Microchip Technology MIC3231YTSE
- Part No.:
- MIC3231YTSE
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MIC3231YTSE.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER CTRLR PWM 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:187
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Product details
Overview
MIC3231YTSE from Micrel is a constant-current boost switching controller for high-power LED strings, operating from 6V to 45V input and delivering up to 70W via external MOSFET. It features programmable 100kHz–1MHz switching frequency, ±3% 250mV feedback reference, PWM dimming support up to 500Hz, and integrated OVP, UVLO, and thermal shutdown. It is used in street lighting and architectural solid-state lighting systems.
For engineers reviewing the MIC3231YTSE datasheet, MIC3231YTSE pinout, MIC3231YTSE application, or MIC3231YTSE equivalent, key selection considerations include its 16-pin EPAD TSSOP package, dither-enabled EMI reduction (~10dB), external current-sense resistor programming, and synchronization capability with other MIC3230 devices - all critical for high-efficiency, low-noise LED driver designs.
Technical Context
The MIC3231YTSE implements peak current mode control with internal slope compensation set by an external RSLC resistor, enabling stable operation across wide duty cycles (up to 88%). Its gate driver delivers 2Ω source / 3.5Ω sink impedance to drive large external MOSFETs efficiently.
It uses a 250mV precision feedback reference at IADJ for LED current regulation, with current sensing on the IS pin referencing a 0.45V overcurrent threshold. The dither feature modulates switching frequency by ±12% to spread conducted EMI spectrum - a capability exclusive to the MIC3231 variant and absent in MIC3230/MIC3232.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 6V to 45V - supports wide-range industrial and automotive DC supplies without pre-regulation. |
| Feedback Reference | 250mV ±3% - enables precise LED current setting via RADJ with minimal drift over temperature. |
| Switching Frequency | 100kHz to 1MHz (programmable) - allows trade-off between efficiency (lower fSW) and component size (higher fSW). |
| LED Dimming | PWM input up to 500Hz - provides flicker-free brightness control without color shift, compatible with standard microcontroller outputs. |
| OVP Threshold | 1.24V nominal - protects LED string and external components during open-circuit or overvoltage fault conditions. |
| Dither Range | ±12% frequency modulation - reduces peak EMI emissions by ~10dB, easing compliance in sensitive lighting environments. |
| Junction Temp Range | –40°C to +125°C - ensures reliable operation in outdoor and high-ambient-temperature lighting enclosures. |
Pinout & Package
The MIC3231YTSE is housed in a 16-pin EPAD TSSOP package with exposed thermal pad (EPAD) connected to AGND for enhanced thermal dissipation in high-power LED driver PCB layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Power Input | Accepts 6–45V DC supply; powers internal circuitry and gate driver via VDD regulator. |
| EN | Enable Control | Logic-high (>1.5V) enables operation; logic-low (<0.4V) shuts down IC with 30µA quiescent current. |
| PWMD | PWM Dimming Input | Accepts 0–500Hz PWM signal to modulate LED brightness while maintaining constant current per pulse. |
| IADJ | Current Sense Feedback | Monitors voltage across external RADJ resistor; regulates LED current to maintain 250mV at this pin. |
| IS | Current Sense Input | Connects to source of external FET and RCS; senses inductor current and triggers 0.45V overcurrent shutdown. |
| OVP | Over-Voltage Protection | Connects to top of external resistor divider; trips when output exceeds 1.24V, limiting max LED string voltage. |
| DRV | Gate Driver Output | Drives external N-channel MOSFET gate with 2Ω source / 3.5Ω sink impedance for fast switching. |
| PGND | Power Ground | Return path for high-current switching loop; must be separated from AGND to minimize noise coupling. |
| COMP | Compensation Node | External RC network (CCOMP/RCOMP) sets loop stability; 10nF ensures stability across all operating conditions. |
| FS | Frequency Select | Resistor-to-ground sets oscillator frequency (100kHz–1MHz); enables optimization of efficiency vs. BOM cost. |
| SYNC/NC | Synchronization Output | Outputs clock signal to synchronize multiple MIC3230/3231 devices; unused pins must float. |
| EPAD | Thermal Pad | Exposed copper pad under package; must be soldered to AGND plane for thermal management and EMI reduction. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low EMI dither | ±12% frequency modulation reduces peak conducted emissions by ~10dB - critical for FCC/CE Class B lighting compliance. |
| Programmable LED current | Set via external RADJ resistor using 250mV reference; supports precise, temperature-stable current from 100mA to >1A. |
| High-power gate driver | 2Ω source / 3.5Ω sink impedance drives large external MOSFETs directly - eliminates need for buffer stages in 70W designs. |
| Robust protection suite | Integrated OVP (1.24V), UVLO (4.9V typ), thermal shutdown (150°C), and cycle-by-cycle current limiting ensure system reliability. |
| Multi-device synchronization | SYNC pin enables master-slave frequency alignment across multiple MIC3230/3231 controllers - reduces beat frequencies and system-level noise. |
Applications
| Street Lighting | Architectural Lighting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor LED luminaires powered from 24V or 48V DC distribution lines in municipal infrastructure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current boost controller regulating 350mA–700mA through 10–20 series-connected white LEDs. Use Value: Enables single-stage, high-efficiency conversion from low-voltage DC bus to 60–100V LED string voltage with dither-assisted EMI compliance. | Use Scenario: Decorative façade lighting with dynamic color tuning and dimming in commercial buildings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LED current controller accepting PWM commands from building automation systems. Use Value: Maintains consistent lumen output and CCT across wide input voltage swings while supporting smooth 0–100% PWM dimming. |
| Solid-State Streetlamps | Industrial High-Bay Lighting |
Use Scenario: Retrofit LED modules replacing HID lamps in pole-mounted streetlights with 12–42V battery/solar hybrid inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability boost controller managing thermal derating and overvoltage faults in unregulated solar-charged systems. Use Value: UVLO (4.9V) and OVP (1.24V) prevent damage during battery undervoltage or open-string events; –40°C to +125°C rating ensures outdoor longevity. | Use Scenario: Warehouse ceiling fixtures requiring >100W output and robust operation in dusty, high-temperature environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core current regulator driving parallel LED strings with external MOSFETs and current-sense resistors. Use Value: EPAD TSSOP package and 36.5°C/W θJA enable thermal management without heatsinks; dither minimizes EMI interference with PLC controls. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current boost LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIC3230YTSE | No dither function; identical pinout, package, and electrical specs except for missing ±12% frequency modulation. | Suitable where EMI is less constrained; lacks MIC3231YTSE's ~10dB conducted emission reduction. | Select MIC3230YTSE only if dither is unnecessary and cost sensitivity outweighs EMI performance requirements. |
| LM3410XMY/NOPB | Fixed 1.6MHz switching frequency; no dither; lower max input (24V); integrated 1.5A FET (vs. external FET required for MIC3231YTSE). | Limited to <30W applications; not suitable for 45V input or >70W output; no synchronization capability. | Choose LM3410XMY/NOPB for compact, low-power LED drivers where board space is critical and power <30W. |
Compared with MIC3230YTSE, the MIC3231YTSE adds dither for EMI reduction without changing pinout or thermal design; versus LM3410XMY/NOPB, it supports higher voltage, higher power, and system-level synchronization - making it uniquely suited for scalable, high-reliability outdoor LED systems.
Availability
MIC3231YTSE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for street lighting, architectural lighting, and industrial high-bay LED systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MIC3231YTSE 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
Micrel Inc. was a U.S.-based analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company acquired by Microchip Technology in 2015, known for high-performance power management and LED driver ICs.
The MIC323x family was designed specifically for constant-current, high-power LED lighting applications requiring wide-input-voltage operation, programmable frequency, and robust protection - targeting outdoor and commercial solid-state lighting markets.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MIC3231YTSE in an LED lighting system?
The MIC3231YTSE functions as a constant-current boost switching controller that regulates current through high-power LED strings. It does not drive LEDs directly but controls an external MOSFET to step up input voltage (6–45V) and maintain precise LED current via its 250mV feedback reference. This ensures stable light output independent of forward voltage variations across the LED string. The MIC3231YTSE is engineered for reliability in demanding lighting applications such as streetlamps and architectural installations.
Does the MIC3231YTSE integrate a power MOSFET, or does it require an external one?
The MIC3231YTSE requires an external power MOSFET - it is a controller IC, not a driver with integrated switch. Its DRV pin delivers a high-current gate drive signal (2Ω source / 3.5Ω sink) to switch external N-channel MOSFETs, enabling scalable power delivery up to 70W. This architecture allows designers to select MOSFETs optimized for voltage, RDS(on), and thermal performance - a key differentiator from integrated-switch alternatives. The MIC3231YTSE itself contains no power transistor.
How does the dither feature in the MIC3231YTSE reduce EMI, and is it present in other variants?
The dither feature in the MIC3231YTSE modulates the switching frequency by ±12% around its nominal value, spreading conducted EMI energy across a wider spectrum and reducing peak emissions by approximately 10dB. This capability is exclusive to the MIC3231 variant - neither the MIC3230YTSE nor MIC3232YMM includes dither. Dither is implemented internally and requires no external components; it activates automatically when the device is enabled and operating within its specified frequency range.
What is the role of the FS pin on the MIC3231YTSE, and how is it configured?
The FS (Frequency Select) pin on the MIC3231YTSE sets the oscillator frequency by connecting an external resistor to ground. Using Equation 4 from the datasheet (RFS = 1.035 × 7526 / fSW(kHz)), a 16.5kΩ resistor configures 500kHz operation. This programmability allows designers to optimize for efficiency (lower fSW) or smaller magnetics (higher fSW). The FS pin is not present on the fixed-frequency MIC3232YMM, and its value directly determines switching behavior - incorrect resistor selection causes deviation from target frequency and potential loop instability.
Can multiple MIC3231YTSE controllers be synchronized to a common frequency?
No - only the MIC3230 variant includes a functional SYNC output pin for synchronization; the MIC3231YTSE has SYNC/NC marked in its pin description, meaning the pin is not connected internally and must be left floating. Synchronization is explicitly supported only on MIC3230 devices. Attempting to tie MIC3231YTSE SYNC pins together will have no effect. For synchronized multi-channel designs, MIC3230YTSE must be used instead, or external clock generation employed.
MIC3231YTSE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- Step-Up (Boost)
- Internal Switch(s):
- No
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 6V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 45V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Frequency:
- 100kHz ~ 1MHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Lighting
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP-EP
MIC3231YTSE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MIC3231YTSE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MIC3231YTSE 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 MIC3231YTSE reliable?
The price and inventory of MIC3231YTSE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MIC3231YTSE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MIC3231YTSE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MIC3231YTSE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MIC3231YTSE?
MIC3231YTSE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MIC3231YTSE 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 MIC3231YTSE?
For technical support, including MIC3231YTSE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MIC3231YTSE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MIC3231YTSE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MIC3231YTSE 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 MIC3231YTSE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MIC3231YTSE?
All MIC3231YTSE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MIC3231YTSE, 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 MIC3231YTSE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MIC3231YTSE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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