Diodes Incorporated ZXLD1320DCATC
- Part No.:
- ZXLD1320DCATC
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 14-UFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
ZXLD1320DCATC.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR RGLTR PWM 1.5A 14DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,000
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Product details
Overview
ZXLD1320DCATC from Diodes Incorporated (formerly Zetex Semiconductors) is a buck-mode DC-DC LED driver IC with integrated 1.5A NPN switching transistor, high-side current monitor, and thermal compensation interface. It delivers up to 24W output power across 4–18V input, regulates LED current with ±5% accuracy over temperature and line, and supports analog dimming (10–100% via ADJ pin), PWM dimming (down to 1%), and thermal foldback using external thermistor at TADJ. Used in automotive lighting and high-power flashlights.
For engineers reviewing the ZXLD1320DCATC datasheet, ZXLD1320DCATC pinout, ZXLD1320DCATC application, or ZXLD1320DCATC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.5A continuous switch current, 50mV ISENSE threshold, adjustable soft-start via CFB capacitor, POK fault flag with 500µs timeout, and DFN14 4mm×3mm exposed-pad package for thermal management.
Technical Context
The ZXLD1320 employs a variable on/off time PFM control scheme where peak switch current is set by Rsense (ISWPEAK = 50mV/Rsense) and regulated via error integration on CFB. The internal 500mV reference (VREF) defines full-scale LED current, while ADJ pin voltage (50–500mV) linearly scales demand current IADJ against IMON from the high-side monitor.
Thermal regulation uses a dedicated TADJ input with 75mV upper and 50mV lower thresholds to inject proportional compensation current (0–100µA) into the control loop, reducing LED current above preset junction temperature. Over-temperature shutdown activates at ~150°C, disabling the switch until die cools.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4V to 18V - supports 12V automotive systems and wide-input industrial LED lighting without pre-regulation. |
| Max Output Current | 1.5A continuous - drives up to 4-series high-brightness LEDs at full brightness with adequate heatsinking. |
| Current Regulation Accuracy | ±5% - ensures consistent luminance across supply voltage and temperature variations in automotive environments. |
| Efficiency | Typical >85% - reduces thermal load and extends battery life in portable LED flashlights and backup lighting. |
| Standby Current | 12µA - enables ultra-low-power shutdown mode for energy-sensitive applications like emergency lighting. |
| POK Fault Timeout | 500µs - detects low-VIN or short-circuit conditions before switch overstress occurs, enabling fast system-level fault response. |
| Thermal Foldback Threshold | 75mV at TADJ - corresponds to ~105°C with standard 103KT1608 thermistor, protecting LEDs from thermal runaway. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DFN14 (4mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad - rated for 1.5W dissipation at TA = 70°C; requires soldered exposed pad to PCB ground plane for thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ADJ (1) | Analog/PWM dimming and shutdown control | 50–500mV sets 10–100% LED current; <28mV forces standby; clamped at 575mV to limit max current to 115%. |
| BIAS (2) | Internal switch base drive control | Short to GND for full 1.5A output; resistor to GND reduces base current and limits peak switch current. |
| CFB (3) | Feedback loop compensation node | 10nF capacitor to GND stabilizes control loop; integrates IMON − IADJ error for precise current regulation. |
| POK (4) | Power OK / fault flag output | Open-drain output pulled high during normal operation; sinks current when switch conduction exceeds 500µs. |
| ISENSE (5) | Switch emitter current sensing | 50mV threshold defines peak switch current (ISWPEAK = 50mV/Rsense); used for cycle-by-cycle current limiting. |
| EMITTER1/2 (6–7) | Switch emitter terminals | Both pins connect to top of Rsense; dual-emitter layout improves current sharing and thermal distribution. |
| COLLECTOR1/2 (8–9) | Switch collector terminals | Both pins connect to coil low-side; dual-collector design lowers RCE(sat) and enhances 1.5A continuous capability. |
| M_LOAD (10) | High-side current monitor load input | Connects to LED string cathode side; senses voltage drop across RM to generate proportional IMON current. |
| VIN (12) | Main power input and RM bias | Supplies internal circuitry and provides bias for RM sense resistor; requires local 10µF ceramic decoupling. |
| TADJ (13) | Thermal compensation input | Accepts thermistor divider voltage; 75mV → 50mV transition reduces LED current linearly to <10% at 50mV. |
| VREF (14) | Internal 500mV reference output | Stable 500mV source for setting nominal LED current and biasing ADJ/TADJ networks; 50ppm/°C drift. |
| Exposed Pad | Thermal and electrical ground | Must be soldered to large PCB copper area for thermal conduction; electrically connected to internal GND. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 1.5A NPN switch with 120mV VCE(sat) | Eliminates need for external high-current transistor; reduces BOM count and PCB footprint in space-constrained LED modules. |
| High-side current monitor with 1mA/V transconductance | Enables accurate LED current sensing without shunt resistor on ground path-preserves common-ground architecture in automotive systems. |
| Adjustable soft-start via CFB capacitor | Prevents inrush current and voltage overshoot during startup by controlling ramp rate of control loop error voltage. |
| Programmable thermal foldback with external thermistor | Allows precise, application-specific LED derating curves-critical for maintaining lumen maintenance and lifetime in enclosed fixtures. |
| POK fault flag with 500µs timeout | Provides deterministic early-warning signal for undervoltage or coil saturation failure-enables fail-safe MCU intervention. |
Applications
| Automotive Headlamp Modules | High-Power LED Flashlights |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 3–4 series white LEDs in 12V vehicle electrical systems with ambient temperatures from −40°C to +125°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Buck-mode LED driver with integrated switch, high-side current sensing, and thermal foldback for stable luminance under engine bay thermal stress. Use Value: Maintains ±5% LED current regulation across voltage transients (load dump, cranking) and temperature extremes-ensuring consistent beam pattern and compliance with ECE R149. | Use Scenario: Portable handheld flashlight requiring 1.5A constant current to drive high-luminance LED arrays with multi-level brightness control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LED current regulator with analog dimming (via potentiometer on ADJ) and PWM dimming (200Hz MCU signal) for smooth brightness transitions. Use Value: Delivers >85% efficiency at full load, extending alkaline/Li-ion battery runtime; 12µA standby current enables months of shelf life in emergency use. |
| LED Backup & Safety Lighting | Commercial LED Downlights |
Use Scenario: Emergency exit signage and vehicle backup lamps powered from 12V/24V batteries with strict reliability and thermal safety requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with POK flag signaling open-circuit, short-circuit, or low-battery conditions to host controller. Use Value: 500µs POK timeout enables rapid detection of failed LEDs or wiring faults-meeting UL 924 and SAE J1455 functional safety expectations. | Use Scenario: Indoor commercial downlight using 4-series LEDs driven from 12V DC distribution bus in office or retail environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Thermally adaptive LED driver interfacing with NTC thermistor embedded near LED board to prevent lumen depreciation at elevated ambient temperatures. Use Value: Linear thermal foldback (75mV → 50mV) reduces LED current proportionally above 105°C-extending LED lifetime by >50% per Arrhenius model at 85°C junction. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL8862SP-13 | Boost-only topology; 1.2A max output; no integrated switch; requires external MOSFET. | Limited to boost configurations; unsuitable for 12V→3.2V×4 LED strings without additional buck stage. | Select only if input voltage is always below LED string VF and boost architecture is required. |
| LM3409MH/NOPB | Buck controller (external MOSFET); 5A peak switch current; no integrated current monitor or thermal foldback. | Requires external high-side sense amplifier and thermistor interface circuitry-increasing BOM and layout complexity. | Choose when higher output current (>1.5A) or custom thermal response curve is needed beyond ZXLD1320's fixed thresholds. |
Compared with AL8862SP-13 and LM3409MH/NOPB, the ZXLD1320DCATC offers a fully integrated buck solution with built-in current monitoring, thermal foldback, and fault flag-reducing design effort and component count for 4–18V input, ≤1.5A LED applications where compactness and reliability are prioritized over programmability.
Availability
ZXLD1320DCATC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting, high-power LED flashlights, LED backup lighting, and commercial downlights requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for ZXLD1320DCATC 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 acquired Zetex Semiconductors in 2008 and maintains its high-performance analog and power management portfolio for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
The ZXLD1320 belongs to Zetex's LED Driver IC product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding LED lighting applications requiring high-current buck regulation with integrated protection and dimming interfaces.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of LEDs the ZXLD1320DCATC can drive in series?
The ZXLD1320DCATC can drive up to four standard white LEDs (VF ≈ 3.2V each) in series at 1.5A, assuming a minimum input voltage of 4V and typical forward voltage drop. With 12V input, it supports up to four LEDs (12.8V total VF); with 18V input, it accommodates higher VF strings or margin for aging. Total output power reaches 24W depending on VIN and LED configuration.
How does the POK flag indicate fault conditions?
The POK flag remains high during normal operation but switches low when the internal switch remains continuously on for more than 500µs-indicating either input undervoltage, coil saturation, open LED string, or excessive load. This open-drain output can directly interface with an MCU GPIO or drive an indicator LED, providing deterministic fault detection without external timing components.
Can the ZXLD1320DCATC operate in constant-voltage mode?
No-the ZXLD1320DCATC is a constant-current LED driver only. Its control architecture regulates average LED current via high-side sensing and integrated switch modulation; it lacks voltage feedback loop, output voltage sensing, or CV regulation capability. It must be used with LED loads or resistive dummy loads that maintain current path integrity.
What is the role of the BIAS pin, and how does it affect output current?
BIAS pin controls base drive current to the internal NPN switch. Shorting BIAS to ground enables maximum base current (~50mA), supporting full 1.5A output. Connecting a resistor (e.g., 1.68kΩ) between BIAS and ground reduces base drive, lowering peak switch current and enabling precise scaling of maximum output current below 1.5A-useful for thermal derating or matching specific LED binning requirements.
ZXLD1320DCATC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-UFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Regulator
- Topology:
- Step-Down (Buck)
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 18V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 1.5A
- Frequency:
- 600kHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Lighting
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- DFN4030-14
ZXLD1320DCATC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZXLD1320DCATC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZXLD1320DCATC 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 ZXLD1320DCATC reliable?
The price and inventory of ZXLD1320DCATC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZXLD1320DCATC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZXLD1320DCATC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZXLD1320DCATC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZXLD1320DCATC?
ZXLD1320DCATC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZXLD1320DCATC 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 ZXLD1320DCATC?
For technical support, including ZXLD1320DCATC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZXLD1320DCATC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZXLD1320DCATC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZXLD1320DCATC 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 ZXLD1320DCATC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZXLD1320DCATC?
All ZXLD1320DCATC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZXLD1320DCATC, 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 ZXLD1320DCATC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZXLD1320DCATC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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