The A8521 is a multi-output white LED driver for small-size LCD backlighting. It integrates a current-mode boost converter with internal power switch and four current sinks. The boost converter can drive up to 48 LEDs, 12 LEDs per string, at 80 mA. The LED sinks can be paralleled together to achieve even higher LED currents, up to 320 mA. The A8521 can operate with a single power supply, from 5 to 40 V, which allows the part to withstand load dump conditions encountered in automotive systems.
The A8521 can drive an external P-FET to disconnect the input supply from the system in the event of a fault. The A8521 provides protection against output short and overvoltage, open or shorted diode, open or shorted LED pin, shorted boost switch or inductor, shorted FSET or ISET resistor, and IC overtemperature. A dual level cycle-by-cycle current limit function provides soft start and protects the internal current switch against high current overloads.
The A8521 has a synchronization pin that allows PWM switching frequencies to be synchronized in the range of 580 kHz to 2.3 MHz. The high switching frequency allows the A8521 to operate above the AM radio band.
It is very similar to the A8514, with a slight modification to the current sinks which allows it to operate a very low PWM threshold. This is sometimes needed for applications such as Head Up Display (HUD).
The A8521 is provided in a 20-pin TSSOP package (suffix LP) with an exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation. It is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin lead frame plating.
This part is discontinued. Samples are no longer available.
Date of status change: September 1, 2016.
Recommended Substitutions: For existing customer transition, and for new customers or new applications, contact Allegro Sales.
