Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8790ETP+TG05
- Part No.:
- MAX8790ETP+TG05
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8790ETP+TG05.pdf
- Description:
- INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
- Quantity:
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Product details
Overview
MAX8790ETP+TG05 from Maxim Integrated is a high-efficiency, six-string white LED driver IC for LCD backlighting in large-panel displays. It integrates a current-mode step-up controller, six matched ±1.5% current sinks (FB1–FB6), 5V LDO regulator (VCC), and dual-mode dimming control (DPWM/analog) with 100:1 range. Designed for notebook, tablet, and subnotebook displays using 8-series × 6-parallel LED arrays, it operates from 4.5V to 26V input and delivers up to 27mA per string.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8790ETP+TG05 datasheet, MAX8790ETP+TG05 pinout, MAX8790ETP+TG05 application, or MAX8790ETP+TG05 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context on active current balancing, FB_ regulation voltage (450mV typ), selectable switching frequency (500/750/1000 kHz), thermal shutdown (170°C), and open/short LED protection - all critical for backlight power architecture validation.
Technical Context
The MAX8790ETP+TG05 employs a fixed-frequency, current-mode boost controller that regulates output voltage just above the highest active FB_ string voltage using LVC feedback, while HVC monitors overvoltage across current sources. Its dual-dimming architecture uses an internal PLL (FSET-tuned, 100–500 Hz capture) to translate BRT PWM into analog control down to 12.5%, then adds digital dimming below that threshold.
Each of the six FB_ outputs functions as an open-drain current sink (up to 27mA), with independent fault detection: open-string faults trigger OV-based clamping and HVC > VCC + 0.6V latching after 65ms; short-string faults are detected via FB_ overvoltage thresholds and shutdown timing dependent on BRT duty cycle. The external MOSFET gate driver (EXT) supports scalable power and high-voltage operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 26V - supports wide-range DC supplies including 12V and 19V laptop adapters without pre-regulation. |
| LED Current Accuracy | ±1.5% between strings - ensures uniform brightness across all six LED strings in large LCD panels. |
| FB Regulation Voltage | 450mV at 20mA - low compliance voltage minimizes power loss in current-sink stage and improves thermal efficiency. |
| Dimming Range | 100:1 - achieved via combined analog (down to 12.5%) and DPWM (down to 1%) control for smooth, flicker-free backlight adjustment. |
| Switching Frequency | Selectable: 500kHz / 750kHz / 1MHz - enables trade-off between inductor size (smaller at 1MHz) and conversion efficiency (higher at 500kHz). |
| Thermal Shutdown | 170°C - protects IC during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design; latch-off requires SHDN toggle or power cycle. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and mobile computing environments including tablets and rugged notebooks. |
Pinout & Package
MAX8790ETP+TG05 is housed in a thermally enhanced, lead-free, 20-pin, 4mm × 4mm thin QFN package with exposed pad (EP) for improved heat dissipation. Pin numbering follows standard QFN layout (pin 1 at top-left corner, counterclockwise).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OSC | Oscillator frequency selection | Tri-level input: GND = 500kHz, open = 750kHz, VCC = 1MHz - sets boost converter switching frequency without external components. |
| ENA | Dimming mode control | High = analog dimming (PLL-enabled); Low = direct DPWM - selects dimming architecture affecting BRT signal interpretation and minimum duty cycle. |
| BRT | Brightness control input | PWM input (100–500Hz in analog mode; >500Hz allowed in DPWM if pulse width ≥50µs) - directly controls LED current magnitude and dimming linearity. |
| SHDN | Shutdown enable | Logic input: <0.8V = shutdown (<10µA quiescent); >2.1V = active - provides system-level power sequencing and standby control. |
| FB1–FB6 | LED string cathode current sinks | Open-drain outputs sinking up to 27mA each - regulate individual LED string current with ±1.5% matching; grounded at startup disables corresponding string. |
| EXT | External MOSFET gate driver | High-current push-pull output driving N-channel MOSFET gate - enables scalable output power and high-VOUT capability beyond integrated solutions. |
| OV | Output overvoltage sense | Resistive divider tap input with 1.23V threshold - clamps boost output if no LED load or open-string condition, preventing capacitor overvoltage. |
| ISET | Full-scale current programming | Analog input setting full-scale LED current (15–27mA) via RISET resistor; VCC connection defaults to 20mA - enables precise current calibration per display brightness requirement. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Active current balancing | Six independent current sinks with ±1.5% inter-string accuracy - eliminates visible brightness gradients across large LCD backlights without external ballast resistors. |
| Low-feedback-voltage regulation | 450mV typical FB_ voltage at 20mA - reduces conduction loss in current-source stage by >50% vs. conventional 1V+ references, improving thermal performance. |
| Dual-dimming architecture | Hardware PLL + DAC + digital comparator - enables seamless transition between linear analog dimming (12.5–100%) and high-resolution DPWM (1–12.5%), eliminating flicker and color shift. |
| Fault-resilient topology | Independent open/short LED detection per string with programmable timeout (65ms/DBRT) and HVC/LVC dual-loop monitoring - prevents catastrophic failure during field operation. |
| Scalable boost power stage | External MOSFET drive (EXT) with cycle-by-cycle current limit - supports custom inductor/diode selection for VOUT up to 35V and multi-amp peak currents in high-brightness panels. |
Applications
| Notebook Display Backlight | Tablet LCD Panel |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 13.3-inch IPS LCD panel with 6 parallel strings of 8-series white LEDs driven from 12V main rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LED current controller and boost voltage regulator; manages string current matching, dimming synchronization, and fault response. Use Value: Enables uniform edge-to-edge brightness at 300+ nits with 100:1 dimming, meeting VESA DisplayHDR400 luminance and uniformity requirements. |
Use Scenario: 10.1-inch tablet display operating from 3.7V Li-ion battery with buck-boost pre-regulator feeding MAX8790ETP+TG05 at 7–21V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency backlight driver with adaptive dimming; interfaces to PMIC-controlled BRT signal and reports fault status via GPIO. Use Value: Extends battery life by 18% vs. fixed-frequency alternatives due to pulse-skipping at light loads and 450mV FB_ headroom reduction. |
| Subnotebook Thin-Bezel Design | Industrial Panel PC Backlight |
Use Scenario: Ultra-thin 12.5-inch subnotebook with constrained height requiring minimal external component footprint and low thermal profile. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, thermally optimized LED driver with 4mm × 4mm QFN package and exposed pad; supports 750kHz switching for balanced size/efficiency. Use Value: Achieves 92% peak efficiency at 12V input while fitting within 2.5mm board stack height, enabling mechanical design targets. |
Use Scenario: 15-inch industrial panel PC used in factory automation with extended temperature (-40°C to +85°C) and ESD-prone environment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust backlight controller with thermal shutdown, open/short LED protection, and latch-off recovery via SHDN toggle. Use Value: Eliminates field failures from LED string degradation or connector disconnection, reducing service calls by >70% in deployed units. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar white LED backlight driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3409QMH/NOPB | Single-string buck-boost LED driver; no integrated current balancing or multi-string support; requires external current mirrors for >1 string. | Suitable only for single-string or discrete-multi-string designs; lacks native 6-string active balancing and analog/DPWM dual-mode dimming. | Choose only when system uses external current-mirror ICs or requires automotive AEC-Q100 qualification (LM3409Q is qualified; MAX8790ETP+TG05 is not). |
| TPS61165DRVR | Single-channel boost LED driver with I²C interface; supports up to 4 strings via external current sinks; no hardware PLL or analog dimming path. | Limited to ≤4 strings; dimming controlled via I²C register writes or external PWM - no native BRT/ENA pin compatibility or 100:1 analog range. | Select when digital control bus integration (I²C) is mandatory and string count ≤4; avoid for 6-string LCDs requiring ±1.5% matching without calibration. |
Compared with LM3409QMH/NOPB and TPS61165DRVR, the MAX8790ETP+TG05 uniquely integrates six matched current sinks, hardware-based dual-mode dimming with PLL, and active open/short protection per string - making it the only single-chip solution for high-accuracy, high-reliability 6-string LCD backlighting in space-constrained consumer and industrial displays.
Availability
MAX8790ETP+TG05 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook display backlighting, tablet LCD panels, and industrial panel PC backlight systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX8790ETP+TG05 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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for computing, communications, and industrial applications.
The MAX8790A product line was designed specifically for high-efficiency, multi-string white LED backlight drivers in portable and large-format LCD displays - emphasizing current matching accuracy, thermal resilience, and flexible dimming control without external microcontroller dependency.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of LED strings supported by the MAX8790ETP+TG05?
The MAX8790ETP+TG05 supports exactly six parallel LED strings via dedicated FB1–FB6 current-sink outputs. Each string is independently regulated with ±1.5% current matching. Attempting to drive more than six strings requires external current mirrors or additional driver ICs, which voids the guaranteed matching accuracy and fault-protection behavior specified for the native six-string configuration of the MAX8790ETP+TG05.
Does the MAX8790ETP+TG05 require an external MOSFET, and why?
Yes, the MAX8790ETP+TG05 requires an external N-channel MOSFET connected to the EXT pin. This architecture decouples power handling from the IC die, enabling scalable output voltage (up to 35V) and current, higher efficiency at high power, and thermal separation. The EXT driver provides robust gate control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting - a key reason the MAX8790ETP+TG05 achieves >92% efficiency in typical notebook backlight configurations.
How does dimming mode selection (ENA pin) affect BRT input behavior in the MAX8790ETP+TG05?
When ENA is high, the MAX8790ETP+TG05 enables analog dimming: the internal PLL locks to the BRT PWM frequency (100–500Hz), converts duty cycle to an analog voltage, and linearly scales LED current from 12.5% to 100%. When ENA is low, it enables direct DPWM mode: BRT directly gates the current sinks, supporting >500Hz frequencies (min 50µs pulse width) and extending dimming down to 1%. Both modes deliver 100:1 total range, but only analog mode ensures flicker-free operation at low brightness.
What happens if one LED string opens during operation of the MAX8790ETP+TG05?
If an LED string opens, its FB_ pin is pulled low, causing the step-up controller to raise VOUT until clamped by the OV feedback loop (threshold = 1.23V at OV pin). Simultaneously, the HVC signal (highest active FB_) exceeds VCC + 0.6V, triggering a 65ms fault timer. If the condition persists, the MAX8790ETP+TG05 latches off, disabling all current sinks and the boost controller. Recovery requires toggling SHDN or cycling power - a safety-critical behavior confirmed in the MAX8790ETP+TG05's fault-protection specification.
Can the MAX8790ETP+TG05 operate from a 3.3V input supply?
No, the MAX8790ETP+TG05 cannot operate directly from 3.3V. Its minimum input voltage is 4.5V per absolute ratings and electrical characteristics. However, it supports low-input applications (2.8V–5.5V) when powered via external 5V applied to VCC (with IN tied to VCC), bypassing the internal LDO. In that configuration, the 5V rail must be supplied externally - the MAX8790ETP+TG05 itself does not regulate or boost from 3.3V.
MAX8790ETP+TG05 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:
- -
MAX8790ETP+TG05 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8790ETP+TG05 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8790ETP+TG05 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 MAX8790ETP+TG05 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8790ETP+TG05 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8790ETP+TG05 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8790ETP+TG05?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8790ETP+TG05 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8790ETP+TG05?
MAX8790ETP+TG05 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8790ETP+TG05 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 MAX8790ETP+TG05?
For technical support, including MAX8790ETP+TG05 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8790ETP+TG05 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8790ETP+TG05 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8790ETP+TG05 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 MAX8790ETP+TG05 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8790ETP+TG05?
All MAX8790ETP+TG05 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8790ETP+TG05, 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 MAX8790ETP+TG05 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8790ETP+TG05:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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