Oct 4 2007
Micrel Inc., an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched the MIC2299, the industry's smallest and most powerful LED driver for portable applications. This high-efficiency boost DC-to-DC converter features an integrated 3.5A guaranteed switch current and delivers a net output power of 7-12W - from a tiny 3mm x 3mm MLF(R) package. Targeting photoflash and torchlight applications in mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and emergency lighting, the MIC2299 is currently available in volume quantities with pricing starting at $1.70 for 1K quantities.
"With a guaranteed 3.5A switch current and a solution footprint of just 0.25 square inch, Micrel's MIC2299 sets a new standard for driving high brightness LEDs in portable applications without sacrificing valuable battery life," noted Ralf Muenster, Micrel's marketing director for power products. "In addition, the solution enables up to 30V on the output thereby enabling arrays of up to eight high brightness LEDs in a series."
The powerful, high current integrated switch in the MIC2299 allows the device to deliver at least 1A into two WLEDs or 750mA into three WLEDs connected in series. This enables a powerful torch for illumination in dark environments or a brilliant flash for improved picture quality in low light situations. LED brightness can be dynamically controlled by applying a voltage or PWM signal to the brightness pin. The IC operates at a fixed 2MHz switching frequency with an efficiency reaching up to 90 percent. The MIC2299 solution requires only a tiny, low profile inductor and small ceramic capacitors, making the footprint very compact while minimizing solution cost. Finally, consistent with the current operating array of a range of battery configurations, the solution operates from an input voltage range of 2.5 - 10V.