National Semiconductor LM27966 White LED Driver with I2C Compatible Brightness Control Handbook

LM27966 is a highly integrated charge-pump-based display LED driver from National. The device can drive up to 6 LEDs in parallel with a total output current of 180mA. Regulated internal current sources deliver excellent current and brightness matching in all LEDs. The LED driver current sources are split into two independently controlled groups. The primary group, which can be configured with 4 or 5 LEDs, can be used to backlight the main phone display. An additional, independently controlled led driver is provided for driving an indicator or other general purpose LED function. The LM27966 has an I2C compatible interface that allows the user to independently control the brightness on each bank of LEDs. The device provides excellent efficiency without the use of an inductor by operating the charge pump in a gain of 3/2, or in Pass-Mode. The proper gain for maintaining current regulation is chosen, based on LED forward voltage, so that efficiency is maximized over the input voltage range. The LM27966 is available in National’s small 24-pin Lead- less Leadframe Package (LLP-24).


National Semiconductor LM27966 White LED Driver with I2C Compatible Brightness Control Handbook - cover page
Brand
National Semiconductor
Category
Other Electronics
Document type
Datasheet
Language
English
Pages
13
File format
PDF
File size
677 KB
Published
02 May, 2012
Updated
30 September, 2023
Model
LM2796
MD5 checksum
FB727669CA806B2D3FD6A763858AC2FB

About this manual

The LM27966 is a highly integrated charge‑pump‑based white LED driver designed for mobile phone displays, PDAs and general LED lighting. It can drive up to six LEDs in parallel, providing 180 mA total current (30 mA per LED) with 0.3 % current matching and 91 % peak efficiency. The device features an I²C‑compatible interface for independent brightness control of two LED banks (main display and auxiliary).

Key specifications include an input voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, operation without an external inductor, and a 24‑pin leadless leadframe (LLP‑24) package. The datasheet provides detailed pin descriptions, electrical characteristics, thermal protection, capacitor selection, PCB layout guidelines, and mechanical dimensions for designers.

What's inside

  • General Description
  • Features
  • Applications
  • Pin Descriptions
  • Electrical Characteristics
  • Typical Performance Characteristics
  • Circuit Description
  • Thermal Protection
  • Capacitor Selection
  • PCB Layout Considerations

Specifications

Input voltage range2.7 V to 5.5 V
Total output current180 mA (30 mA per LED)
Number of LEDs drivenUp to 6 LEDs in parallel
Peak LED drive efficiency91 %
Current matching accuracy0.3 %
Inductor requirementNo external inductor required
Package type24‑pin Leadless Leadframe Package (LLP‑24)

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum total output current of the LM27966?

The device can supply up to 180 mA total output current, which can be divided as 30 mA per LED when driving six LEDs.

What input voltage range does the LM27966 support?

The LM27966 operates with an input voltage between 2.7 V and 5.5 V.

Does the LM27966 require an external inductor?

No, the driver is designed to work without an external inductor.

How many LEDs can be driven simultaneously by the LM27966?

It can drive up to six LEDs in parallel.

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