Enhanced Automotive Matrix and Pixel Lighting Features
Provides low MOSFET drain-source resistance
Solving issues of heat generation, complexity, and design costs
Maxim Integrated Korea launched the 'MAX20092' 12-switch matrix manager on the 11th.

This IC, which achieves a small solution size and high flexibility while supporting the use of high-capacity current devices, provides an internal MOSFET drain-source resistance 65% lower than competing solutions, minimizing heat issues associated with LED matrix lighting applications.

Strategy Analytics identified safety and brand differentiation as key factors driving the adoption of LEDs in vehicle headlight platforms, and the market is growing by 30% annually. OEMs design advanced safety features, such as LED and matrix lighting and glare-free high beams, to achieve brand differentiation. However, designers of high-performance automotive matrix lighting and adaptive headlamp LED applications face challenges due to increasing power consumption, heat generation, and design complexity.

The MAX20092 supports matrix and pixel lighting with powerful and flexible current management. Twelve integrated switch-controlled LEDs with a maximum voltage of 65V reduce design time and complexity. With excellent performance and stability, the integrated MOSFET on-resistance (RDS_ON) is low at 0.1 ohms (Ω), enabling a maximum current supply of 1.5A. It is equipped with fault prevention and management functions for open, short, and open trace LED diagnostics. Continuous operation is possible in fault prevention mode, and slew-rate control reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise.

The MAX20092 saves Bill of Materials (BOM) cost and space by controlling one to two LEDs with 12-bit Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming capabilities. Built-in logarithmic fade-in/fade-out functions simplify LED programming and reduce system bus line loss. Up to 27 ICs can be connected in parallel without daisy-chaining. Designers can flexibly configure the system as follows: 1 string x 12 Series switch, 2 strings x 6 Series switch, or 4 strings x 3 Series switch. The Maxim 12 Switch LED Matrix Manager is available in a small 5mm x 5mm TQFN package.

Maxim has also released the MAX20096 and MAX20097 dual-channel synchronous buck high-brightness LED controllers compatible with the MAX20092. Both solutions help designers improve the transient response times of LED lights. Maxim's proprietary average current mode control scheme provides ultra-high-speed transient response speeds at a constant frequency level, minimizing EMI and enabling reliable, high-performance designs.

Kevin Mak, Senior Analyst for Automotive Strategy at Strategy Analytics, stated, “As technologies for improving LED efficiency and performance advance, there will be an increasing number of automotive platform applications for Matrix LED headlights,” adding, “The Maxim MAX20092 is a representative solution suitable for evolving automotive technology trends.”

"The MAX20092 enables the utilization of more LEDs in automotive designs while reducing component costs and solution design space," said Yin Wu, Business Manager of Maxim's Automotive Business Unit. "As LEDs gain attention for safety and OEM brand value, Maxim solutions support the application of more LEDs with enhanced flexibility and reliability."