LED driver delivers up to 350 mA from single cell

27 July 2005 Power Electronics / Power Management

Linear Technology's LTC3490 is a synchronous boost DC/DC converter optimised for driving high current white LEDs.

The LTC3490 operates at up to 90% efficiency, maximising battery run time while its input voltage range of 1 V to 3,2 V enables it to deliver up to 350 mA from either a single or dual cell alkaline/NiMH battery. Its output voltage range of 2,8 V to 4 V is fully compliant with the forward voltage requirements of high current LEDs.

The device provides constant current drive for LED applications requiring up to 1 W of power. When its output load is disconnected, it limits the output voltage to 4,7 V, providing enhanced system reliability. Onboard analog dimming capability reduces the LED drive current proportionally to the CTRL-pin voltage. A low-battery logic output signals when the battery voltage has dropped below 1 V.

The LTC3490 comes in 3 x 3 mm DFN or SO-8 package, and with its 1,3 MHz switching frequency offers a very small 1 W solution footprint for portable lighting and rechargeable flashlight applications.

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