Diodes Incorporated PAM2812ABR
- Part No.:
- PAM2812ABR
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- SOT-23-6 Thin, TSOT-23-6
- Datasheet:
-
PAM2812ABR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV LIN PWM 20MA TSOT23-6
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,096
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Product details
Overview
PAM2812ABR from Diodes Incorporated is a 4-channel white LED current sink driver IC designed for backlighting in portable displays. It delivers regulated 20mA per channel (max), features 180mV dropout voltage at full load, consumes only 330µA quiescent current, and supports PWM dimming via the EN pin for brightness control in battery-powered devices like mobile phones and digital cameras.
For engineers reviewing the PAM2812ABR datasheet, PAM2812ABR pinout, PAM2812ABR application, or PAM2812ABR equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel current accuracy (±5% matching), thermal shutdown threshold (150°C), SOT23-6L footprint compatibility, low-noise constant-current operation, and EN-input logic thresholds (VHI = 2.7V, VLO = 0.4V).
Technical Context
The PAM2812ABR integrates four independent NMOS current sinks with matched reference circuitry to ensure ±5% LED current matching across channels. Its architecture eliminates charge pumps and switching regulators, delivering ripple-free DC current without EMI generation.
Control is implemented through a single digital enable input (EN) that accepts PWM signals up to 1kHz; internal circuitry ensures fast 3µs startup time and sub-1µA shutdown current, enabling efficient power management in Li-ion powered systems operating from 2.7V to 5.5V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED Sink Current | 20mA per channel - sets maximum drive capability for standard WLEDs without external resistors |
| Current Matching | ±5% - ensures uniform brightness across 4 LEDs in display backlight arrays |
| Dropout Voltage | 180mV @ 20mA - minimizes voltage headroom loss, extending usable battery range in 3.6V Li-ion systems |
| Quiescent Current | 330µA typ - reduces standby power draw in always-on display subsystems |
| Shutdown Current | <1µA - enables deep-sleep mode for ultra-low-power system states |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C activation with 30°C hysteresis - prevents permanent damage during sustained high-temperature operation |
| PWM Dimming Range | 200Hz–1kHz - supports flicker-free brightness control compatible with human visual persistence |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in a RoHS-compliant SOT23-6L package (1.6mm × 2.9mm × 1.1mm), the PAM2812ABR uses a compact 6-pin layout optimized for space-constrained portable PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (EN) | Digital Enable Input | Active-high logic control: ≥2.7V enables all channels; ≤0.4V disables output and reduces IQ to <1µA |
| 2 (GND) | Power Ground Reference | Common return path for all four current sinks and internal bias circuitry |
| 3 (LED4) | Channel 4 Cathode Sink | Connects to cathode of fourth WLED; open or grounded if unused |
| 4 (LED3) | Channel 3 Cathode Sink | Connects to cathode of third WLED; open or grounded if unused |
| 5 (LED2) | Channel 2 Cathode Sink | Connects to cathode of second WLED; open or grounded if unused |
| 6 (LED1) | Channel 1 Cathode Sink | Connects to cathode of first WLED; open or grounded if unused |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No charge pump or switching regulator | Eliminates EMI sources and output ripple, simplifying EMI filtering in RF-sensitive handheld designs |
| Low dropout voltage (180mV) | Enables direct connection to Li-ion battery (3.0–4.2V) while maintaining regulation down to 2.8V cell voltage |
| Integrated thermal protection | Auto-shutdown at 150°C junction temperature with 30°C hysteresis prevents thermal runaway in sealed enclosures |
| SOT23-6L footprint | Matches industry-standard 6-pin SOT23 layout, enabling drop-in replacement in existing LED driver layouts |
| PWM dimming via EN pin | Uses single GPIO for brightness control-no dedicated PWM generator or external MOSFET required |
Applications
| Mobile Phone Backlight | Digital Camera Display |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 4 white LEDs in front-facing or rear LCD backlight modules of GSM/UMTS smartphones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink for parallel WLED strings, controlled by baseband processor GPIO via EN pin. Use Value: Delivers uniform brightness with ±5% current matching and extends talk-time by minimizing dropout loss in 3.6V nominal battery systems. | Use Scenario: Powering small-format TFT-LCD viewfinder or main display in compact digital still/video cameras. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise LED driver enabling clean image preview without display flicker or RF interference with CMOS sensor readout. Use Value: Eliminates switching noise that could couple into analog video signal paths, preserving SNR in camera signal chain. |
| PDA Main Display | MP4 Player UI Backlight |
Use Scenario: Illuminating QVGA or VGA resolution transmissive LCDs in legacy PDAs with limited PCB area. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Space-efficient 4-channel sink replacing discrete resistor+MOSFET solutions, reducing BOM count and layout complexity. Use Value: SOT23-6L package saves >60% board area versus SOIC-8 alternatives while maintaining thermal performance via θJA = 250°C/W. | Use Scenario: Controlling brightness of OLED or LCD user interface panels in portable media players. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PWM-dimmable current source synchronized to UI refresh rate to avoid visible strobing during menu navigation. Use Value: 100µs minimum PWM pulse width ensures stable dimming down to 1% duty cycle without channel dropout. |
Availability
PAM2812ABR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone backlighting, digital camera display modules, and portable media player UI illumination requiring stable component supply and long-term design continuity.
Supply support for PAM2812ABR 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in power management, signal integrity, and lighting solutions for consumer, industrial, and computing markets.
The PAM2812ABR belongs to Diodes' LED driver product line, engineered specifically for low-voltage, low-EMI backlighting in space- and power-constrained portable electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended PWM frequency for EN pin dimming?
The PAM2812ABR datasheet specifies a recommended EN PWM dimming frequency range of 200Hz to 1kHz. Operation above 1kHz may cause incomplete channel turn-on due to 3µs startup time limitation, resulting in reduced average current and inconsistent brightness. Frequencies below 200Hz risk visible flicker in human-perceived lighting applications.
Can unused LEDx pins be left floating?
No. Per the datasheet, unused LEDx pins (LED1–LED4) must be either connected to GND or left open - but "open" here means unconnected, not pulled high or tied to other voltages. Floating these pins risks undefined current paths or latch-up. Grounding unused pins ensures predictable shutdown behavior and avoids leakage-induced dimming artifacts.
Does the PAM2812ABR require external current-setting resistors?
No. The PAM2812ABR integrates precision current references and matched sink transistors, delivering factory-trimmed 20mA per channel without external resistors. This eliminates component variation, improves channel-to-channel matching (±5%), and reduces PCB footprint versus resistor-based solutions.
Is the PAM2812ABR still in active production?
No. The official Diodes Incorporated datasheet (DS36404 Rev. 2–4, April 2014) explicitly marks PAM2812ABR as "OBSOLETE – PART DISCONTINUED." Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy stock for design continuity and repair programs, but no new manufacturing commitments exist.
PAM2812ABR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SOT-23-6 Thin, TSOT-23-6
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 4
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 20mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TSOT-23-6
PAM2812ABR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PAM2812ABR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PAM2812ABR 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 PAM2812ABR reliable?
The price and inventory of PAM2812ABR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PAM2812ABR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PAM2812ABR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PAM2812ABR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PAM2812ABR?
PAM2812ABR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PAM2812ABR 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 PAM2812ABR?
For technical support, including PAM2812ABR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PAM2812ABR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PAM2812ABR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PAM2812ABR 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 PAM2812ABR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PAM2812ABR?
All PAM2812ABR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PAM2812ABR, 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 PAM2812ABR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PAM2812ABR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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