Diodes Incorporated ZXLD1370EST16TC

Overview

ZXLD1370EST16TC from Diodes Incorporated is a 60V automotive-grade LED driver controller IC that regulates current through external MOSFETs in buck, boost, and buck-boost topologies. It delivers 0.5% typical output current accuracy, supports 6–60V input, operates up to 1 MHz switching frequency, and enables thermal derating via TADJ pin-used in automotive headlamp and industrial high-brightness LED lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the ZXLD1370EST16TC datasheet, ZXLD1370EST16TC pinout, ZXLD1370EST16TC application, or ZXLD1370EST16TC equivalent, key selection criteria include multi-topology flexibility, AEC-Q100 qualification, 1000:1 PWM dimming at 500 Hz, ±50 ppm/°C reference temperature coefficient, and fault diagnostics via FLAG/STATUS pins.

Technical Context

The ZXLD1370 employs a modified hysteretic control architecture with patent-pending feedback to maintain ±0.25% VSENSE accuracy across all three topologies. Its dual-current-sense path (fast + accurate monitor) and adaptive gate drive (VGATEH = 9.5–11 V at 12 V VAUX) ensure stable regulation under wide VIN (6–60 V) and load variations.

Thermal management is implemented via analog TADJ input (VTADJH = 625 mV, VTADJL = 440 mV), enabling linear LED current reduction above preset junction temperatures. Fault reporting uses open-drain FLAG and multi-level analog STATUS (4.5 V nominal, down to 0.9 V for specific warnings), with stall detection (tSTALL = 100–170 µs) and thermal shutdown (TSDH = 150 °C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TSSOP-16EP (exposed paddle), θJA = 50 °C/W, RoHS-compliant, halogen- and antimony-free "Green" molding compound.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver controller applications.

Compared with AL8862Q-13 and LM3409QMY/NOPB, the ZXLD1370EST16TC uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, 60 V capability, 0.5% accuracy, and analog thermal foldback in a single TSSOP-16EP package-making it optimal for automotive lighting where reliability, precision, and thermal resilience are non-negotiable.

Availability

ZXLD1370EST16TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive headlamp modules, industrial high-bay fixtures, commercial signage, and emergency exit lighting requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for ZXLD1370EST16TC 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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, with manufacturing ISO/TS 16949 certified facilities.

The ZXLD1370 belongs to Diodes' automotive LED driver controller product line, designed specifically for high-reliability, thermally adaptive lighting systems requiring AEC-Q100 compliance and multi-topology flexibility in constrained PCB layouts.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of series-connected LEDs the ZXLD1370EST16TC can drive?

The ZXLD1370EST16TC can drive more than 15 LEDs in series, depending on topology and input voltage. In boost mode with VIN = 12 V and VAUX = 12 V, it supports up to 16 LEDs (per Figure 15); in buck-boost with VIN = 12 V, up to 8 LEDs (per Figure 18). The 60 V rating and multi-topology capability allow flexible string sizing across varying forward voltage requirements.

How does the TADJ pin implement thermal derating?

The TADJ pin accepts a thermistor-resistor divider that lowers its voltage as temperature rises. When VTADJ falls below 625 mV (typical), the IC begins linearly reducing LED current; at 440 mV (typical), current drops below 10% of set value. This analog foldback occurs without software or external logic, providing fail-safe thermal protection in automotive lighting modules.

Can the ZXLD1370EST16TC operate without an external MOSFET?

No-the ZXLD1370EST16TC is a controller IC only and requires an external NMOS transistor connected to the GATE pin. It does not integrate a power switch. The GATE driver delivers ±300 mA peak current to charge/discharge QG = 10 nC MOSFET gates at up to 1 MHz, enabling efficient high-current LED driving with optimized external FET selection.

What fault conditions trigger the STATUS pin voltage shift?

The STATUS pin shifts from 4.5 V (normal) to specific lower voltages indicating distinct faults: 3.6 V for undervoltage (VIN < 5.6 V), 1.8 V for overtemperature (TJ > 125 °C), 0.9 V for overcurrent (VSENSE > 350 mV), and 3.6 V for switch stall (tON/tOFF > 100 µs). Multiple simultaneous faults resolve to the highest-priority condition's voltage level per datasheet Table on page 7.