Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8648ETE+TG104
- Part No.:
- MAX8648ETE+TG104
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8648ETE+TG104.pdf
- Description:
- INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
- Quantity:
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Inventory:3,461
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Product details
Overview
MAX8648ETE+TG104 from Maxim Integrated is a six-channel white/RGB LED driver IC with inverting charge pump and adaptive current regulators, delivering 24mA per channel with ±2% accuracy and ±0.4% matching (typ), operating from 2.7V to 5.5V input, and optimized for single/dual display backlighting in smartphones and portable devices.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8648ETE+TG104 datasheet, MAX8648ETE+TG104 pinout, MAX8648ETE+TG104 application, or MAX8648ETE+TG104 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world dimming behavior, thermal derating response, shutdown timing, and validated alternative options for LED backlight design.
Technical Context
The MAX8648ETE+TG104 uses an inverting charge pump with 1MHz fixed-frequency switching and LED-by-LED switchover logic-activating NEG output only for LEDs requiring >0.15V headroom-enabling up to 90% efficiency across Li+ battery voltage range (2.7V–4.2V) even with mismatched LED forward voltages. It integrates six independent current regulators with thermal derating starting at +60°C and automatic short-circuit detection at power-up.
Control is implemented via three-wire serial-pulse interface (ENA/ENB/ENC), where each pulse (1µs–500µs width) steps dimming across 32 levels (24mA → 0.1mA), with 4ms low-hold shutdown activation. The device supports independent enable/disable of LED groups (LED1–LED3, LED4–LED5, LED6) and includes 10kΩ internal NEG-to-GND discharge during shutdown.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports full Li+ battery discharge curve without external regulation |
| Max Output Current per Channel | 24mA - enables high-brightness backlighting with six white LEDs or dual RGB sets |
| Current Accuracy & Matching | ±2% (typ), ±0.4% matching (typ) - ensures uniform brightness across displays and RGB color balance |
| Dimming Resolution | 32-step pseudo-logarithmic range (24mA to 0.1mA) - delivers perceptually linear brightness control |
| Thermal Derating Threshold | +60°C start temperature, −2.5%/°C slope - protects LEDs from thermal overstress while preserving full brightness at room temperature |
| Shutdown Supply Current | 0.4µA (TA = +85°C) - minimizes battery drain in standby mode for portable applications |
| Charge Pump Frequency | 1MHz - allows use of tiny 1µF ceramic capacitors, reducing PCB area and BOM cost |
Pinout & Package
MAX8648ETE+TG104 is housed in a 16-pin, 3mm × 3mm thin QFN package (0.8mm max height) with exposed paddle (EP) connected to NEG.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN | Supply Input | Main power input (2.7V–5.5V); connects to LED anodes; high-impedance in shutdown |
| GND | Ground Reference | System ground return; must be tied to input bypass capacitor and EP via low-inductance path |
| C1P / C1N / C2P / C2N | Charge Pump Capacitor Terminals | Interface external 1µF ceramic caps for inverting charge pump operation; C2N pulled to GND via 10kΩ in shutdown |
| NEG | Negative Charge Pump Output | Provides −(VIN − VCP) rail; internally pulled to GND via 10kΩ resistor in shutdown; EP must connect directly to NEG |
| LED1–LED6 | Current Regulator Outputs | Sink outputs for LED cathodes; high-impedance in shutdown; unused pins shorted to IN before power-up |
| ENA / ENB / ENC | Serial-Pulse Enable Inputs | Three independent logic inputs: ENA controls LED1–LED3, ENB controls LED4–LED5, ENC controls LED6; 4ms low-hold triggers full shutdown |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Inverting charge pump with LED-by-LED switchover | Activates NEG only for LEDs needing extra headroom - maximizes efficiency and extends battery life under voltage droop |
| 32-step serial-pulse dimming | Each EN_ pulse (1–500µs) steps current down/up in predictable increments - eliminates need for MCU I²C stack or PWM generation |
| Thermal derating function | Automatically reduces LED current above +60°C at −2.5%/°C - enables safe 24mA operation at 25°C without overdesigning heatsinking |
| Power-up short-circuit detection | Disables faulty current regulator at startup if LED shorts - prevents excessive battery drain before system boot |
| Ultra-low shutdown current | 0.4µA at +85°C - critical for always-on portable devices with long shelf life requirements |
Applications
| Smartphone Dual-Display Backlight | RGB Camera Flash Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Simultaneous backlighting of main LCD and secondary OLED status display in compact smartphone form factor. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Six-channel current sink driving three white LEDs for main display and three for sub-display, with independent ENA/ENB control enabling dynamic brightness scaling per panel. Use Value: Enables precise 32-step dimming per display using only three GPIOs - no I²C bus contention or firmware overhead required. |
Use Scenario: Compact RGB flash for smartphone front/rear cameras requiring synchronized color mixing and strobe timing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drives RGB LED set (e.g., Lumex SML-LX3632SISUGSBC) with matched current regulation across channels to maintain white point fidelity during flash pulses. Use Value: ±0.4% current matching ensures consistent chromaticity; thermal derating prevents color shift during rapid burst firing. |
| Portable Medical Display Indicator | Wearable Device Fun Light |
|
Use Scenario: High-reliability backlight for diagnostic tablet used in clinical environments with variable ambient temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Powers six white LEDs with automatic current reduction above +60°C to prevent LED degradation during extended operation near heat-generating components. Use Value: Eliminates need for external thermal sensor or software compensation - built-in derating meets IEC 60601 safety margins. |
Use Scenario: Animated light effects on fitness tracker or smartwatch using RGB LEDs for user feedback and status indication. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Delivers 0.1mA–24mA per channel via serial-pulse interface to generate smooth breathing, pulsing, or color-cycle effects with minimal MCU intervention. Use Value: 1µs–500µs pulse timing enables microsecond-level effect granularity - supports <100ms animation sequences without frame buffer overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX8647ETE+ | I²C interface instead of serial-pulse; same pinout, identical current specs and thermal derating | Requires I²C master and address management; better suited for systems with existing I²C infrastructure and multi-device control | Select MAX8647ETE+ when centralized I²C control of multiple peripherals is preferred over GPIO-based dimming simplicity |
| TPS61165DRVR | Single-output boost LED driver (max 30mA), no multi-channel capability or thermal derating function | Limited to one LED string; lacks independent group control and temperature protection - requires external thermal monitoring | Choose TPS61165DRVR only for simple single-LED indicator applications where six-channel integration is unnecessary |
Compared with MAX8648ETE+TG104, MAX8647ETE+ offers identical analog performance but demands I²C resources and firmware support, whereas TPS61165DRVR sacrifices channel count, thermal safety, and dimming flexibility for lower cost in non-backlight roles.
Availability
MAX8648ETE+TG104 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone display backlighting, RGB camera flash modules, portable medical indicators, and wearable fun-light applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and production-ready qualification.
Supply support for MAX8648ETE+TG104 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 power management, sensing, and interface applications in portable, industrial, and automotive systems.
The MAX8647/MAX8648 product line was engineered specifically for ultra-efficient, thermally robust LED backlighting in space-constrained battery-powered devices - prioritizing minimal external components, wide input range operation, and autonomous fault protection.
FAQ
What interface does the MAX8648ETE+TG104 use for LED dimming control?
The MAX8648ETE+TG104 uses a three-wire serial-pulse logic interface (ENA, ENB, ENC) - not I²C. Each logic-high pulse (1µs–500µs width) steps dimming downward across 32 levels (24mA → 0.1mA); a 4ms low-hold on all three inputs places MAX8648ETE+TG104 into full shutdown. No clock or data lines are required.
How does the MAX8648ETE+TG104 handle LED forward voltage mismatch?
The MAX8648ETE+TG104 implements LED-by-LED switchover logic: when VIN drops below the LED forward voltage plus 0.15V headroom, only that specific current regulator switches its return path from GND to NEG. This selective activation preserves efficiency - unlike global charge pump activation - and maintains >85% efficiency even with highly mismatched white LEDs.
What is the thermal derating behavior of the MAX8648ETE+TG104?
The MAX8648ETE+TG104 begins reducing LED current at +60°C at a rate of −2.5%/°C. At +70°C, output current is reduced to ~75% of full scale (18mA); at +85°C, it reaches ~38% (9mA). This behavior is fully internal - no external sensor or firmware is needed - and resets automatically upon cooling below +60°C.
Can unused LED outputs on the MAX8648ETE+TG104 be left floating?
No. Unused LED outputs (e.g., LED4–LED6 when only three LEDs are used) must be shorted to IN prior to power-up to disable their current regulators. Leaving them unconnected may cause undefined behavior or leakage current. This requirement is explicitly documented in the MAX8648ETE+TG104 Pin Description table and differs from the MAX8647ETE+'s I²C-based disable method.
What is the shutdown current specification for the MAX8648ETE+TG104 at elevated temperature?
The MAX8648ETE+TG104 specifies 0.4µA maximum shutdown supply current at TA = +85°C, measured with all EN_ inputs held low for >4ms and IN = 3.6V. This ultra-low value is achieved through complete gate drive disable, charge pump isolation, and internal bias current shutdown - critical for battery longevity in always-on portable devices.
MAX8648ETE+TG104 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
MAX8648ETE+TG104 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8648ETE+TG104 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8648ETE+TG104 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 MAX8648ETE+TG104 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8648ETE+TG104 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8648ETE+TG104 is usually 5 days.
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Once your MAX8648ETE+TG104 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 MAX8648ETE+TG104?
For technical support, including MAX8648ETE+TG104 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8648ETE+TG104 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8648ETE+TG104 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8648ETE+TG104 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 MAX8648ETE+TG104 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8648ETE+TG104?
All MAX8648ETE+TG104 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8648ETE+TG104, 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 MAX8648ETE+TG104 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8648ETE+TG104:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX8648ETE+TG104 Tags

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BCR402RE6327HTSA1
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BCR430UXTSA2
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BCR420UE6433HTMA1
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BCR420UE6327HTSA1
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BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

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LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations

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HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology

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CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology

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BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

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BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

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BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated

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BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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