Microchip Technology MSL3167GU
- Part No.:
- MSL3167GU
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 32-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MSL3167GU.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 30MA 32SOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:105
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Product details
Overview
MSL3167GU from Atmel is a 16-channel white LED driver IC with in-phase string control, internal current-sink MOSFETs rated for up to 30mA per string, ±3% current accuracy, adaptive DC-DC power optimization via FBO pin, and integrated open/short-circuit and over-temperature fault management - used in high-reliability LCD backlighting for medical instrumentation and industrial displays.
For engineers reviewing the MSL3167GU datasheet, MSL3167GU pinout, MSL3167GU application, or MSL3167GU equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternatives, and supply-chain support details specific to the MSL3167GU variant - not the MSL3168GU or MSL3187/8 family extensions.
Technical Context
The MSL3167GU implements fixed in-phase PWM dimming across all 16 strings - unlike the MSL3168GU, it applies identical timing to STR0–STR15 without phase delay. Its Adaptive SourcePower® Efficiency Optimizer dynamically adjusts external DC-DC converter output voltage via FBO current (0–365µA) to maintain minimum headroom (150mV) while sustaining 20mA typical string current.
Fault handling is hardware-automated: FLTB asserts low on open-circuit (>8.4V STRn voltage), short-circuit, or thermal shutdown (135°C), and clears only upon EN deassertion or power cycle. The I²C/SMBus interface (1MHz max, SCL/SDA) is optional - full operation requires only VIN, EN, PWM, ILED, and PGND.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED Channels | 16 independent current-sink outputs (STR0–STR15), all driven synchronously in phase. |
| Max String Current | 30mA per string, set globally by single RILED resistor (e.g., 25.5kΩ → 30mA). |
| Current Accuracy | ±3% matching across strings at 20mA; <5% inter-string variation under load regulation. |
| PWM Control | Single input (20Hz–50kHz) sets global frequency/duty cycle; no per-string scaling. |
| Fault Outputs | Dedicated active-low FLTB pin; no I²C polling required for basic fault detection. |
| Package & Temp | 32-pin SOP (20.52 × 7.49 × 2.49 mm, 1.27mm pitch); -40°C to +105°C ambient operation. |
| Efficiency Control | FBO pin sources 0–365µA to external DC-DC feedback divider, enabling dynamic VOUT minimization. |
Pinout & Package
MSL3167GU uses a wave-solderable 32-pin SOP package (1.27mm pitch) with exposed pad (EP) connected to PGND for thermal and current return path integrity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| STR0–STR15 (Pins 1,16–23,26–32) | Current-sink outputs | Sink up to 30mA each; connect LED string cathodes directly; unused pins must tie to GND. |
| FLTB (Pin 2) | Fault indicator | Active-low open-drain output; sinks current during any fault; cleared only by EN low or power cycle. |
| ILED (Pin 8) | Current reference input | Resistor-to-GND sets full-scale string current; 38.3kΩ → 20mA; 25.5kΩ → 30mA. |
| EN (Pin 9) | Enable control | Active-high logic input; high = normal operation; low = shutdown, FLTB clear, 10µA quiescent current. |
| PWM (Pin 15) | Global dimming input | Accepts 20Hz–50kHz PWM signal; defines both period and duty cycle for all 16 strings simultaneously. |
| FBO (Pin 13) | Efficiency Optimizer output | Sources 0–365µA to external DC-DC feedback node; enables adaptive VOUT reduction to minimize power loss. |
| PGND (Pin 7) | Power ground return | Carries total sink current (up to 480mA); must connect to string supply ground with wide PCB traces. |
| VIN (Pin 10) | Main supply input | 5V ±5% input; bypass with ≥10µF ceramic capacitor near pin; powers internal LDO (VDD) and logic. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| In-phase string drive | Ensures simultaneous switching of all 16 LED strings - eliminates interleaved current transients seen in phased drivers like MSL3168GU. |
| Adaptive power optimization | FBO-controlled DC-DC voltage adjustment reduces system power dissipation by minimizing excess headroom across temperature and aging. |
| Hardware fault autonomy | Open-circuit (STRn >8.4V), short-circuit, and over-temperature faults trigger immediate FLTB assertion - no firmware or I²C needed. |
| Single-resistor current setting | One external resistor (RILED) configures identical 30mA max current for all 16 strings - simplifies BOM and layout vs. per-string trimming. |
| Robust thermal operation | Rated for -40°C to +105°C ambient; includes automatic over-temperature shutdown and wake-up recovery. |
Applications
| Medical Instrument Backlighting | Industrial HMI Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-brightness, flicker-free backlight for surgical monitors and diagnostic imaging panels requiring >50,000-hour lifetime and zero downtime. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LED current controller managing 16 parallel strings (10 LEDs each) with adaptive VOUT to compensate for LED Vf drift during extended operation. Use Value: ±3% current matching ensures uniform luminance across display area; FLTB enables immediate fault isolation without host processor intervention. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized operator interface in factory automation systems exposed to wide temperature swings and EMI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: In-phase PWM-driven LED driver delivering stable brightness under variable 24V DC input and ambient -40°C to +85°C conditions. Use Value: 32-pin SOP package supports wave soldering; PGND/EP thermal design sustains 480mA total sink current without derating; no external clock or configuration required. |
| Automotive Infotainment Displays | Professional Broadcast Monitors |
Use Scenario: AEC-Q200–compliant backlight for center-stack displays where EMC robustness and startup reliability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with hardware-level open/short detection and EN-controlled safe shutdown during ignition cycling. Use Value: FLTB integration eliminates need for external comparators; ILED resistor tolerance directly sets luminance consistency across production units. |
Use Scenario: Color-accurate studio monitor backlight demanding minimal PWM-induced temporal noise and consistent white point. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous 16-string driver eliminating beat frequencies between interleaved phases - avoids visible banding artifacts. Use Value: In-phase operation (vs. MSL3168GU's 1/16th delay) prevents differential EMI emissions that degrade video signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSL3168GU | Identical pinout and core functionality, but adds automatic 1/16th-PWM-period phase delay across strings to reduce input ripple current. | Preferred when minimizing peak input capacitance and EMI on shared DC-DC supplies is critical; unsuitable if strict in-phase timing is required. | Select MSL3168GU only if phase interleaving improves your power supply stability - otherwise MSL3167GU provides simpler timing and lower control complexity. |
| TLC6983RTJR | 16-channel LED driver with 30mA per channel, but uses SPI interface (not I²C), lacks FBO-based adaptive power control, and offers only 10-bit PWM resolution (vs. MSL3167GU's 12-bit register-accessible PWM). | Used in cost-sensitive consumer displays where adaptive efficiency is secondary to basic dimming control. | Choose TLC6983RTJR only if SPI compatibility and lower unit cost outweigh loss of FBO optimization and FLTB hardware fault signaling. |
Compared with MSL3168GU, the MSL3167GU eliminates phase-delay logic to guarantee deterministic in-phase switching - critical for EMI-sensitive video systems; compared with TLC6983RTJR, it delivers superior thermal management, hardware fault autonomy, and adaptive power savings via FBO, at the cost of I²C-only configurability.
Availability
MSL3167GU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical instrumentation backlighting, industrial HMI displays, and automotive infotainment systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed -40°C to +105°C operation.
Supply support for MSL3167GU 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
Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) designs high-integration analog and mixed-signal ICs for embedded control, timing, and power management applications.
The MSL3167GU belongs to Atmel's dedicated LED driver product line targeting high-efficiency, fault-resilient backlighting for professional displays - emphasizing hardware autonomy, thermal robustness, and adaptive power optimization over software configurability.
FAQ
What is the key functional difference between MSL3167GU and MSL3168GU?
The MSL3167GU drives all 16 LED strings in perfect phase alignment using a single PWM input, while the MSL3168GU introduces a 1/16th-PWM-period delay between successive strings to reduce input ripple current. This makes MSL3167GU ideal for EMI-sensitive video applications where synchronous switching is required, whereas MSL3168GU suits systems prioritizing DC-DC supply stability. Both share identical pinout, current specs, and fault handling.
Does MSL3167GU require an I²C interface to operate?
No - the MSL3167GU operates fully autonomously with only VIN, EN, PWM, ILED, and PGND connections. The I²C interface (SCL/SDA pins) is optional and used solely for advanced monitoring (e.g., reading fault registers) or reconfiguring non-default settings; it is not needed for basic LED driving, dimming, or fault reporting via FLTB.
How is maximum LED string current set on the MSL3167GU?
The MSL3167GU uses a single external resistor (RILED) connected from the ILED pin to GND to set global string current. For example, a 25.5kΩ resistor yields 30mA per string; a 38.3kΩ resistor yields 20mA. The relationship is defined as RILED (kΩ) = 762 / IILED (mA). No calibration or digital programming is required - current accuracy is maintained at ±3% across temperature and unit-to-unit variation.
What happens when a string fault occurs on the MSL3167GU?
Upon detecting open-circuit (STRn voltage >8.4V), short-circuit, or over-temperature condition, the MSL3167GU immediately pulls the FLTB pin low. FLTB remains asserted until EN is driven low or power is cycled - no I²C command or software reset is needed. This hardware-level response enables immediate system-level fault isolation without host processor involvement.
Can MSL3167GU drive 10 white LEDs per string at 30mA continuously?
Yes - the MSL3167GU is rated for 30mA per string with ≤150mV headroom voltage and supports up to 10 white LEDs (typ. Vf ≈ 3.5V) per string, requiring ~35.5V minimum VOUT. Its 32-pin SOP package dissipates up to 1576mW at +70°C ambient, sufficient for 480mA total sink current (16 × 30mA) with proper PGND/EP thermal layout and adequate board copper area.
MSL3167GU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- Adaptive SourcePower™
- Package/Case:
- 32-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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:
- 30mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-SOP
MSL3167GU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSL3167GU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSL3167GU 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 MSL3167GU reliable?
The price and inventory of MSL3167GU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSL3167GU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSL3167GU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSL3167GU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSL3167GU?
MSL3167GU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSL3167GU 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 MSL3167GU?
For technical support, including MSL3167GU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSL3167GU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSL3167GU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSL3167GU 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 MSL3167GU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSL3167GU?
All MSL3167GU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSL3167GU, 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 MSL3167GU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSL3167GU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MSL3167GU Tags

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