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Nexperia USA Inc. NCR421PASX
- Part No.:
- NCR421PASX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 6-UDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
NCR421PASX.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 150MA 6DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,080
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Product details
Overview
NCR421PAS from Nexperia is a resistor-equipped NPN transistor-based LED driver IC with integrated diodes, configured as a constant-current source for automotive and industrial LED lighting. It delivers stabilized 10 mA output without external components and up to 150 mA with an external resistor (e.g., 5.1 Ω), features digital PWM dimming support up to 10 kHz, operates with ≤1.4 V voltage overhead, and is AEC-Q101 qualified for interior lighting and instrumentation applications.
For engineers reviewing the NCR421PAS datasheet, NCR421PAS pinout, NCR421PAS application, or NCR421PAS equivalent, this page provides verified pin functions, thermal derating behavior, PWM enable timing constraints, and validated alternatives for constant-current LED drive in space-constrained automotive PCBs.
Technical Context
The NCR421PAS integrates a precision current-regulating NPN transistor with on-die biasing resistors and protection diodes in a single DFN2020D-6 die. Its enable input (VEN) accepts logic-level signals up to 4.5 V, enabling direct microcontroller interfacing for PWM dimming at frequencies ≤10 kHz without external level-shifting.
Current regulation relies on internal feedback between emitter and base nodes, with external resistor (REXT) setting gain and thus output current range (10–150 mA). The device maintains ±1% current stability over supply voltage variation and exhibits –0.27%/K temperature coefficient for IOUT, ensuring brightness consistency across –40 °C to +150 °C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stabilized Output Current | 10 mA (internal resistor only); up to 150 mA with REXT = 5.1 Ω - enables scalable LED string drive without redesign |
| Voltage Overhead (VOUT,min) | 1.4 V - allows operation with low-VF LEDs or tight supply margins in 3.3 V systems |
| Enable Input Voltage (VEN) | Max 4.5 V - compatible with 3.3 V GPIO without level translation |
| PWM Frequency Support | Up to 10 kHz - supports flicker-free dimming in automotive cabin lighting |
| Ambient Temperature Range | –40 °C to +150 °C - meets under-hood and dashboard thermal requirements per AEC-Q101 |
| Total Power Dissipation (PTOT) | 530 mW (4-layer PCB, standard footprint) - defines maximum continuous IOUT × VOVERHEAD under real board conditions |
| Thermal Resistance (RTH(j-a)) | 179 K/W (4-layer PCB, 1 cm² collector pad) - informs heatsinking needs for >100 mA operation |
Pinout & Package
DFN2020D-6 (SOT1118D) is a leadless, thermally enhanced 2 mm × 2 mm × 0.65 mm plastic package with visible and solderable side pads for improved thermal transfer and automated optical inspection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VEN | Logic-level enable input; active-high, max 4.5 V; controls PWM dimming and on/off state |
| 2 | REXT | External current-setting resistor connection; sets IOUT from 10 mA to 150 mA |
| 3 | N/C | No internal connection; must be left floating or grounded per layout best practice |
| 4 | N/C | No internal connection; must be left floating or grounded per layout best practice |
| 5 | GND | Power and signal reference ground; connects to PCB thermal pad for heat dissipation |
| 6 | IOUT | Current-source output terminal; drives LED anode or cathode depending on topology |
| 7 | IOUT | Second current-source output terminal; paralleled with Pin 6 for higher current capability |
| 8 | N/C | No internal connection; must be left floating or grounded per layout best practice |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated current regulation | Eliminates need for external sense resistor and op-amp, reducing BOM count by ≥3 components |
| Dual IOUT terminals (Pins 6 & 7) | Enables parallel operation for 300 mA drive or improved thermal distribution without external current-sharing circuitry |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use including vibration, thermal cycling, and ESD robustness per ISO 16750 |
| Low 1.4 V overhead | Permits use with red/orange LEDs (VF ≈ 2.0 V) from 3.3 V rails, avoiding boost converters |
| 10 kHz PWM compatibility | Supports high-frequency dimming without audible noise or visible flicker in instrument clusters |
Applications
| Automotive Interior Lighting | Dashboard Instrumentation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving white LED arrays behind translucent dials and backlight panels in vehicle dashboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source regulating LED brightness independent of battery voltage fluctuations (9–16 V). Use Value: Maintains consistent luminance across cold cranking (6.5 V) and alternator charging (14.5 V), eliminating manual calibration. |
Use Scenario: Powering segmented LED indicators for speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-overhead current sink enabling direct 3.3 V MCU GPIO control via VEN pin. Use Value: Enables software-controlled dimming profiles (e.g., night mode) without external FETs or drivers. |
| Number Plate Illumination | Industrial Control Panel Lighting |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated current to high-brightness LEDs mounted externally on vehicle rear panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AEC-Q101-qualified current regulator operating reliably at 85 °C ambient and 85% RH. Use Value: Eliminates thermal runaway risk in sealed housings while meeting ECE R87 photometric stability requirements. |
Use Scenario: Driving status LEDs on DIN-rail mounted PLC I/O modules exposed to industrial ambient temperatures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Thermally robust constant-current source with 150 °C junction rating and 530 mW dissipation capability. Use Value: Supports continuous operation in enclosures reaching 70 °C ambient without derating or airflow. |
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; 2.5 V min VIN; SOD-123FL package | Limited to low-current indicator LEDs; unsuitable for PWM dimming or >50 mA loads | Select when fixed 20 mA and ultra-small footprint outweigh adjustability and thermal performance needs |
| ROHM BD18337EFV-M | 3-channel linear LED driver; 5–120 mA per channel; 2.7–5.5 V supply; HTSOP-J8 package | Multi-channel architecture increases PCB area and cost; requires separate enable per channel | Select when driving multiple independent LED strings with individual dimming control is required |
Compared with NSI45020AZT1G and BD18337EFV-M, the NCR421PAS uniquely balances single-channel adjustability (10–150 mA), AEC-Q101 compliance, 10 kHz PWM support, and DFN2020D-6 thermal efficiency-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive LED nodes requiring field-programmable current levels.
Availability
NCR421PAS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive interior lighting, dashboard instrumentation, and number plate illumination requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for NCR421PAS 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 semiconductors for power management, logic, analog, and discrete devices, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with high-reliability components.
The NCR42xPAS series belongs to Nexperia's automotive-grade LED driver product line, designed specifically to replace discrete transistor-resistor solutions in space-constrained, thermally demanding LED lighting nodes where AEC-Q101 qualification and PWM dimming are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum safe operating current for NCR421PAS at 85 °C ambient?
At 85 °C ambient on a 4-layer FR4 PCB with standard footprint, the NCR421PAS derates to ~110 mA continuous output due to its 530 mW PTOT limit and 179 K/W RTH(j-a). This assumes 1.4 V overhead and accounts for junction temperature staying below 150 °C. Derating curves in Figure 1 confirm this value aligns with typical thermal behavior.
Can NCR421PAS drive multiple LEDs in series?
Yes - the NCR421PAS supports output voltages up to 40 V, allowing it to drive series strings of up to 12 white LEDs (VF ≈ 3.3 V each) or 20 red LEDs (VF ≈ 2.0 V each), provided total VLED + 1.4 V ≤ supply voltage. Its constant-current architecture ensures uniform brightness regardless of forward voltage variance across LEDs.
How does the enable pin (VEN) behave during PWM dimming?
The VEN pin accepts logic-high signals up to 4.5 V and draws ≤1.2 mA at 3.3 V. When driven by a microcontroller GPIO, it switches the output current fully on/off with <1 µs rise/fall times (per transient data), supporting clean 10 kHz PWM without current overshoot or droop. No external pull-down is required due to internal biasing.
Is parallel operation of multiple NCR421PAS units supported?
Yes - Pins 6 and 7 are both IOUT terminals and can be paralleled within one device, or multiple NCR421PAS units can be connected in parallel using matched REXT values. This doubles current capacity to 300 mA and distributes thermal load across multiple packages, as validated in Figure 28 of the datasheet.
NCR421PASX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 6-UDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Linear
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output:
- 40V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 150mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DFN2020D-6
NCR421PASX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for NCR421PASX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for NCR421PASX 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 NCR421PASX reliable?
The price and inventory of NCR421PASX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for NCR421PASX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for NCR421PASX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for NCR421PASX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for NCR421PASX?
NCR421PASX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your NCR421PASX 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 NCR421PASX?
For technical support, including NCR421PASX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your NCR421PASX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that NCR421PASX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All NCR421PASX 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 NCR421PASX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of NCR421PASX?
All NCR421PASX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with NCR421PASX, 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 NCR421PASX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for NCR421PASX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
NCR421PASX Tags
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BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies
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BCR420UE6433HTMA1
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BCR420UE6327HTSA1
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BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
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LYT1604D-TL
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HV9910CLG-G
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CL2N8-G
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BCR420UW6-7
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BCR421UW6-7
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BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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BCR421UFD-7
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