Maxim CCFL driver uses synchronized full-bridge inverter design

Designed to drive CCFLs, the MAX1996A uses a synchronized full-bridge inverter architecture to provide near sinusoidal drive waveforms over the entire input range and maximize the life of CCFLs.

The device regulates CCFL brightness in three ways—linearly controlling the lamp current, digitally pulse-width modulating the lamp current, or using both methods simultaneously to achieve what is claimed to be the widest dimming range (>30:1). CCFL brightness can be controlled with either an analog voltage or a two-wire SMBus-compatible interface.

The MAX1996A includes safety features that limit the transformer secondary voltage and protect against single-point fault conditions, including lamp-out and short-circuit faults. It directly drives the four external n-channel power MOSFETs of the full bridge inverter, while an internal 5.3V linear regulator powers the MOSFET drivers and the synchronizable DPWM oscillator.

The 5-by-5mm driver operates over an input voltage range of 4.6V to 28V and a temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

The MAX1996 is offered in a 28-pin QFN package, and is priced at $4.03 each in quantities of 1,000 and up.