The LITIX Basic product family provides precise current control across a wide voltage range. The family consists of 15-pin compatible linear current sources with 1 to 3 output channels and current ratings of 60 to 180 mA. The LITIX Basic family not only delivers stable and reliable LED brightness but also includes versions that support advanced diagnostic functions directly at the LED load. This feature enables automotive manufacturers to achieve the highest quality lighting.

Reduction of system complexity

Even today, most LED taillight designs control LEDs using discrete resistor solutions. In addition to resulting in high system costs due to the large number of discrete components, this method increases complexity and reduces the reliability of the LED taillight configuration. The LITIX Basic product family can reduce the number of PCB components by approximately 40%, thereby reducing the risk of failure and shortening the design and assembly steps where solder joint defects may occur.

Feature set expandable with pin-to-pin footprint compatibility

With the launch of the automotive-certified LITIX Basic family, Infineon becomes the first semiconductor company to offer a scalable portfolio consisting of 15 LED drivers using the same package footprint. This scalability allows for easy design modifications to reuse with new LED configurations in the event of changes in requirements, such as output current, or the need for fault detection. Load currents exceeding 180mA can be easily achieved by connecting multiple LITIX Basic LED drivers in parallel. The LITIX Basic family provides overload and overtemperature protection for all devices, including output current reduction, and features a wide power supply voltage range of 5.5V to 40V.

For devices with integrated diagnostic functions, short circuit (SC), open load (OL), or inter-device diagnostic bus (N-1) functions can be selected for LED chain error detection. The LITIX Basic driver is suitable for both centralized diagnostics, where error diagnosis is performed by a central body control module, and distributed diagnostics, which enable real-time error detection. In a distributed architecture, the LITIX Basic LED driver communicates with a microcontroller located inside the taillight or in an adjacent separate module. Whether centralized or distributed, the LITIX Basic LED driver's capabilities ensure rapid recovery by quickly identifying faulty lighting functions. This contributes to the high-quality image of the automotive brand by helping to meet safety and legal requirements and maintain the vehicle's appearance as designed by the automaker. Other options for the LITIX Basic LED driver include a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) engine that enables the easy implementation of two different light levels within a single light, such as a combination of stop lights and taillights.

"The LITIX Basic LED driver family is a very important product in the automotive LED market, which is expected to see double-digit growth within the next five years. The benefits of the LITIX system have already been recognized by automotive manufacturers worldwide," said Andreas Doll, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Body Power at Infineon Technologies.

Supply and packaging

Mass production of 15 LITIX Basic LED drivers has begun. The LITIX Basic devices are available in a lead-free “eco-friendly” RoHS certified SSOP package (PG-SSOP-14EP) with 14 pins and exposed pads.

More details about the LITIX Basic portfolio can be found at www.infineon.com/LITIX-basic.