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STMicroelectronics STCF03PNR
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- Part No.:
- STCF03PNR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
STCF03PNR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV RGLTR I2C 800MA 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,226
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Product details
Overview
STCF03PNR from STMicroelectronics is a high-efficiency buck-boost DC-DC LED driver IC designed to power a single white flash LED in mobile camera systems. It delivers up to 800 mA in flash mode and 200 mA in torch mode, operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V input, features I²C programmability, and integrates LED overtemperature protection via external NTC. It is used in smartphone camera flash modules requiring precise current regulation and thermal safety.
For engineers reviewing the STCF03PNR datasheet, STCF03PNR pinout, STCF03PNR application, or STCF03PNR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8 MHz fixed-frequency PWM operation, dual-mode (flash/torch) dimming with 16 exponential steps, synchronous rectification for >92% efficiency, and integrated open/short LED fault detection - all critical for compact, battery-sensitive imaging subsystems.
Technical Context
The STCF03PNR implements an adaptive buck-boost topology that automatically transitions between step-down and step-up modes based on LED forward voltage versus battery voltage - enabling stable 800 mA output across 2.7–5.5 V input and 2.5–5.3 V regulated output. Its I²C interface controls operational modes (shutdown, ready, flash, torch), dimming values, safety timeout, and status reporting.
It uses dual feedback paths (FB1/FB2/FB2S) to sense LED current through external RFL (0.27 Ω) and RTR (1.8 Ω) resistors, enabling accurate current regulation independent of LED VF spread. Protection functions include chip overtemperature shutdown (140 °C), LED overtemperature detection (via NTC), and open/short LED fault detection - all implemented without external comparators.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Topology | Buck-boost DC-DC converter - enables constant-current LED drive across full Li-ion battery range (2.7–5.5 V) regardless of LED forward voltage. |
| Max Flash Current | 800 mA - supports high-intensity camera flash in QFN20 package with internal current-sense architecture. |
| Switching Frequency | 1.8 MHz typ. - allows use of small external inductors (e.g., 4.7 µH) and minimizes EMI in space-constrained phone PCBs. |
| Efficiency | Up to 92% - reduces thermal load and extends battery life during flash operation; includes synchronous rectification. |
| I²C Interface | Standard two-wire bus - enables full digital control of modes, dimming, safety timeout, and fault status reporting with only SCL/SDA pins. |
| Protection Features | Integrated open/short LED detection, chip overtemperature (140 °C), LED overtemperature (NTC-based), and programmable flash safety timeout - eliminates need for discrete protection circuitry. |
| Shutdown Current | < 1 µA - preserves battery charge during standby in always-on mobile devices. |
Pinout & Package
STCF03PNR is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN20 (4 × 4 mm, 0.8 mm height) package with exposed thermal pad connected to PGND. The package supports high-power LED driving while maintaining low profile for slim handheld designs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VLX1A, VLX1B, VLX2 | Inductor connection points | Three dedicated inductor terminals enable optimized current path routing and reduced parasitic inductance in buck-boost switching loop. |
| VOUT | LED anode output | Regulated high-side output delivering up to 800 mA; connects directly to LED anode with minimal trace resistance. |
| FB1, FB2, FB2S | Current-sense feedback inputs | FB1 senses total LED current (ILED × (RFL + RTR)); FB2/FB2S separately sense ILED × RFL for precision regulation and fault detection. |
| SCL / SDA | I²C communication interface | Two-wire digital control bus for configuring flash/torch current, dimming, safety timeout, and reading status registers. |
| TRIG | Hardware flash trigger input | Active-high input enabling immediate flash activation independent of I²C latency - critical for shutter-sync applications. |
| ATN | Open-drain attention output | Signals fault conditions (e.g., LED open/short, overtemperature) to host processor without requiring polling. |
| TMSK | TX mask control input | Allows dynamic reduction of flash current during RF transmission to prioritize antenna power delivery and avoid interference. |
| AUXL | Auxiliary red LED driver output | Programmable 0–20 mA sink output for recording indicator LED, controlled independently via I²C registers. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive buck-boost topology | Automatically selects buck, boost, or buck-boost mode based on real-time VOUT/VIN ratio - ensures stable 800 mA LED current across full battery discharge curve. |
| Dual-mode current programming | Independent 16-step exponential dimming for flash (60–800 mA) and torch (15–200 mA) - enables smooth brightness transitions and precise exposure control. |
| NTC-based LED thermal management | Supports external NTC resistor for closed-loop LED temperature monitoring and automatic current derating - prevents LED degradation during sustained flash use. |
| Hardware-triggered flash | TRIG pin enables sub-microsecond flash activation with hard/soft triggering options - eliminates I²C protocol delay for time-critical camera shutter synchronization. |
| Integrated fault diagnostics | On-chip detection of open LED, shorted LED, chip overtemperature, and LED overtemperature - reports status via ATN pin and I²C status register without external components. |
Applications
| Smartphone Camera Flash | Front-Facing Video Torch |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-intensity illumination for rear-camera still capture in low-light conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary flash LED driver with hardware TRIG synchronization to camera shutter and I²C-controlled safety timeout. Use Value: Delivers 800 mA peak current with <2 ms rise time and automatic buck/boost mode switching - ensuring consistent flash intensity across 2.7–5.5 V battery voltage. |
Use Scenario: Continuous low-power illumination for front-facing video calls and selfie capture. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Torch-mode LED driver with 16-step exponential dimming and auxiliary red LED indicator control. Use Value: Provides stable 200 mA torch current with <1% regulation error and independent AUXL output for recording status - enabling natural skin-tone rendering and user feedback. |
| RF-Aware Flash Control | Thermally Protected Flash Module |
|
Use Scenario: Concurrent flash operation and cellular/Wi-Fi transmission in multi-radio smartphones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Flash driver with TMSK pin enabling real-time current reduction during RF burst transmission. Use Value: Reduces flash current on demand via TMSK signal - preserving RF PA headroom and preventing transmit power droop or desense without software intervention. |
Use Scenario: High-repetition flash usage in ruggedized or enclosed devices where LED self-heating is critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Flash driver with NTC-based thermal loop and programmable safety timeout. Use Value: Monitors LED temperature via external NTC and dynamically scales flash current to maintain junction temperature below 85 °C - extending LED lifetime and avoiding thermal shutdown. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-efficiency flash LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3644TME/NOPB | Single-inductor buck-boost architecture; 1.2 MHz switching; max 1.5 A flash current; no dedicated TMSK pin. | Lacks hardware TX mask functionality; requires external logic for RF-aware current scaling. | Preferred when higher peak current (>800 mA) is required and RF coexistence is managed at system level. |
| MAX77693ETO+T | Multi-rail PMIC with integrated flash LED driver; 1.2 MHz; max 1.5 A; I²C + hardware TRIG; includes charger and LDOs. | Higher integration but larger footprint and fixed feature set - less flexible for standalone flash optimization. | Chosen when system-level power management consolidation (charger + LED driver + LDOs) outweighs board-area and thermal optimization needs. |
Compared with LM3644TME/NOPB and MAX77693ETO+T, STCF03PNR offers superior thermal management via dedicated NTC interface and unique TMSK-driven RF coexistence - making it optimal for thermally constrained, carrier-certified smartphone designs requiring deterministic flash behavior.
Availability
STCF03PNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone camera flash modules, front-facing video torch circuits, RF-coexistence-sensitive imaging subsystems, and thermally protected portable LED lighting applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for STCF03PNR 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader specializing in power management, analog, microcontrollers, and sensors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The STCF series is ST's dedicated high-efficiency LED flash driver product line, engineered specifically for mobile imaging applications demanding precise current control, thermal resilience, and seamless integration with camera SoCs and RF subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous flash current supported by STCF03PNR?
STCF03PNR supports up to 800 mA continuous flash current when powered from 2.7 V to 5.5 V input, as confirmed in Table 6 of the datasheet (Doc ID 13169 Rev 7). This rating applies specifically to the QFN20 package (STCF03PNR); the TFBGA25 variant (STCF03TBR) delivers 600 mA in the 2.7–3.3 V range due to thermal limitations.
How does the STCF03PNR implement LED overtemperature protection?
STCF03PNR uses an external NTC thermistor connected to the NTC pin to monitor LED temperature. When the sensed resistance falls below threshold (indicating overheating), the device reduces flash current or disables output - a function enabled via the NTC_ON register bit and detailed in Section 9.2 of the datasheet.
Can STCF03PNR operate without an external NTC resistor?
Yes. The NTC function is optional: when NTC_ON = 0, the NTC pin is disabled and the device operates normally in flash/torch modes without thermal derating. External NTC components (NTC, RX) may be omitted per Section 5 (Application) and Figure 3 of the datasheet.
What is the purpose of the TMSK pin, and how is it used in practice?
The TMSK (Transmit Mask) pin allows real-time reduction of flash LED current during RF transmission bursts. When asserted high, it forces immediate current scaling - prioritizing RF PA power delivery and preventing desense. This hardware-level control bypasses I²C latency and is documented in Section 7.2.5 and Section 1 (Description).
STCF03PNR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- DC DC Regulator
- Topology:
- Step-Down (Buck), Step-Up (Boost)
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 2.5V ~ 5.3V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 800mA (Flash)
- Frequency:
- 1.8MHz
- Dimming:
- I2C
- Applications:
- Camera Flash
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-QFN (4x4)
STCF03PNR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for STCF03PNR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for STCF03PNR 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 STCF03PNR reliable?
The price and inventory of STCF03PNR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for STCF03PNR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for STCF03PNR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for STCF03PNR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for STCF03PNR?
STCF03PNR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your STCF03PNR 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 STCF03PNR?
For technical support, including STCF03PNR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your STCF03PNR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that STCF03PNR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All STCF03PNR 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 STCF03PNR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of STCF03PNR?
All STCF03PNR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with STCF03PNR, 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 STCF03PNR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for STCF03PNR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
STCF03PNR Tags
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