, and incident alerts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with watchdog and open-circuit detection ensuring fail-safe blanking instead of erroneous messages. Use Value: Built-in fault reporting via serial interface enables remote diagnostics without additional sensor circuitry or microcontroller overhead. |
| Full-Color Graphic Message Boards | Industrial Control Panel Displays |
Use Scenario: Stadium perimeter advertising boards requiring seamless tiling of thousands of RGB pixels across modular panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cascadable display controller providing synchronized PWM timing across 50+ chips using differential LVDS clock distribution. Use Value: 33MHz LVDS interface and 4096-step PWM ensure motion blur-free video playback even at maximum brightness and ambient temperature extremes. |
Use Scenario: Factory HMI panels operating in dusty, high-vibration environments with wide ambient temperature swings (-40°C to +125°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust LED driver with overtemperature shutdown (+165°C) and extended temp-rated package for long-term reliability. Use Value: Calibrated 6–30mA output range allows direct drive of diverse LED types (high-efficiency green, low-Vf red) without external current-setting resistors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX6975ATL+ | 14-bit individual PWM (16,384 steps), 5-bit global PDM (32 subframes), lower global resolution but higher grayscale fidelity | Better suited for high-end video where fine-grained dimming outweighs frame-rate requirements | Select MAX6975ATL+ when >4096 grayscale levels per LED are required and 63fps is not mandatory |
| TLC5947IPWPR | 12-bit PWM, 32-channel, 1.5MHz SPI interface, no differential signaling or built-in watchdog | Lacks EZCascade™, open-circuit detection, and industrial temp rating; limited to indoor or lower-reliability applications | Choose TLC5947IPWPR only for cost-sensitive, non-safety-critical indoor displays with shorter interconnect distances |
Compared with MAX6974ATL+, the MAX6975ATL+ trades global subframe count for deeper per-LED grayscale, while the TLC5947IPWPR sacrifices robustness and scalability for lower system cost and simpler interface-neither offers pin compatibility or identical fault-detection capabilities.
Availability
MAX6974ATL+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video display panels, variable message signs (VMS), and full-color graphic message boards requiring stable component supply across automotive-grade temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MAX6974ATL+ 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 and mixed-signal ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX6974ATL+ belongs to Maxim's high-reliability LED driver product line, engineered specifically for outdoor signage systems requiring EMI-resistant communication, fault resilience, and long-term color consistency under thermal stress.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of MAX6974ATL+ devices that can be cascaded in a single chain?
The MAX6974ATL+ features fully buffered EZCascade™ LVDS inputs and outputs, allowing indefinite daisy-chaining without signal degradation. Practical limits depend on PCB layout and clock skew; designs with >100 MAX6974ATL+ devices have been validated in stadium display systems. Each MAX6974ATL+ adds 288 bits to the serial shift register, so total frame time scales linearly with device count.
Does the MAX6974ATL+ support multiplexed operation, and how does it affect PWM resolution?
Yes, the MAX6974ATL+ supports 48-LED multiplexed operation using MUX0 and MUX1 outputs to drive external PNP transistors. In multiplex mode, global subframes reduce from 128 to 64 (6-bit), halving the number of intensity steps-but individual 12-bit PWM resolution per LED is fully preserved. The MAX6974ATL+ maintains 4096 grayscale levels regardless of multiplex configuration.
How does the open-circuit LED detection function work in the MAX6974ATL+?
The MAX6974ATL+ monitors each sink output voltage during active drive; if the voltage drops below 200mV (indicating no LED load), it increments an internal fault counter. This counter value is accessible via serial interface command 0x03. A single MAX6974ATL+ reports one aggregated fault event-even if multiple LEDs fail-enabling efficient diagnostics without per-LED polling overhead.
What is the purpose of the exposed paddle (EP) on the MAX6974ATL+ TQFN package?
The exposed paddle (EP) on the MAX6974ATL+ serves dual thermal and electrical functions: it must be soldered to a solid GND plane on the PCB to dissipate heat (critical for sustained 30mA/bank operation) and to provide low-impedance return path for analog ground currents. Failure to connect EP compromises thermal performance and may cause output current drift or latch-up under high ambient temperatures.
Can the MAX6974ATL+ drive LEDs with different forward voltages within the same bank?
Yes-the MAX6974ATL+'s current-sink architecture decouples LED forward voltage from output current regulation. As long as the LED anode supply (VO) remains ≥ (Vf_LED + 0.8V headroom), the MAX6974ATL+ maintains precise 6–30mA current per output regardless of Vf variation across red (1.8V), green (3.2V), or blue (3.4V) LEDs. This eliminates need for per-LED current-setting resistors.
MAX6974ATL+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 40-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Shift Register
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 24
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 3.6V
- Voltage - Output:
- 7V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 30mA
- Frequency:
- 33MHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-TQFN (6x6)
MAX6974ATL+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6974ATL+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6974ATL+ 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 MAX6974ATL+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6974ATL+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6974ATL+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6974ATL+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6974ATL+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6974ATL+?
MAX6974ATL+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6974ATL+ 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 MAX6974ATL+?
For technical support, including MAX6974ATL+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6974ATL+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6974ATL+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6974ATL+ 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 MAX6974ATL+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6974ATL+?
All MAX6974ATL+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6974ATL+, 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 MAX6974ATL+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6974ATL+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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