Diodes Incorporated ZXSC380FHTA
- Part No.:
- ZXSC380FHTA
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
ZXSC380FHTA.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER RGLTR 18MA SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,690
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Product details
Overview
ZXSC380FHTA from Diodes Incorporated is a non-synchronous PFM-controlled boost LED driver IC optimized for single-cell alkaline/NiMH/NiCd operation (0.9V–6V input), delivering constant-current pulses to drive white LEDs with 18mA typical output at 3.5V LED forward voltage, 80% peak efficiency, and 160kHz operating frequency at 1.5V supply - used in compact flashlight and backlight circuits.
For engineers reviewing the ZXSC380FHTA datasheet, ZXSC380FHTA pinout, ZXSC380FHTA application, or ZXSC380FHTA equivalent, this page provides verified technical context on its PFM control architecture, low-voltage startup capability (0.9V typ.), internal 80mA switch saturation current, SOT23-3 package constraints, and design trade-offs versus modern alternatives like PAM2803.
Technical Context
The ZXSC380FHTA implements a fixed-threshold current-mode PFM controller with an internal NPN switching transistor (RCE(SAT) = 0.5V @ 50mA), where conduction ends when the ISENSE voltage exceeds 20mV across an external sense resistor. Its monostable circuit enforces a 2.2μs minimum off-time to ensure inductor energy discharge before next cycle.
Operating frequency varies inversely with input voltage and inductor value (e.g., 160kHz at 1.5V/100μH), while LED current is set by inductor selection (18mA at 100μH, 1.5V) and load voltage differential - no external feedback loop or compensation required.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input voltage range | 0.8V to 6V - supports full discharge of single alkaline/NiMH cells down to 0.9V startup. |
| Output current | 18mA typical at VLED = 3.5V - set by inductor value (e.g., 100μH), not adjustable via resistor. |
| Switch current limit | 80mA typical - defines maximum peak inductor current and sets LED current scaling. |
| Efficiency | 75% min at VLED = 3.5V - achieved with low RCE(SAT) transistor and minimal external components. |
| Operating frequency | 160kHz typical at 1.5V/100μH - higher frequencies reduce inductor size but increase switching losses. |
| Discharge pulse width | 2.2μs typical - ensures >90% inductor energy release before next switching cycle. |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in SOT23-3 package (3.04mm × 2.64mm × 1.12mm), with gull-wing leads and thermal pad omitted - suitable for high-density PCB layouts with minimal board area.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCC (Pin 1) | Supply input | Accepts 0.8–6V DC; powers internal bias and driver; requires local 1μF decoupling near pin. |
| VOUT (Pin 2) | Switch collector output | Drives external inductor/LED anode; connects to inductor top and LED cathode in boost topology. |
| GND (Pin 3) | Power and signal reference | Return path for switch emitter, internal comparator, and ISENSE sensing; must be low-impedance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| PFM control architecture | Enables >95% light-load efficiency and eliminates need for external compensation network. |
| 0.9V startup voltage | Extracts usable energy from nearly depleted single cells - extends battery runtime beyond standard cutoff. |
| Integrated 80mA NPN switch | Reduces BOM count by eliminating external transistor; RCE(SAT) ≤ 0.5V minimizes conduction loss. |
| Fixed 20mV ISENSE threshold | Simplifies current setting: RSENSE = 0.25Ω yields 80mA peak, enabling predictable LED current scaling. |
Applications
| LED Flashlights | Portable Instrument Backlights |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld torches using single AA/AAA alkaline cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Boost converter controller generating constant-current pulses to drive 1–3串联 white LEDs. Use Value: Delivers stable 18mA LED current down to 0.9V supply, extending runtime by >15% vs. fixed-VOUT drivers. |
Use Scenario: Low-power LCD displays in handheld test meters and medical monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact LED backlight driver with minimal footprint and no external feedback. Use Value: Achieves uniform brightness with only one inductor and no trimming resistors - reduces layout complexity. |
| Emergency Lighting Modules | Consumer Electronics Indicator Lights |
Use Scenario: Self-contained exit signs or safety lights powered by NiMH rechargeables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency boost driver supporting wide input variation (1.2–1.5V per cell). Use Value: Maintains regulated LED current across full battery discharge curve without microcontroller intervention. |
Use Scenario: Status indicators in Bluetooth earbuds, smart remotes, and wearables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-voltage LED driver enabling direct connection to coin-cell or single-LiPo sources. Use Value: Starts reliably at 0.9V and sustains operation below 1.0V - critical for deep-discharge indicator use. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar boost LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAM2803AABADJ | Higher 300mA switch current, adjustable output current (10–300mA), 2.5V–5.5V input range. | Requires external current-set resistor; supports multi-cell and higher-brightness LED strings. | Preferred for new designs requiring programmability, wider input range, or >20mA output. |
| AP3012KTR-G1 | Fixed 20mA output, 0.9V–6V input, 85% efficiency, integrated Schottky diode. | No external diode needed; slightly lower quiescent current (25μA vs ZXSC380's 40μA). | Better fit for cost-sensitive, ultra-low-component-count designs where fixed current suffices. |
Compared with ZXSC380FHTA, PAM2803 offers design flexibility and scalability at the cost of added BOM complexity, while AP3012 simplifies layout with integrated diode but lacks current adjustability - both support newer production roadmaps where ZXSC380 is marked Not Recommended for New Design.
Availability
ZXSC380FHTA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED flashlights, portable instrument backlights, and emergency lighting modules requiring stable component supply under long-lifecycle industrial programs.
Supply support for ZXSC380FHTA 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 manufacturer specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal solutions, with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certification.
ZXSC380 belongs to Diodes' legacy LED driver product line, designed specifically for ultra-low-voltage, single-cell boost applications where minimal external components and robust start-up behavior are prioritized over programmability.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for ZXSC380FHTA to start switching?
The ZXSC380FHTA starts switching at 0.9V typical under full load, verified per DS33616 Rev. 4 absolute maximum ratings and electrical characteristics tables. Startup is guaranteed down to 1.0V max, and bootstrap configurations can extend functional operation to 0.7V after initial start - but require two Schottky diodes and additional capacitor.
Can ZXSC380FHTA drive multiple LEDs in series?
Yes - the ZXSC380FHTA supports up to three white LEDs (≈10.5V total VF) given its 20V absolute maximum VOUT rating and typical 18mA output at 3.5V per LED. Output voltage is determined by LED string VF plus inductor and diode drops; efficiency declines above 12V due to increased switching losses.
Is an external current-sense resistor required for ZXSC380FHTA?
No - the ZXSC380FHTA uses internal current sensing via the transistor's emitter voltage drop; the 20mV ISENSE threshold is fixed and referenced to GND. No external sense resistor is needed, though an external resistor may be added in series with the emitter for fine-tuning if required by specific LED tolerances.
Why is ZXSC380FHTA marked "Not Recommended for New Design"?
Diodes Incorporated designated ZXSC380FHTA as Not Recommended for New Design per DS33616 Rev. 4 due to the introduction of higher-performance successors like PAM2803, which offer adjustable current, wider input range, and improved efficiency - while maintaining SOT23-3 compatibility and backward-pin layout feasibility for migration paths.
ZXSC380FHTA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Regulator
- Topology:
- Step-Up (Boost)
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 0.8V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output:
- 20V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 18mA
- Frequency:
- 160kHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-3
ZXSC380FHTA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ZXSC380FHTA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ZXSC380FHTA 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 ZXSC380FHTA reliable?
The price and inventory of ZXSC380FHTA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ZXSC380FHTA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ZXSC380FHTA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ZXSC380FHTA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ZXSC380FHTA?
ZXSC380FHTA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ZXSC380FHTA 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 ZXSC380FHTA?
For technical support, including ZXSC380FHTA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ZXSC380FHTA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ZXSC380FHTA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ZXSC380FHTA 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 ZXSC380FHTA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ZXSC380FHTA?
All ZXSC380FHTA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ZXSC380FHTA, 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 ZXSC380FHTA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ZXSC380FHTA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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