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Nexperia USA Inc. NCR321UX
- Part No.:
- NCR321UX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- SC-74, SOT-457
- Datasheet:
-
NCR321UX.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 250MA 6TSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:10,742
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Product details
Overview
NCR321UX from Nexperia is a resistor-equipped NPN transistor LED driver with integrated diodes in SOT457 (SC-74/TSOP6) package, delivering stabilized 10 mA base current and adjustable up to 250 mA via external resistor REXT, featuring digital PWM dimming support up to 10 kHz and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive interior lighting.
For engineers reviewing the NCR321UX datasheet, NCR321UX pinout, NCR321UX application, or NCR321UX equivalent, this device serves as a compact constant-current source requiring minimal external components, optimized for low-voltage overhead (1.4 V), high power dissipation (750 mW), and stable operation across supply voltage and temperature variations.
Technical Context
The NCR321UX integrates an NPN transistor with two on-die diodes and a built-in bias resistor (1.5 kΩ), enabling direct microcontroller-level enable control at 3.3 V logic. Its internal current regulation architecture maintains ±1% output stability over supply voltage changes and −0.27%/K drift over temperature.
It operates as a single-ended constant-current sink with three parallel IOUT terminals (pins 2, 3, 5) sharing load current, while pin 6 accepts REXT to scale output from 10 mA to 250 mA. The 4.5 V maximum enable voltage ensures compatibility with standard 3.3 V GPIOs without level-shifting.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stabilized IOUT | 10 mA (no REXT); up to 250 mA with REXT = 3 Ω - enables precise LED brightness control without external sense resistor |
| Voltage overhead | 1.4 V minimum - allows operation with low-VF LEDs or stacked configurations under 3.3 V or 5 V rails |
| Enable voltage (VEN) | Max 4.5 V - supports direct connection to 3.3 V MCU outputs without external pull-up or level translation |
| PWM frequency support | Up to 10 kHz - enables flicker-free LED dimming compatible with human-eye persistence and automotive EMI requirements |
| Power dissipation | 750 mW (4-layer PCB) - permits sustained 250 mA drive at ambient ≤ 70 °C with standard thermal layout |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified for automotive applications - meets stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock per AEC standard |
| Thermal resistance (Rth(j-a)) | 115 K/W (4-layer PCB) - enables accurate junction temperature estimation for reliability modeling in embedded lighting modules |
Pinout & Package
SOT457 (SC-74 / TSOP6) plastic surface-mounted package with 6 leads; 1.1 mm height, 3.1 mm × 2.7 mm footprint, 0.95 mm lead pitch; RoHS-compliant, halogen-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VEN | Enable input - TTL/CMOS-compatible control node; sinking ~1.2 mA at 3.3 V enables direct MCU GPIO drive |
| 2, 3, 5 | IOUT | Parallel collector outputs - three bonded terminals share total load current; reduce trace resistance and thermal hotspots |
| 4 | GND | Ground reference - common emitter return path; must be low-impedance for stable current regulation |
| 6 | REXT | External current-setting resistor connection - sets IOUT = (VBE − VREXT) / REXT; open = 10 mA default |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated bias resistor | 1.5 kΩ - eliminates need for external base resistor, reducing BOM count and PCB area in space-constrained modules |
| Digital PWM dimming | 10 kHz max switching - supports high-frequency pulse-width modulation without audible noise or visible flicker in cabin lighting |
| Low thermal resistance | 115 K/W (4-layer PCB) - enables higher continuous current in thermally constrained automotive PCBs without heatsinking |
| Three parallel IOUT pins | Reduces current density per bond wire and trace - improves long-term reliability and reduces localized heating at output node |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive interior use - covers temperature cycling (−40 °C to +125 °C), HAST, and mechanical shock per AEC standard |
Applications
| Automotive Interior Lighting | Dashboard Backlighting |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving white or RGB LEDs in door handle illumination, footwell lighting, and map reading lamps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink regulating LED string current independent of forward voltage variation across temperature and unit-to-unit spread. Use Value: Maintains consistent luminance across vehicle lifetime and operating conditions using only one external resistor and no feedback loop. |
Use Scenario: Powering segmented edge-lit LCD backlights behind instrument cluster displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current source synchronized to MCU PWM for dynamic brightness scaling during day/night mode transitions. Use Value: Enables smooth 10-bit dimming resolution with <1% current error, eliminating visible stepping in analog dimming alternatives. |
| Number Plate Illumination | LED Status Indicators |
|
Use Scenario: Driving high-brightness red LEDs compliant with ECE R87 photometric requirements for rear license plate lighting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust current regulator tolerant of 12 V battery transients (up to 16 V) and reverse-polarity protection via internal diode stack. Use Value: Delivers 250 mA continuously at 1.4 V overhead, meeting lumen output targets without derating in sealed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Providing fault-tolerant status indication in industrial control panels and infotainment systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count LED driver with integrated enable and current setting, simplifying routing on dense 4-layer boards. Use Value: Reduces component count by 3–4 parts per channel versus discrete transistor + resistor + diode solution, improving assembly yield. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor NSI45020AZT1G | Fixed 20 mA output; no REXT adjustment; 1.3 V overhead; no PWM enable | Limited to low-current indicator LEDs; unsuitable for dimming or >100 mA loads | Select when fixed-current simplicity outweighs adjustability and automotive qualification needs |
| ROHM BD18337EFV-M | 36 V max VCC; IOUT up to 350 mA; requires external sense resistor; no integrated enable logic | Better for 24 V truck systems; demands additional op-amp or MCU DAC for dimming control | Choose for higher voltage systems or where programmable current via DAC is preferred over resistor-based tuning |
Compared with NSI45020AZT1G and BD18337EFV-M, the NCR321UX uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, 3.3 V logic-compatible enable, 10 kHz PWM dimming, and 250 mA adjustability in a 6-pin SOT457 package-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive LED modules requiring production-grade reliability.
Availability
NCR321UX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive interior lighting, dashboard backlighting, and number plate illumination requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and high-volume manufacturability.
Supply support for NCR321UX 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 focused on essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The NCR321UX belongs to Nexperia's resistor-equipped transistor (RET) LED driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-component-count constant-current driving in automotive lighting and industrial status indication.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current for NCR321UX?
The NCR321UX delivers up to 250 mA continuous output current when REXT = 3 Ω, VEN = 3.3 V, and VOUT > 1.4 V, verified under pulse test conditions (tp ≤ 300 µs, duty cycle ≤ 2%). Derating applies above 70 °C ambient per Fig. 1 power curve.
Can NCR321UX be used without an external resistor?
Yes - with REXT unconnected (open), the NCR321UX provides a factory-trimmed 10 mA stabilized output current, enabled by its internal 1.5 kΩ bias resistor. This mode eliminates external components for basic indicator LED applications.
How does PWM dimming work on the NCR321UX?
PWM dimming is implemented by toggling the VEN pin at up to 10 kHz. The device responds with fast turn-on/turn-off times (<1 µs), maintaining current accuracy across duty cycles. No external capacitor or timing circuit is required - full digital control via MCU GPIO suffices.
Is thermal pad connection required for NCR321UX in high-current operation?
No thermal pad - the SOT457 package has no exposed pad. For 250 mA operation, use a 4-layer PCB with ≥1 cm² copper pour under pin 4 (GND) and pins 2/3/5 (IOUT) to achieve the 115 K/W Rth(j-a) rating and maintain Tj < 125 °C at 70 °C ambient.
NCR321UX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-74, SOT-457
- 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:
- 6-TSOP
NCR321UX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for NCR321UX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for NCR321UX 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 NCR321UX reliable?
The price and inventory of NCR321UX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for NCR321UX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for NCR321UX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for NCR321UX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for NCR321UX?
NCR321UX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your NCR321UX 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 NCR321UX?
For technical support, including NCR321UX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your NCR321UX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that NCR321UX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All NCR321UX 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 NCR321UX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of NCR321UX?
All NCR321UX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with NCR321UX, 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 NCR321UX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for NCR321UX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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