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Nexperia USA Inc. NCR320ZX
- Part No.:
- NCR320ZX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
NCR320ZX.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 250MA SOT223
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,214
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Product details
Overview
NCR320ZX from Nexperia is a resistor-equipped NPN transistor-based constant-current LED driver in SOT223 (SC-73) package, delivering stabilized 10 mA output without external components and up to 250 mA with REXT, featuring 1.4 V low voltage overhead, 16 V max supply, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive interior lighting.
For engineers reviewing the NCR320ZX datasheet, NCR320ZX pinout, NCR320ZX application, or NCR320ZX equivalent, this page provides verified pin functions, thermal derating behavior, current stability vs. temperature/supply variation, and parallel configuration guidance for high-reliability LED biasing in constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The NCR320ZX integrates an NPN transistor with two on-die diodes and a precision internal bias resistor (95 Ω typ), enabling self-biased constant-current operation without external base drive circuitry. Its enable input accepts up to 25 V, and output current regulation is achieved via emitter degeneration combined with internal resistor feedback.
Thermal performance is defined by junction-to-ambient resistance ranging from 70 K/W (4-layer PCB, 1 cm² collector pad) to 164 K/W (standard single-sided FR4), with total power dissipation rated at 1250 mW under optimized mounting. Current accuracy remains within ±10% over −40 °C to +85 °C ambient and ±1%/V supply variation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stabilized IOUT | 10 mA (no REXT); up to 250 mA with 3 Ω REXT - sets LED brightness without microcontroller DAC or op-amp loop |
| Voltage overhead | 1.4 V min - enables use with low-VF LEDs (e.g., red/orange) while maintaining regulation margin |
| Supply voltage range | Up to 16 V - supports 12 V automotive systems with headroom for transients |
| Enable voltage limit | 25 V max - allows direct connection to unregulated vehicle battery rails without level-shifting |
| Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) | 70 K/W (4-layer PCB, 1 cm² pad) - defines maximum continuous current under natural convection cooling |
| Current tempco | −0.27 %/K - quantifies brightness drift across cabin temperature range; enables predictable dimming compensation |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive interior lighting per stress test requirements - supports PPAP documentation |
Pinout & Package
SOT223 (SC-73) plastic surface-mounted package with increased heatsink; 4 leads; standard footprint per Figure 29 of datasheet Rev. 1 (2019). Collector tab is electrically connected to Pin 4 (IOUT) and serves as primary thermal path.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VEN | Enable voltage input; device active when VEN ≥ 1.2 mA enable current threshold; open-circuit disables output |
| 2 | REXT | External current-setting resistor node; connects between base and emitter to adjust IOUT from 10 mA to 250 mA |
| 3 | GND | Ground reference for enable logic and current-sense path; must be low-impedance return to minimize noise coupling |
| 4 | IOUT | Collector output terminal; carries regulated LED current; thermally coupled to heatsink pad on PCB |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated bias resistor | 95 Ω typical - eliminates discrete base resistor, reducing BOM count and layout area by ~2 components |
| Low overhead voltage | 1.4 V - enables stable operation with single red LED (VF ≈ 1.8 V) at 12 V supply, leaving 8.8 V headroom for series strings |
| High power dissipation | 1250 mW (4-layer PCB) - supports 250 mA × 1.4 V = 350 mW minimum overhead loss plus LED string drop without external heatsink |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated per automotive stress requirements - permits use in instrument cluster backlighting without additional qualification effort |
| Parallel operation support | Matched current sharing with identical REXT values - doubles current capacity and thermal load distribution for high-brightness applications |
Applications
| Automotive Interior Lighting | Dashboard Backlighting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Illuminating HVAC control buttons and center console switches in passenger compartment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source regulating individual LED anodes; no timing function required. Use Value: Maintains consistent luminance across −40 °C to +85 °C ambient without software compensation, meeting OEM photometric specs. |
Use Scenario: Driving white LED arrays behind TFT LCD overlays in digital instrument clusters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary current regulator for segmented backlight zones; operates in DC mode only. Use Value: Eliminates need for current-sense resistors and op-amps per channel, reducing zone driver BOM cost by 35% versus discrete solutions. |
| Number Plate Illumination | Commercial Vehicle Cab Lighting |
Use Scenario: Powering red LEDs for EU-compliant rear license plate lighting in passenger cars. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-current driver with 10 mA default output; no PWM or enable control needed. Use Value: Meets ECE R87 luminance and uniformity requirements using single-component solution, simplifying EMC filtering. |
Use Scenario: Providing adjustable brightness for overhead reading lamps in truck cabs exposed to wide thermal cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable constant-current source (via REXT) with thermal derating awareness. Use Value: Delivers 250 mA at 25 °C and automatically reduces current to ~180 mA at 85 °C ambient, preventing LED thermal runaway. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCR321Z | Lower enable voltage (4.5 V max), integrated 1.5 kΩ bias resistor, supports PWM dimming up to 10 kHz | Requires 3.3 V logic-level enable signal; suited for microcontroller-driven dimming, not direct 12 V battery interface | Select when PWM control is required and system uses 3.3 V MCU GPIO; avoid if interfacing directly to automotive battery rail |
| NSI45020AZT1G | 20 mA fixed current, 45 V max VCC, 3.5 V overhead, SOD-123 package | Higher voltage capability but lower current and higher dropout; unsuitable for 250 mA or low-VF LED strings | Choose only for low-current indicator LEDs where 45 V transient immunity is critical and 250 mA is unnecessary |
Compared with NCR320ZX, NCR321Z trades 12 V direct-enable capability for PWM compatibility, while NSI45020AZT1G offers higher voltage tolerance at the expense of current capacity and thermal performance-making NCR320ZX optimal for cost-sensitive, high-current automotive LED biasing where simplicity and thermal robustness are prioritized.
Availability
NCR320ZX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive interior lighting, dashboard backlighting, number plate illumination, and commercial vehicle cab lighting requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for NCR320ZX 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
Nexperia is a global semiconductor expert specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and analog devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and efficient manufacturing processes.
The NCR320ZX belongs to Nexperia's resistor-equipped transistor (RET) LED driver family, engineered specifically for simplified, robust constant-current biasing in automotive lighting systems where space, thermal constraints, and qualification rigor are critical.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for NCR320ZX to regulate 10 mA?
The NCR320ZX requires VCC ≥ VLED + 1.4 V to maintain regulation. For a typical red LED with VF = 1.8 V, minimum supply is 3.2 V. Below this, output current drops nonlinearly and regulation is lost - confirmed by Fig. 8 showing IOUT collapse below VOUT = 1.4 V.
Can NCR320ZX be used in parallel to drive >250 mA?
Yes - Figures 28 and application note confirm parallel operation with matched REXT values ensures balanced current sharing. Two units deliver ~500 mA with doubled thermal mass; derating must follow combined power dissipation limits (e.g., 2 × 1250 mW on 4-layer PCB with 2× collector pads).
Does NCR320ZX support PWM dimming?
No - unlike NCR321Z, NCR320ZX lacks fast enable/disable response optimized for PWM. Its enable current (1.2 mA typ) and internal RC time constants limit switching to <100 Hz; attempting 10 kHz PWM causes incomplete turn-off and brightness nonlinearity per Fig. 14.
How does ambient temperature affect output current accuracy?
Output current shifts −0.27 %/K over −40 °C to +85 °C, meaning a 100 K rise reduces 10 mA nominal output by ~2.7 mA. This is characterized in Table 8 and validated in Figs. 8–10; compensation requires external thermistor network or firmware lookup table.
NCR320ZX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Constant Current
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output:
- 16V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 250mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
NCR320ZX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for NCR320ZX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for NCR320ZX 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 NCR320ZX reliable?
The price and inventory of NCR320ZX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for NCR320ZX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for NCR320ZX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for NCR320ZX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for NCR320ZX?
NCR320ZX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your NCR320ZX 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 NCR320ZX?
For technical support, including NCR320ZX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your NCR320ZX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that NCR320ZX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All NCR320ZX 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 NCR320ZX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of NCR320ZX?
All NCR320ZX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with NCR320ZX, 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 NCR320ZX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for NCR320ZX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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