LED controller trims automotive power loss
The MLX81119 RGB LED controller from Melexis integrates a 1-A DC/DC converter to reduce power dissipation in automotive lighting systems. The converter generates an optimized local LED supply voltage programmable from 2.5 V to 6 V.
Unlike external DC/DC converters, which add heat, components, and layout complexity, the MLX81119’s converter dynamically adjusts the LED supply voltage to match the active color mix and operating conditions. This helps minimize power losses and thermal stress. With lower power dissipation, reduced component count, and smaller space requirements, the MLX81119 is well-suited for space-constrained vehicle applications such as door panels, dashboards, and charge-port lighting.
The MLX81119 provides 18 low-side current sources configurable up to 60 mA with independent 16-bit PWM control. It supports up to six RGB LEDs per device for smooth color transitions and lighting animations. Built-in direct and indirect temperature sensing enables active compensation across all channels to maintain stable color points over the automotive temperature range.
Along with a 16-bit MCU and 32 KB of flash, the MLX81118 integrates a complete LIN system, including a transceiver and protocol handler compliant with LIN 2.x and SAE J2602. It also supports implementations up to ASIL B for functional safety-relevant interior and exterior lighting applications.
The post LED controller trims automotive power loss appeared first on EDN.
