Thermal considerations for the ON Semiconductor family of discrete constant current regulators for driving LEDs in automotive applications

The ON Semiconductor constant current regulator (CCR) family of devices offer outstanding regulation for LEDs and other current based loads, such as battery charging circuits. The CCR reduces the complexity of resistor biased designs for sensitive loads, such as LED strings connected in series. The CCR can also be connected in parallel for higher load current applications. The two-terminal CCR requires no external components to regulate at the specified current. These devices can be used wherever a constant current is needed to maintain luminosity under varying voltage conditions.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the temperature and power boundaries for devices in the SOD-123 and SOT-223 packages operating from typical currents of 20- to 30mA in automotive applications. The SOD-123 devices available are rated at 20-, 25-, and 30mA. The SOT-223 devices are rated at 25- and 30mA.

View the PDF document for more information.