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    1. LEDs & SSL Design
    2. Driver ICs

    High-efficiency white LED drivers from Arques

    Sept. 14, 2004
    Arques Technology has introduced the newest additions to its expanding line of white LED drivers, the AQ9156B and AQ9153.
    Content Dam Leds En Articles 2004 09 High Efficiency White Led Drivers From Arques Leftcolumn Article Thumbnailimage File
    These dual-mode 1X - 1.5X switched-capacitor (charge pump) regulators are ideal for white LED backlighting and photo flash applications.
    Arques
    Arques 9153 and 9156B The output is a regulated 4.5V, with up to 120 mA continuous output current, or 200 mA pulse current. They are capable of driving up to six parallel white LEDs, over the typical Li-Ion input voltage range of 3.0V to 6.0V.

    The drivers feature an efficient, 1.5X charge-pump circuit that uses only two ceramic bucket capacitors and two small filter capacitors for VIN and VOUT, allowing a compact, low profile system design.

    LED brightness can be adjusted by applying a PWM signal to the ENA pin. This pin can also be used for the timed photo flash. The AQ9156B offers a selectable switching frequency of 262 kHz or 650 kHz, while the AQ9153 features a fixed 650 kHz frequency.

    The AQ9156B and AQ9153 are claimed to offer unique performance advantages over previously available devices, allowing the highest level of efficiency. A proprietary design architecture (patent pending) maintains high efficiency (over 80%), at both below 3.2 VIN, resulting in longer battery life, and above 5.25V, when an adapter is plugged in, keeping the part cool.

    The output voltage is regulated to 4.5V, +/-5% over the line and load ranges, with low output ripple voltage. Internal over-temperature and over-current management provides short circuit protection.

    The AQ9156B is available in a small MLP-10 or MSOP-10 package ($0.99 ea/1000), also available in optional Green (halogen-free, Pb-free) packaging. The AQ9153 is available in a very small MSOP-8 package ($0.79 ea/1000).