Unlike conventional 4-channel controllers compatible with LCDs up to 8", this integrated circuit (IC) provides 6 output channels (with 120 mA per channel) compatible with LCD panels up to 10-12". Simultaneously, the original up-down control ensures compatibility with both small and large LCD panels using a single controller. This allows for the development of a common LCD control board design suitable for both conventional panels and the latest large-format displays.
In recent years, to improve both visibility and design in the automotive field, LCDs are being used in an increasing number of systems, including instrument clusters, head-up displays, and automotive navigation. Furthermore, the demand for larger screen sizes necessitates a greater number of high-brightness LEDs for backlighting, as well as LED drivers with multi-channel operation and advanced dimming capabilities that can prevent flickering.
In response to this growing market need, ROHM has leveraged its industry-leading analog design technology and incorporated proprietary technologies into its LED drivers to achieve flicker-free operation and contribute to the design of a common control panel. The BD81A76EFV-M also allows designers to use larger LCD panels in automotive applications.
"ROHM's new LED driver enables design flexibility in modern display architectures and ensures backward compatibility, providing cost-effectiveness," says Stefan Drouzas, Product Marketing Manager Automotive Display Products, ROHM Semiconductor GmbH.
ROHM will remain committed to its contribution to technological innovation in the automotive sector by developing products that achieve greater optimization and greater energy savings in vehicle systems.
Key Features
1. Original Boost-Drop Control Supports Common Control Board Design
The BD81A76EFV-M incorporates a patented boost-drop control to provide greater application flexibility in LCD applications, unlike conventional 6-channel LED backlight drivers that only use boost control. While conventional LED drivers are only capable of controlling 36 to 60 LEDs (6-10 LEDs/channel), ROHM's new driver IC extends the range to 6 to 60 LEDs (1-10 LEDs/channel). This ensures compatibility not only with larger displays but also with small and medium-sized panels using a single driver, contributing to a common control board design.
2. The class-leading 6-channel output enables compatibility with the latest 12” displays.
The incorporation of a low-heat constant current driver allows for an LED current output of 120mA per channel, which can be considered best-in-class for 6 channels. Unlike conventional 4-channel products compatible with LCDs up to 8”, ROHM’s new driver can accommodate larger panels in the 10-12” class. Furthermore, the original PWM dimming technology (patent no. 2018-169705) provides a dimming ratio of 10,000:1, thus improving visibility and enabling greater design flexibility for central information displays and instrument clusters.
3. Low quiescent current minimizes power consumption.
Leveraging expertise in analog design and process technologies has enabled ROHM to reduce quiescent current consumption to just 10 µA. This reduces power consumption to less than 1/3 compared to functionally equivalent products with a quiescent current of 40 µA (typical).
4. The spread spectrum function ensures high reliability and quiet operation.
In addition to achieving AEC-Q100 automotive reliability certification, the BD81A76EFV-M incorporates a spread spectrum function as an EMI countermeasure, enabling it to meet the noise requirements of the CISPR25 standard for vehicle applications. The result is stable operation in noise-sensitive automotive systems.
Application examples
- Automotive navigation
- Central information displays (CIDs)
- Instrument panels
- Head-up displays (HUDs)
- Electronic mirrors
- Small/medium LCDs
...and other automotive displays (up to 12") requiring LED backlighting
Availability: immediate (samples), October 2019 (OEM quantities)
Range of LED driver integrated circuits for LCD backlighting in automotive applications
