Microchip Technology MSL3168GU-R
- Part No.:
- MSL3168GU-R
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 32-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MSL3168GU-R.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 30MA 32SOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,883
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Product details
Overview
MSL3168GU-R from Atmel is a 16-channel white LED driver IC with auto-phased string control, adaptive DC-DC power optimization, ±3% current accuracy per string (up to 30mA), and integrated fault handling for open/short circuits and over-temperature. It drives up to 10 white LEDs per string in backlighting systems requiring precise intensity control and thermal robustness.
For engineers reviewing the MSL3168GU-R datasheet, MSL3168GU-R pinout, MSL3168GU-R application, or MSL3168GU-R equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, real-world timing behavior of 1/16th PWM-phase-shifted string drive, fault reporting via FLTB and I²C, package dimensions, and validated alternative part selection guidance.
Technical Context
The MSL3168GU-R implements adaptive source power control using its FBO pin to dynamically adjust an external DC-DC converter's output voltage-minimizing power dissipation while maintaining LED current regulation across temperature and aging. Its internal 2.5V LDO (VDD) powers logic circuitry independently from the 5V VIN supply.
Unlike the in-phase MSL3167GU, the MSL3168GU-R calculates and applies a precise 1/16th PWM period delay to successive STR0–STR15 outputs, spreading peak current demand across time to reduce input capacitor stress and EMI. Fault detection is hardware-automated on FLTB and optionally reported via I²C/SMBus interface at up to 1MHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED strings | 16 parallel current-sink outputs (STR0–STR15), each supporting up to 10 white LEDs |
| Max string current | 30mA per string, set globally by single RILED resistor with ±3% matching |
| PWM dimming | Single-input control (20Hz–50kHz), with auto-calculated 1/16th-period phase delay per string |
| Fault management | Dedicated FLTB pin (active-low) + I²C-readable status registers for open/short/over-temp events |
| Efficiency optimizer | FBO pin sources 0–365µA to external DC-DC feedback node, enabling dynamic VOUT minimization |
| Operating temp | -40°C to +105°C ambient, with thermal shutdown at 135°C and automatic wake-up |
| Supply voltage | VIN = 4.75–5.5V; internal 2.5V LDO (VDD) with 4.7µF bypass required |
Pinout & Package
MSL3168GU-R is housed in a wave-solderable 32-pin SOP package (20.52mm × 7.49mm × 2.49mm, 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 | Current sink outputs | Each sinks up to 30mA; cathode of bottom LED in nth string connects here; unused pins tied to GND |
| FLTB | Fault indicator | Active-low open-drain output asserting on any detected fault; cleared only by EN low or power cycle |
| PWM | Dimming input | Accepts 20Hz–50kHz PWM signal; sets global frequency/duty cycle; phase delay applied automatically |
| EN | Enable control | Active-high; enables device, clears FLTB, and enters 1.5mA sleep mode when low |
| FBO | Efficiency Optimizer output | Sources 0–365µA to external DC-DC feedback divider to minimize LED supply voltage in real time |
| ILED | Current reference input | Resistor from ILED to GND sets full-scale string current (e.g., 38.3kΩ = 20mA) |
| PGND | Power ground | Return path for all 16 string currents; must connect to string supply ground with wide traces |
| VIN / VDD | Supply inputs | VIN = 5V main supply (bypass ≥10µF); VDD = internal 2.5V LDO output (bypass ≥4.7µF) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-phased string drive | MSL3168GU-R applies precise 1/16th PWM period delay per successive string to reduce peak input current and EMI |
| Adaptive power optimization | FBO pin dynamically adjusts external DC-DC output voltage to match real-time LED forward voltage, cutting power loss |
| Hardware fault autonomy | Open-circuit, short-circuit, and over-temperature faults trigger immediate FLTB assertion without host intervention |
| Single-resistor current setting | One external resistor (RILED) configures identical 30mA max current across all 16 strings with ±3% matching |
| I²C/SMBus monitoring | 1MHz-compatible interface reads fault status, string enable states, and Efficiency Optimizer diagnostics (optional, not required for operation) |
Applications
| Television Backlighting | Medical Display Illumination |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 160 white LEDs (16 strings × 10 LEDs) in edge-lit LCD TV backlights requiring uniform brightness and long lifetime. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3168GU-R acts as the primary current-regulated LED string controller, applying phase-shifted PWM to suppress input ripple and maintain stable luminance. Use Value: Auto-phasing reduces peak input current by ~60% vs. in-phase drive, lowering bulk capacitor size and improving EMI compliance. | Use Scenario: Illuminating high-reliability diagnostic displays in ultrasound and patient monitors where thermal stability and fault visibility are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3168GU-R serves as fault-aware LED driver with FLTB alerting and I²C-readback for real-time health monitoring in safety-critical environments. Use Value: Hardware-level open/short detection and over-temperature shutdown prevent LED failure-induced display blackouts during clinical use. |
| Automotive Infotainment Displays | Industrial HMI Panels |
Use Scenario: Powering AMLCD backlighting in automotive audio-video head units operating across -40°C to +105°C ambient range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3168GU-R functions as thermally hardened LED driver with adaptive VOUT control to compensate for LED Vf drift over temperature. Use Value: Efficiency Optimizer maintains >92% system efficiency across temperature extremes, reducing heat buildup in sealed enclosures. | Use Scenario: Enabling ruggedized operator interface panels in factory automation equipment requiring consistent brightness under variable load conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MSL3168GU-R operates as programmable-intensity LED driver with EN-controlled sleep mode and fault logging via I²C for predictive maintenance. Use Value: 1.5mA shutdown current and register-accessible fault history support energy-efficient, serviceable industrial designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED string driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC6C5912RTQR | 16-channel constant-current sink with SPI interface; no adaptive power control or auto-phasing; max 120mA per channel | Lacks FBO-based efficiency optimization and hardware fault reporting; requires external microcontroller for sequencing | Select when cost-sensitive designs prioritize simple SPI control over autonomous power optimization and fault handling |
| ISL97693IRTZ-T7A | 16-channel LED driver with I²C interface, 30mA per channel, but no auto-phased PWM or FBO output | No built-in phase-delay logic or dynamic DC-DC control; relies on fixed external supply voltage | Choose when existing DC-DC architecture cannot accommodate FBO feedback or when phase control is managed externally |
Compared with TLC6C5912RTQR and ISL97693IRTZ-T7A, the MSL3168GU-R uniquely integrates adaptive power optimization (via FBO), hardware auto-phasing, and autonomous fault signaling-reducing BOM count, firmware overhead, and thermal design margin in high-channel-count backlighting.
Availability
MSL3168GU-R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for television backlighting, medical instrumentation displays, and automotive infotainment systems requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation, and integrated fault resilience.
Supply support for MSL3168GU-R 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) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and analog/mixed-signal ICs for embedded and industrial applications.
The MSL3168GU-R belongs to Atmel's Adaptive SourcePower® LED driver family, designed specifically for high-efficiency, multi-string backlighting in displays where thermal management, power optimization, and autonomous fault response are critical.
FAQ
What is the key functional difference between MSL3168GU-R and MSL3167GU?
The MSL3168GU-R applies an automatic 1/16th PWM period phase delay to successive LED strings (STR0–STR15) to spread power supply load and reduce peak current, while the MSL3167GU drives all strings in phase. This makes MSL3168GU-R preferable for designs sensitive to input ripple, capacitor stress, or EMI. Both share identical current accuracy, fault handling, and FBO-based adaptive power control.
How does the MSL3168GU-R achieve adaptive power optimization?
The MSL3168GU-R achieves adaptive power optimization through its FBO pin, which sources 0–365µA into the feedback node of an external DC-DC converter. This dynamically adjusts the converter's output voltage to the minimum level required to maintain LED current regulation-compensating for Vf changes due to temperature and aging. The MSL3168GU-R continuously recalibrates this adjustment to sustain efficiency without sacrificing current accuracy.
Can the MSL3168GU-R operate without the I²C interface enabled?
Yes, the MSL3168GU-R operates fully without I²C. The SDA and SCL pins are optional: they can be tied to GND if unused. Core functionality-including PWM dimming, auto-phased string drive, FLTB fault signaling, and FBO-based adaptive power control-requires only VIN, EN, PWM, ILED, PGND, and the STRx outputs. I²C is solely for enhanced monitoring and configuration.
What is the maximum number of white LEDs the MSL3168GU-R can drive, and what headroom is required?
The MSL3168GU-R can drive up to 160 white LEDs (16 strings × 10 LEDs). Each string requires a minimum headroom of 150mV across the internal MOSFET (VSTR), and the STRx pins tolerate up to 40V. For 10 LEDs with typical Vf = 3.5–3.8V, total string voltage ranges from 35.5V to 38.5V-well within the 40V absolute maximum rating of the MSL3168GU-R.
How is LED string current set on the MSL3168GU-R, and what accuracy is achieved?
LED string current on the MSL3168GU-R is set by a single external resistor (RILED) connected from the ILED pin to GND, using the formula RILED = 762 / IILED (IILED in mA, RILED in kΩ). With RILED = 38.3kΩ, full-scale current is 20mA. The MSL3168GU-R achieves ±3% current accuracy per string and ±5% current matching across all 16 strings at 20mA, verified over -40°C to +105°C.
MSL3168GU-R Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- Adaptive SourcePower™
- Package/Case:
- 32-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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
MSL3168GU-R FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MSL3168GU-R through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MSL3168GU-R 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 MSL3168GU-R reliable?
The price and inventory of MSL3168GU-R are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MSL3168GU-R is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MSL3168GU-R?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MSL3168GU-R transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MSL3168GU-R?
MSL3168GU-R orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MSL3168GU-R 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 MSL3168GU-R?
For technical support, including MSL3168GU-R datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MSL3168GU-R requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MSL3168GU-R is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MSL3168GU-R 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 MSL3168GU-R meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MSL3168GU-R?
All MSL3168GU-R units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MSL3168GU-R, 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 MSL3168GU-R part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MSL3168GU-R:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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