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Microchip Technology MSL3164BT
- Part No.:
- MSL3164BT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 40-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MSL3164BT.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 100MA 40TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,372
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Product details
Overview
MSL3164BT from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-string white/RGB LED driver IC with adaptive DC-DC power control, on-chip EEPROM, and 20 MHz SPI serial interface. It sinks up to 100 mA peak per string (60 mA avg), achieves ±3% current accuracy and matching, supports 12-bit per-string PWM dimming at 240 Hz, and operates from -40°C to +85°C in a 40-pin TQFN package. It is used for active area dimming in high-dynamic-range LCD TV backlight systems.
For engineers reviewing the MSL3164BT datasheet, MSL3164BT pinout, MSL3164BT application, or MSL3164BT equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20 MHz SPI interface timing, 16-channel 12-bit PWM engine synchronized to VSYNC/HSYNC, adaptive source power optimization across up to three shared LED power supplies, fault detection (open/short circuit, sync loss, overtemperature), and EEPROM-configurable power-up defaults.
Technical Context
The MSL3164BT integrates 16 current-sink MOSFETs with programmable 8-bit global and 12-bit per-string pulse-width modulation, synchronized to external video timing signals (PHI = VSYNC, GSC = HSYNC). Its Adaptive SourcePower architecture uses three FBOn/FBIn efficiency optimizer channels to dynamically adjust external DC-DC converter output voltage based on real-time LED forward voltage requirements.
It implements broadcast write capability for multi-device configuration, supports daisy-chained fault reporting via open-drain FLTB, and provides individual string phase adjustment (1/16-frame delay) to suppress motion blur artifacts. The internal 2.5 V LDO (VDD) powers logic, while VIN supplies 5 V to the analog front-end and string drivers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED String Count | 16 independent current-sink outputs (STR0–STR15) for parallel white/RGB LED strings |
| Max Sink Current per String | 100 mA peak (60 mA average); set globally by single ILED resistor and fine-tuned via 8-bit ISTR register |
| Current Accuracy & Matching | ±3% absolute accuracy and better than ±5% inter-string matching across temperature and voltage |
| PWM Resolution & Frequency | 12-bit per-string intensity control; native 240 Hz frame rate with VSYNC-synchronized timing |
| SPI Interface Speed | 20 MHz maximum clock (SCK); supports up to 16 devices per CSB line with chip-select addressing |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C ambient; thermal shutdown activates at 135°C junction temperature |
| Package | 40-pin TQFN (6 mm × 6 mm × 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (EP) |
| Fault Monitoring | Detects open-circuit, short-circuit, VSYNC/HSYNC loss, and overtemperature; reports via FLTB pin and register map |
Pinout & Package
MSL3164BT is housed in a 40-pin, 6 mm × 6 mm × 0.75 mm TQFN package with exposed thermal pad (EP) for enhanced power dissipation and grounding. Pin assignments are validated per official Atmel/Microchip datasheet Figures 2 and Table 1.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| STR0–STR15 | LED string current sink outputs | 16 dedicated cathode-side sinks; each drives one LED string (e.g., 10 white LEDs) with programmable 12-bit PWM |
| CSB, SCK, MOSI, MISO | SPI interface terminals | Chip select (active-low), serial clock, master-out-slave-in, master-in-slave-out - enable 20 MHz daisy-chain configuration |
| PHI, GSC | Video synchronization inputs | PHI accepts VSYNC (40 Hz–10 kHz); GSC accepts HSYNC (0–10 MHz); both enable frame-accurate dimming and phase alignment |
| FBO1–FBO3 / FBI1–FBI3 | Efficiency Optimizer feedback nodes | Three bidirectional channels for real-time negotiation of optimal LED supply voltage across up to three shared DC-DC converters |
| FLTB | Fault indicator output | Open-drain active-low signal asserting on any detected fault; cleared by toggling EN or reading fault registers |
| ILED | Global peak current reference | Analog input tied to resistor-to-GND; sets full-scale sink current (e.g., 60 mA @ 12.7 kΩ) per ISTRING = 762 / RILED |
| EN | Enable input | Active-high logic control; powers up device and triggers EEPROM boot-load into control registers |
| VIN, VDD, CGND, GND, EP | Power and ground terminals | VIN = 5 V main supply; VDD = internal 2.5 V LDO output; CGND/GND/EP form low-impedance thermal and current return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive SourcePower Efficiency Optimization | Real-time adjustment of up to three shared LED power supplies using FBO/FBI feedback, reducing system power loss without compromising current regulation |
| 12-bit per-string PWM with Phase Spreading | Enables artifact-free local dimming by applying progressive 1/16-frame delays across STR0–STR15 to minimize transient supply current demand |
| EEPROM-Configurable Power-Up Defaults | All 96 control registers (0x00–0x5F) default to user-programmable values stored in on-chip EEPROM, eliminating boot-time initialization overhead |
| Multi-Device Synchronization & Broadcast Write | Supports up to 16 MSL3164BT devices on one SPI bus with addressable or simultaneous register writes for coordinated backlight control |
| Comprehensive Fault Detection & Reporting | Hardware-monitored open/short string faults, sync loss, and overtemperature - reported via FLTB pin and detailed status registers (0x03–0x09) |
| Direct External PWM Input Support | PWM pin accepts 0–5 kHz external duty-cycle signal for bypassing internal timing engine while retaining per-string phase control |
Applications
| Television Backlight Systems | Medical Imaging Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-dynamic-range (HDR) LCD TVs requiring frame-by-frame local dimming across >1000 LED zones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3164BT acts as the primary LED string driver, synchronizing 16×10 LED strings to VSYNC/HSYNC for precise per-frame intensity updates. Use Value: Enables >100,000:1 contrast ratio via adaptive power control and 12-bit per-string dimming, reducing power consumption by up to 35% versus fixed-voltage solutions. | Use Scenario: Diagnostic-grade medical monitors where color fidelity, uniformity, and flicker-free operation are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3164BT serves as the regulated current source for RGB backlight arrays, maintaining ±3% current matching across all 16 strings under varying thermal loads. Use Value: Ensures stable white point and luminance uniformity (<2% deviation) across display lifetime, meeting DICOM GSDF grayscale calibration requirements. |
| Automotive Infotainment Displays | Architectural LED Signage |
Use Scenario: In-vehicle center-stack displays operating in wide ambient temperature (-40°C to +85°C) with stringent EMI and reliability requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3164BT functions as the fault-resilient LED driver, leveraging FLTB output and register-accessible fault logging for ASIL-B compatible diagnostics. Use Value: Provides automotive-grade robustness with open/short detection, thermal shutdown, and EEPROM-stored fail-safe defaults - enabling ISO 26262-compliant backlight management. | Use Scenario: Large-format indoor/outdoor signage with segmented brightness zones controlled via centralized video processor. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3164BT operates in daisy-chained SPI topology (up to 16 devices), receiving broadcast commands for synchronized zone dimming. Use Value: Reduces controller I/O count and firmware complexity by enabling single-command updates across 2560+ LEDs (16 devices × 16 strings × 10 LEDs). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-channel LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSL3163BT | I²C interface (1 MHz max), no CSB/SCK/MOSI/MISO pins; shares identical pinout except SPI-specific pins repurposed (e.g., SCL/SCK, SDA/MOSI) | Used where I²C bus infrastructure exists and lower data rate suffices; lacks SPI's deterministic timing for ultra-fast frame updates | Select MSL3163BT when system MCU has limited SPI peripherals but requires same LED drive performance and EEPROM features |
| TLC6983RTQR (Texas Instruments) | 16-channel constant-current LED driver with 12-bit PWM, but uses proprietary 2-wire interface (not SPI/I²C); no adaptive power control or EEPROM | Targeted at industrial signage; lacks video-sync inputs (PHI/GSC) and fault reporting granularity of MSL3164BT | Choose TLC6983RTQR only for cost-sensitive, non-video-synchronized applications where external power optimization is handled separately |
Compared with MSL3163BT, the MSL3164BT offers higher-speed deterministic communication and hardware-level video synchronization; compared with TLC6983RTQR, it delivers integrated adaptive power control, richer fault diagnostics, and EEPROM-based configuration persistence - making it uniquely suited for premium LCD backlight systems.
Availability
MSL3164BT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for television backlighting, medical imaging displays, and automotive infotainment systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.
Supply support for MSL3164BT 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
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and Flash-IP solutions, acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full product support for legacy Atmel LED drivers.
The MSL3164BT belongs to Microchip's high-performance LED backlight driver family, designed specifically for LCD TV, monitor, and professional display applications demanding adaptive power efficiency, precise video-synchronized dimming, and robust fault management.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of MSL3164BT devices that can be daisy-chained on a single SPI bus?
The MSL3164BT supports up to 16 devices per chip-select (CSB) line using standard SPI addressing. When multiple CSB lines are available, additional groups of 16 can be controlled independently. Each MSL3164BT uses AD0/AD1 pins to configure its 2-bit slave address, allowing unambiguous command routing across the bus. This scalability enables control of up to 2560 LEDs (16 devices × 16 strings × 10 LEDs) in large-format displays without external multiplexing.
How does the MSL3164BT achieve adaptive power control without external microcontroller intervention?
The MSL3164BT implements autonomous adaptive power control through its three integrated Efficiency Optimizer channels (FBO1–FBO3/FBI1–FBI3). These analog feedback loops dynamically inject 0–255 µA into the voltage-divider networks of external DC-DC converters, adjusting output voltage in real time to match the minimum required for LED string regulation. This process runs continuously during operation and requires no host CPU involvement - the MSL3164BT negotiates optimal voltage directly with power supplies, reducing system power loss by up to 30%.
Can the MSL3164BT drive RGB LED strings, and how is color balance maintained?
Yes, the MSL3164BT supports RGB LED strings via its 16 independent current-sink outputs - each STRn channel can drive red, green, or blue sub-pixels in separate strings. Color balance is maintained through its ±3% current accuracy and <±5% inter-string matching, verified across temperature and supply voltage. Combined with 12-bit per-string PWM resolution and global intensity scaling, the MSL3164BT ensures consistent white point and chromaticity stability across the display, even under varying thermal conditions.
What fault conditions does the MSL3164BT detect, and how is fault information accessed?
The MSL3164BT detects open-circuit and short-circuit conditions on each STR0–STR15 output, loss of PHI (VSYNC) or GSC (HSYNC) synchronization, and overtemperature events. Fault status is reported both asynchronously via the open-drain FLTB pin and synchronously through dedicated registers: FLTSTATUS (0x03), OCSTAT0/1 (0x04–0x05), SCSTAT0/1 (0x06–0x07), and fault mask registers (0x08–0x09). Individual string fault enable/disable is configurable per register bit, enabling selective monitoring in multi-zone systems.
Is an external resistor required to set the LED current for the MSL3164BT, and what is its role?
Yes, an external resistor (RILED) connected between the ILED pin and GND is mandatory to set the full-scale LED string current. The MSL3164BT uses this resistor to generate a reference voltage (350 mV typical) that scales all 16 current sinks proportionally via ISTRING = 762 / RILED. For example, a 12.7 kΩ resistor yields 60 mA average current per string. This single-component calibration eliminates per-channel trimming and ensures matched current across all strings - a core requirement for display uniformity.
MSL3164BT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- Adaptive SourcePower™
- Package/Case:
- 40-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 16
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.75V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 100mA
- Frequency:
- 20MHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-TQFN (6x6)
MSL3164BT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSL3164BT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSL3164BT 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 MSL3164BT reliable?
The price and inventory of MSL3164BT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSL3164BT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSL3164BT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSL3164BT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSL3164BT?
MSL3164BT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSL3164BT 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 MSL3164BT?
For technical support, including MSL3164BT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSL3164BT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSL3164BT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSL3164BT 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 MSL3164BT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSL3164BT?
All MSL3164BT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSL3164BT, 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 MSL3164BT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSL3164BT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MSL3164BT Tags
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HV9910CLG-G
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