16-channel LED driver caters to full-color apps

austriamicrosystems has beefed up its LED driver portfolio with the release of the AS1112 16-channel LED driver aimed at full-color applications such as LED video displays, LCD TV backlighting, indoor/outdoor LED displays and large-size stadium displays.

The AS1112 LED driver offers an integrated PWM of 12bit with 4,096 grayscale steps per color, reaching up to 68 billion colors with RGB. In addition, the integrated 6bit dot-correction allows for the adjustment of the output current in 64 steps compensating for LED luminous mismatch. With an accuracy of ?4.5 percent between channels and ICs plus the dot-correction, the full-color LED driver is said to dramatically improve the picture quality of LED displays since variations of intensity between LEDs and LED modules completely disappear. The AS1112 also offers line regulation of 2.5 percent and load regulation of 0.5 percent.

The AS1112 features 16 regulated current ports, which provide constant currents for driving LEDs within a wide range of forward voltages. The output ports are guaranteed to endure a maximum voltage of 15V, allowing multiple LEDs to be combined in series to a single pixel to increase brightness. Currents can be adjusted from 0-80mA via an external resistor, which provides flexibility in controlling LED brightness.

The AS1112 features built-in LED error detection. The device can detect any open- or short-circuit as well as any over-temperature occurrence. Two temperature thresholds allow detailed thermal surveillance of the system. A global error pin is available for immediate detection of errors. The AS1112 uses the serial data I/O lines for the detailed error information readback so that no additional PCB tracks are needed for LED error diagnostics.

The fast 30MHz serial interface ensures high refresh rates even for huge LED display modules, said austriamicrosystems. The AS1112 offers very low power consumption, and a power-down function allows the reduction of the supply current to 40nA in standby mode. With an operating temperature range from -40° to +85 °C, the AS1112 is suitable for industrial as well as outdoor applications. The IC is available in a thermally efficient 32pin TQFN (5 x 5 mm) package, handling high output power and allowing a very small pitch between LED pixels. The AS1112 sells for $1.72 apiece in quantities of 1,000.

- Gina Roos
eeProductCenter