AP4201

[AP4201]
AP4201
27ch 100mA LED Driver IC
1. General Description
The AP4201 is a 27 channel LED Driver that supports 2 types of serial interfaces (SCI serial interface or serial
F/F cascade interface) to program LED lighting. The built-in 100mA drivable power MOSFET is used to shut
off the LED current, and LEDs are controlled by a PWM method in accordance with the LED gradation data
that is programmed into the device. Constant current output and Open drain output are selectable by DRSET
setting pin. To reduce wirings in the system, voltage on anode side of LEDs can be communized. A maximum
of 32 devices can be connected on a single BUS to a common master device; furthermore, each AP4201 retains
its own programmed commands allowing continuous autonomous lighting. The internal UVLO function
prevents the LEDs from incorrect operations when the supply voltage is 4V or less. An internal over current
protection function and a thermal protection function are also integrated.
2. Features
 Power Supply Voltage
8.0V~24.0V
4.5V~5.5V (connect VIN pin and VDC1 pin)
 Oprating Temperature
0 ~ 70C
 Absolute Maximum Voltage
30V (VIN, LEDR0~8, LEDG0~8, LEDB0~8)
 2 Types of Serial Interface for Setting Lighting Data
- 4-wire SCI interface (maximum communication clock: 5MHz)
- Serial-F/F cascade
(maximum communication clock: 10MHz)
- Applicable to both 3.3V and 5.0V input signal (output is fixed to 5.0V)
 LED Current
maximum 100mA/ch
- Constant Current Output 50mA/ch
- Open Drain Output
100mA/ch
(Each channel current is less than the value above when 27 channels are set simultaneously)
 LED Gradation
8-bit PWM gradation method (256 gradation)
 Built-in PWM Generator, Adjustable PWM Period
 Simultaneous Lighting-Off Function (When SCI interface setting)
 Protection Function
- Under Voltage Lock Out (UVLO)
- Over Current Protection (timer latch recovery type)
- Thermal Shutdown (automatic recovery)
 Package
48-pin LQFP
 Application A LED loading machine for the decoration
015008157-E-00
-1-
2015/09
[AP4201]
3. Table of Contents
General Description ....................................................................................................................................1
Features .......................................................................................................................................................1
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................2
Block Diagram and Functions .....................................................................................................................3
■ Block Diagram.............................................................................................................................................3
■ Function .......................................................................................................................................................3
5. Ordering Guide ...........................................................................................................................................4
6. Pin Configurations and Functions ...............................................................................................................4
■ Pin Layout ...................................................................................................................................................4
■ Function .......................................................................................................................................................5
7. Absolute Maximum Rating .........................................................................................................................9
8. Recommended Operating Conditions .........................................................................................................9
9. Electrical Characteristics ..........................................................................................................................10
■ SCI Interface (AC timing) .........................................................................................................................11
■ Serial F/F Control (AC timing) .................................................................................................................12
10. Functional Descriptions .........................................................................................................................13
10.1.
Operation Outline ...........................................................................................................................13
10.2.
SCI Interface Command .................................................................................................................13
10.3.
Serial F/F Cascade Control ............................................................................................................19
10.4.
LED Current Setting (fixed current output) ...................................................................................20
10.5.
Input Voltage Range (VIN) ............................................................................................................21
10.6.
POR Operation (Power on Reset) ..................................................................................................21
10.7.
Reset State ......................................................................................................................................22
10.8.
Protection Functions ......................................................................................................................23
11. Recommended External Circuits ...........................................................................................................24
12. Package ..................................................................................................................................................25
■ Package ......................................................................................................................................................25
■ Marking .....................................................................................................................................................25
13. Revision History ....................................................................................................................................26
IMPORTANT NOTICE ...................................................................................................................................27
1.
2.
3.
4.
015008157-E-00
-2-
2015/09
[AP4201]
4. Block Diagram and Functions
■ Block Diagram
A1
A0
A3/CLRB
A2
A4/ENB
5.0V
LEDR0
CSB/LAT
LEDG0
LEDB0
TxD/SI
CONTROL
LOGIC
RxD/SO
UVLO
1.0mF
EN
VIN
VDC1
1.4MHz
OSC
5.0V
PWM
1.0mF
IREF
POR
EN
VDC2
1.0mF
PWMSET
VIN
1.8V
2-bit
DIVIDER
5.0V
27
LEDB1
LEDB8
VDC
THERMAL
SHUTDOWN
DRSET
LEDG1
PWM
GENERATOR 0
8-bit
COUNTER
LDO2
Constant Current
or
Open Drain
LEDR1
PWM
PWM
PWM
GENERATOR
26
GENERATOR 0
GENERATOR 0
LDO1
VREF
216-bit
REGISTER
LOW SIDE
CURRENT
SINK
DRSET
SCI
INTERFACE
PWM[26:0]
SCK/CLK
PGND
TSD
1.0V
SCIFEN
PWM
GND
DRSET
ISET_R ISET_G
SCIEN
RISET_R
RISET_G
ISET_B
RISET_B
Figure 1.Block Diagram
■ Function
No
Block
SCI
1
INTERFACE
CONTROL
2
LOGIC
“216-bit”
3
REGISTER
PWM
4
GENERATOR
5
1.4MHz OSC
6 “2-bit” DIVIDER
7 “8-bit” COUNTER
8
UVLO
9
LDO1
10
LDO2
11
VREF
12
IREF
13
POR
LOW SIDE
14
CURRENT SINK
THERMAL
15
SHUTDOWN
015008157-E-00
Function
In case of SCI: hold the setting data of the PWM gradation.
In case of serial F/F: hold the PWM gradation data.
Detect SCI instruction, control the operation mode.
Hold the 8-bit PWM gradation data of LEDR0~8, LEDG0~8 and LEDB0~8.
Compare PWM gradation with counter and generate PWM wave.
Generate 1.4MHz clock.
Divide 1.4MHz clock to 256 gradation clock.
Count with the 256 gradation clock within PWM period.
Generate reset signal for preventing unstable operating when input power voltage.
decreased.
Generate an internal 5 voltage. It can supply less than 30mA for driving external
circuit.
Generate an internal 1.8 voltage. Driving external circuit is forbidden.
Generate a reference voltage.
Generate a reference current.
Generate reset signal at power start up.
LED output driver which can set to current source or open drain output.
Over current protection circuit is built in.
Shut down the LED current and set the VDC1,VDC2 pins to 0 voltage when
internal temperature is more than setting value.
-3-
2015/09
[AP4201]
5. Ordering Guide
0  +70C
AP4201
48-pin LQFP
6. Pin Configurations and Functions
25:LEDB6
26:LEDR5
27:LEDG5
28:LEDB5
29:LEDR4
30:PGND
31:PGND
32:LEDG4
33:LEDB4
34:LEDR3
35:LEDG3
36:LEDB3
■ Pin Layout
37:LEDR2
24:LEDG6
38:LEDG2
23:LEDR6
39:LEDB2
22:LEDB7
40:LEDR1
21:LEDG7
41:LEDG1
20:LEDR7
42:LEDB1
19:LEDB8
(Top View)
015008157-E-00
-4-
12:GND
13:VIN
11:VDC1
48:A2
10:VDC2
14:ISET_R
9:PWMSET
47:A1
8:SCIEN
15:ISET_G
7:DRSET
46:A0
6:RxD/SO
16:ISET_B
5:TxD/SI
45:LEDB0
4:SCK/CLK
17:LEDR8
3:CSB/LAT
44:LEDG0
2:A4/ENB
18:LEDG8
1:A3/CLRB
43:LEDR0
2015/09
[AP4201]
■ Function
No.
Name
Equivalent circuit
VDC1
1
IC address input pin 3 (built in 100k ohm pull-up resistor).
Configure by connecting to GND or open.
CLRB input pin used for serial F/F.
Data clear pin used for shift register.
A3/CLRB
VDC1
2
VDC1
A4/ENB
VDC1
3
CSB/LAT
VDC1
4
SCK/CLK
VDC1
5
Explanation
VDC1
TxD/SI
IC address input pin 4 (built in 100 k ohm pull-up resistor).
Configure by connecting to GND or open.
ENB input pin used for serial F/F.
Control the shift resister data which reflect to PWM data
or not.
Strobe signal input pin for SCI.
Respective orders are accepted when the CSB terminal
goes “L” level. The CSB terminal always needs to be “L”
level while commands are entered or data are transferred.
If the CSB pin goes “H” level when data are transferred,
the commands are disregarded.
LAT signal input pin used for serial F/F.
Input LAT signal for shift register.
Clock signal input for SCI.
Writing data is entered from the TxD pin at the SCK rising
edge, reading data is output to RxD pin at the SCK falling
edge. It is not always necessary to supply a clock signal to
the SCK pin.
CLK signal input pin used for serial F/F.
CLK signal for shift register.
Data signal input pin.
To input commands, writing data.
SI input pin for serial F/F.
To input data signal of shift register.
Input to F/F which determine LEDB0 lighting data.
VDC1
6
Data signal output pin for SCI.
To output reading data.
Outputs Hi-Z except when data is output.
SO output pin for serial F/F.
To output data signal of shift register.
Output from F/F which determine LEDR8 lighting data.
RxD/SO
VDC1
7
Switching pin which can switch to driver output current
source or open drain (100kohm pull up)
Connect to GND or set to open.
If connect to GND, it can work as open drain mode.
DRSET
VDC1
8
VDC1
SCIEN
015008157-E-00
VDC1
Enable pin for serial interface. (100kohm pull up)
Connect to GND or set to open.
If connect to GND, it can work as serial F/F control mode.
If open this pin, it can work as SCI control mode.
-5-
2015/09
[AP4201]
VDC1
9
PWMSET
PWM period setting pin. (100kohm pull down)
Connect to VDC1 pin or set to open.
If connect to GND (or open),
PWM gradation period= low speed 546µs(typ.)
If connect to VDC1 pin,
PWM gradation period= high speed 364µs(typ.)
VIN
10
VDC2
Internal
circuit
Internal 1.8V LDO output pin.
Drive external circuit is prohibited.
Connect a 1.0µF capacitor between the VDC2 pin and
GND.
VIN
11
VDC1
Internal
circuit
12
13
GND
-
Internal 5V LDO output pin.
External current capability is 30mA maximum.
Connect a 1.0µF capacitor between the VDC terminal and
GND.
Ground
VIN
VDC
IC power input pin.
Internal 5V LDO’s output and 1.8V output.
Connect a 1.0µF capacitor between the VDC terminal and
GND.
VDC1
14
ISET_R
15
ISET_G
Same as 14-pin
16
ISET_B
Same as 14-pin
17
1.0V
+
-
The pin which set the current of LEDG0~8. (same as 14
pin)
The pin which set the current of LEDB0~8. (same as 14
pin)
R8 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output.
Control the internal MONFET to drive LED with lighting
setting.
LEDR8
18
LEDG8
Same as 17-pin
19
LEDB8
Same as 17-pin
015008157-E-00
Current setting pin for LEDR0~8.
Connect an external resistor between this pin and GND.
G8 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output.
Control the internal MONFET to drive LED with lighting
setting.
B8 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output.
Control the internal MONFET to drive LED with lighting
setting.
-6-
2015/09
[AP4201]
20
LEDR7
Same as 17-pin
21
LEDG7
Same as 17-pin
22
LEDB7
Same as 17-pin
23
LEDR6
Same as 17-pin
24
LEDG6
Same as 17-pin
25
LEDB6
Same as 17-pin
26
LEDR5
Same as 17-pin
27
LEDG5
Same as 17-pin
28
LEDB5
Same as 17-pin
29
LEDR4
Same as 17-pin
30
PGND
31
PGND
32
LEDG4
-
Ground pin for LED current.
Ground pin for LED current.
Same as 17-pin
G4 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
lighting setting.
B4 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
33
LEDB4
Same as 17-pin
34
LEDR3
Same as 17-pin
35
LEDG3
Same as 17-pin
36
LEDB3
Same as 17-pin
37
LEDR2
Same as 17-pin
015008157-E-00
R7 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
G7 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
B7 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
R6 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
G6 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
B6 pin which connect to LED cathode. Current
source/open drain output. Control the internal MONFET
to drive LED with lighting setting.
R5 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
G5 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
B5 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MON-FET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
R4 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
lighting setting.
R3 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
G3 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
B3 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
R2 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting
-7-
2015/09
[AP4201]
38
LEDG2
Same as 17-pin
39
LEDB2
Same as 17-pin
40
LEDR1
Same as 17-pin
41
LEDG1
Same as 17-pin
42
LEDB1
Same as 17-pin
43
LEDR0
Same as 17-pin
44
LEDG0
Same as 17-pin
45
LEDB0
Same as 17-pin
VDC1
46
IC address input pin 0 (Built in 100kΩ pull-up resistor)
Configure by connecting to GND or OPEN.
VDC1
IC address input pin 1 (Built in 100kΩ pull-up resistor)
Configure by connecting to GND or OPEN.
A1
VDC1
48
VDC1
A0
VDC1
47
A2
G2 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting
B2 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
B2 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
G1 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
B1 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
R0 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
G0 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
B0 pin (connect to LED cathode).Current source/open
drain output. Control the internal MONFET to drive LED
with lighting setting.
VDC1
IC address input pin 2 (Built in 100kΩ pull-up resistor)
Configure by connecting to GND or OPEN.
Note 1. Handling of unused pins. (complementary): Set all unused pins open when the either interface for LED
gradation data is selected. There is no need to connect unused pin to GND. Since No. 3~5 pins are always
used, the circuit for unused status is not built-in to these pins. It is necessary to control these pins to not
become Hi-Z state while the power is supplied.
Note 2. The PGND pin and the GND pin are not connected internally. Therefore these pins must be connected
externally.
Note 3.
symbol means high voltage tolerance MOS, the pin with this MOS can tolerate high voltage.
015008157-E-00
-8-
2015/09
[AP4201]
7. Absolute Maximum Rating
Parameter
Symbol
min
max
Unit
VIN voltage
VIN
-0.3
30
V
LEDR0-8, LEDG0-8, LED B0-8 voltage
VLED
-0.3
30
V
CSB/LAT, SCK/CLK, TxD/SI, A0-2, A3/CLRB,
-0.3
VDC1 + 0.3
V
A4/ENB, RxD/SO, DRSET Voltage (Note 7)
-0.3
1.98
V
VDC2 Voltage
PWMSET, VDC1, ISET_R, ISET_G, ISET_B
-0.3
5.5
V
voltage
Power Dissipation (Note 5, Note 6)
PD
1400
mW
Storage Temperature
TSTG
-40
150
°C
Note 4. All voltages are with respect to GND pin (GND, PGND) as zero (reference) voltage.
Note 5. PD is decreased at the rate of 14mW/C when Ta≥25C. (Mounted on 100 mm  103 mm t=1.0mm
double side FR-4 board.)
Note 6. When calculating thermal design, please include the heat generated by the internal regulator along
with the LED pins.
• The case of fixed current output:
IC power consumption
= LED pins power consumption (LED current*LED pin voltage) * LED numbers
+Internal LDO power consumption [(VIN-VDC1) * (VDC1 output current+IC consumption (8.5mA))]
+VDC1*IC consumption (8.5mA)
• The case of open drain output:
IC power consumption
= LED pins power consumption (LED current*LED current*LED ON-resistor 9.3ohm)*LED numbers
+Internal LDO power consumption [(VIN-VDC1) * (VDC1 output current+IC consumption (2mA))]
+VDC1*IC consumption (2mA)
Note 7. The maximum value is limited to 5.5V when the VDC1 exceeds 5.2V.
WARING: Operation at or beyond these limits may result in permanent damage to the device.
Normal operation is not guaranteed at these extremes.
8. Recommended Operating Conditions
Parameter
Symbol
min
typ
max
Unit
Input Voltage 1
VIN1
8.0
12.0
24.0
V
Input Voltage 2
VIN2
4.5
5.0
5.5
V
Maximum LDO1 output
IDC
30
current
Maximum LED pin voltage
VLEDOFF
24.0
Operation Temperature
Ta
0
70
Note 8. Input range (VIN pin voltage) = 5.5V~8.0V is prohibited.
Conditions
Not connect VIN pin and
VDC1 pin
Connect VIN pin and VDC1
pin
mA
VIN=12V
V
°C
LED pin= off setting
WARNING: AKM assumes no responsibility for the usage beyond the conditions in this data sheet.
015008157-E-00
-9-
2015/09
[AP4201]
9. Electrical Characteristics
(VIN=12V, GND=PGND=0V, Ta=+25 C, Capacitor at VIN, VDC1 and VDC2 pins = 1.0μF. DRSET=”H”
(fixed current), RISET_R=RISET_G=RISET_B= 33.3kΩ; Recommend Parts, unless otherwise specified)
Parameter
Symbol
min
typ
max
IDD1
-
1.2
2.0
IDD2
-
1.3
2.0
IDD3
-
5.0
8.5
IDD4
-
5.0
8.5
VIN Reset Voltage
VINRST
-
4.0
4.2
V
VIN Hysteresis Width
VINHYS
-
0.2
-
V
VDC1
VDC2
ILEDO
ILEDC
4.75
-
5.0
1.8
-
5.25
100
50
V
V
mA
mA
RLED
-
6
9.3
Ω
1.8
-
(Note 10)
V
0.8
-
(Note 10)
V
Power Consumption
Unit
mA
LDO1 Output Voltage
LDO2 Output Voltage
LED Current Capability
per Channel
LED current switching
MOS-FET ON resistance
LED pin Voltage
(for all 27 channels)
RLED
Conditions
DRSET=”L” (open drain)
PWM duty= 0%
DRSET=”L” (open drain)
PWM duty=50%
DRSET=”H” (fixed current)
PWM duty= 0%
DRSET=”L” (fixed current)
PWM duty= 50%
Activated by decreasing VIN from
normal state.
Hysteresis between VINrst and
VIN set voltage (VINset)
(VINset>VINrst)
VIN=12V, IDC1=-30mA (Note 9)
VIN=12V, IDC2=-0mA
DRSET=”L” (open drain)
DRSET= “H” (fixed current)
DRSET=”L” (open drain)
LED current= +100mA
DRSET=”H” (fixed current)
LED current= +50mA
RISET= 20kΩ
DRSET=”H” (fixed current)
LED current= +15mA
RISET= 66.7kΩ
DRSET=”H” (fixed current)
DRSET=”H” (fixed current)
RISET= 66.7kΩ
DRSET=”H” (fixed current)
(Note 11)
LED pin voltage= 24V
All setting value
All setting value
PWMSET=”L”
PWMSET=”H”
LED Current Accuracy 1
ILEDC1
28.05
30.0
31.95
mA
LED Current Accuracy 2
ILEDC2
13.95
15.0
16.05
mA
LED Current Mismatch
△ILED
-4
-
4
%
ILEAK_LED
TPWM
DPWM
VIH
VIL
-10
0
2.5
-0.2
±1
±1
-
1.0
+10
100
5.5
0.5
μA
%
%
LSB
LSB
V
V
VOH
3.7
-
5.3
V
IO=-500μA
VOL
ILI
ILO
0
-1.0
-1.0
-
0.8
1.0
1.0
V
μA
μA
IO=+500μA
CSB, SCK, TxD pins
LED pin off-lead Current
PWM Period Accuracy
PWM Setting Range
PWM Setting Error
-
Input High-level Voltage
Input Low-level Voltage
Output High-level
Voltage
Output Low-level Voltage
Input Leak Current
Output Leak Current
Note 9. IDC1=-30mA means that internal 5V LDO1 (VDC1 pin) can drive external circuit less than 30mA.
Note 10. VLED identifies the voltage range. There is a range that cannot be set even less than absolute maximum
voltage (30V) because of the maximum power dissipation. Please refer to “10.8 Protection Functions”.
Note 11. △I LED (%) 
015008157-E-00
I LEDxxMAX  I LEDxxMIN
100
I LEDxxMAX  I LEDxxMIN
- 10 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
■ SCI Interface (AC timing)
Table 1. SCI Timing
Parameter
SCK Period
SCK Pulse Width
CSB Set-up Time
CSB Hold Time
Data Set-up Time
Data Hold Time
Symbol
tSCKP
tSCKW
tCSS
tCSH
tDIS
tDIH
typ
-
max
80
50
-
Unit
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
ns
μs
Condition
RxD pin Output Delay Time
tPD
CSB High-level Minimum Time
RxD pin High-impedance Output
Delay Time
tCS
min
200
60
50
70
50
70
2
tOZ
-
-
250
ns
CL=100pF
-
-
tSCKW×15%
600
tSCKW×15%
600
ns
ns
ns
ns
tSCKW<4000ns
tSCKW≥4000ns
tSCKW<4000ns
tSCKW≥4000ns
tSCKW
tSCKW
SCK, CSB, TxD Raising Time
tCSR
SCK, CSB, TxD Falling Time
tCSF
tCS
CL=100pF
CL=20pF
tCSS
CSB
tSCKP
SCK
tDIS
tDIH
TxD
RxD
Hi-Z
Figure 2. SCI Interface Timing Chart 1
015008157-E-00
- 11 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
“H”
CSB
tSCKP
“L”
tSCKW
tSCKW
tSCKH
SCK
tDIS
tDIH
TxD
tPD
RxD
tPD
Hi-Z
tCSH
CSB
SCK
TxD
tOZ
RxD
tSCR
tSCF
0.8 VDC
SCK, CSB, TxD
0.2 VDC
Figure 3. SCI Interface Timing Chart 2
■ Serial F/F Control (AC timing)
Table 2. Serial F/F Control Timing
Parameter
Symbol
min
typ
max
Unit
Condition
CLK Period
tCLP
100
ns
CLK Pulse Width
tCLW
40
ns
Data Set-up Time
tDIS
25
ns
Data Hold Time
tDIH
40
ns
LAT Pulse Width
tLAW
2
μs
The AC timings of CLK (SCK), LAT (CSB), SI (TxD) and SO (RxD) are the same as the SCI interface except
data set-up time and data hold time. But the SO (RxD) pin output delay time is the value when CL=20pF.
tCLP
tCLW tCLW
CLK
tLAW
tLAW
LAT
Figure 4. Serial F/F Control timing
015008157-E-00
- 12 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
10. Functional Descriptions
10.1. Operation Outline
The AP4201 controls external LED lights using the data that can be configured by two types of interfaces
(4-wire SCI control, serial F/F control). Fixed current output or open drain can be selected by the DRSET pin
setting. LED lighting is performed by switching the LED current using internal MOSFET controlled by the
PWM method. In this case, LED current will be set by an external resistor which is connected to each LED pin
when open drain is selected. When fixed current is selected, LED current will be set by an external resistor
which is connected to each RGB line, and the all LED pins in the same color are set with the same value.
The AP4201 has an IC address configured by OPEN/SHORT setting of the A0 to A4 pins, and the LED pin
addresses that are determined through the SCI interface. By using this IC address configuration,
diversification of the LED lighting across multiple AP4201s in a single BUS can be achieved.
By using the OENB pin, all LEDs can be simultaneously turned off regardless of the signal from the SCI
interface. However, this is not the lowest power consumption state because the LED gradation data is still
being held even while all LEDs are turned off.
Table 3. Description Table for Setting Pins
DRSET pin
DRSET setting result
Connect to GND (“L”)
Open drain output
OPEN (“H”)
Fixed current output
PWMSET pin
Connect to GND (“L”)
Connect to VDC (“H”)
SCIEN pin
Connect to GND (“L”)
OPEN (“H”)
SCIEN setting result
Serial F/F control
SCI control
Dimming PWM frequency[Hz] (same as period[µs]) (typ)
1830Hz (546µs)
2745Hz (364µs)
10.2. SCI Interface Command
Table 4. Command Description (Hereinafter initial “16-bit” data transmission is called command part)
Instruction
Function
Description
Content
Instruction Designate instruction contents by initial “4-bit”
Instructions for a different configured address
“A4~A0”
Assign the IC address
(set by these pins) are ignored. (“H” display)
“1”= Write
“RW”
“0”= Read
“1”= All LED pins (all RGB sets)
“ALL”
Give the priority to the setting of “ch3~ch0”
“0”= Base on ch3~ch0 setting
Set to [1] only in case of PWM output stopped
“1”= LED gradation PWM output stop
“RST”
Stopped in case of「RW」=「ALL」=「RST」
“0”= Normal operation setting value
= “1”
“ch3~ch0” Assign RGB sets in case of ALL= “0”
015008157-E-00
- 13 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
Table 5. LED Line Address
ch3
0
LED line address
ch2
ch1
ch0
0
0
0
Channel
(LED line)
LEDR0, LEDG0, LEDB0
ch3
1
LED line address
ch2
ch1
ch0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
LEDR1, LEDG1, LEDB1
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
LEDR2, LEDG2, LEDB2
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
LEDR3, LEDG3, LEDB3
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
LEDR4, LEDG4, LEDB4
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
LEDR5, LEDG5, LEDB5
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
LEDR6, LEDG6, LEDB6
LEDR7, LEDG7, LEDB7
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
Channel
(LED line)
LEDR8, LEDG8, LEDB8
LEDR8~LEDR0
write to LEDR pins in order
LEDG8~LEDG0
write to LEDG pins in order
LEDB8~LEDB0
write to LEDB pins in order
LED*8~LED*0
write to LEDR,G,B pins with
same data at the same time
LED**
write to all LED pins with same
data
Setting is prohibited
Table 6. Command Table
Command
SCL
Normal
Unreflected
Lach
1
0
0
0
Instruction
2
3
0
1
0
0
0
0
4
0
1
0
5
A4
IC address
6
7
8
A3
A2
A1
9
RW
10
ALL
11
RST
12
13
A0
RW
ALL
RST
ch3
LED address
14
15
16
ch2
ch1 ch0
Pin
SCK
TxD
Do Not Enter
Note 12. Changing setting of the A4~A0 pins is prohibited when the CSB pin= “L” (during command input).
Note 13.
1. Normal Command: when the CSB pin is set “H” after executing a command, the state of the LED lighting
reflects the PWM gradation data configured by the command.
2. Unreflected Command: when the CSB pin is set “H” after executing a command, the state of LED
lighting does not reflect the PWM gradation data configured by the command. LED lighting is not
changed by executing the command.
3. Latch Command: Latch Command simultaneously executes the LED lighting based on all the PWM
gradation data in the IC when the CSB pin is set “H” after executing the Latch command.
4. When the latch command is executed, LEDs that are not set with PWM gradation data are turned off.
5. In case of the latch command, the CSB pin can be set “H” after entering the “4-bit” instruction.
6. When ALL= “0” is set, the PWM gradation data should be set for 1-RGB (=3 LED lines).
e.g. In the case of ch3~ch0= “0011”, (R3D7~R3D0) (G3D7~G3D0) (B3D7~B3D0) should be set with
the same command.
7. When ALL= “0” is set, there is a possibility that the AP4201 becomes shipping test status by setting a one
LED line address to the “setting prohibited status” twice continuously. (It is necessary to supply the
power again to recover from this shipping test status.)
Table 7. IC Address List
IC Address Data [A4~A0]: Command will be executed to the assigned IC address.
00000 = Address 0
01000 = Address 8
10000 = Address 16
11000 = Address 24
00001 = Address 1
01001 = Address 9
10001 = Address 17
11001 = Address 25
00010 = Address 2
01010 = Address 10
10010 = Address 18
11010 = Address 26
00011 = Address 3
01011 = Address 11
10011 = Address 19
11011 = Address 27
00100 = Address 4
01100 = Address 12
10100 = Address 20
11100 = Address 28
00101 = Address 5
01101 = Address 13
10101 = Address 21
11101 = Address 29
00110 = Address 6
01110 = Address 14
10110 = Address 22
11110 = Address 30
00111 = Address 7
01111 = Address 15
10111 = Address 23
11111 = Address 31
Note 14. Set address 0~31 by the A4~A0 pin for IC address setting (connect to GND or OPEN).
015008157-E-00
- 14 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
Table 8. Normal Command Examples
Normal
Command
SCL(times)
Case 1
Case 2
Case 3
Case 4
Case 5
Case 6
Case 7
Instruction
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
IC Address
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
A4
A4
A4
A4
A4
A4
A4
6
A3
A3
A3
A3
A3
A3
A3
7
A2
A2
A2
A2
A2
A2
A2
8
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
9
A0
A0
A0
A0
A0
A0
A0
RW
ALL
RST
10
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
11
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
LED Line Address
13
0
0
1
1
14
1
0
0
1
15
0
1
0
0
Pin
16
0
0
1
0
SCK
TxD
Note 15. ‘Data’ described below represents the PWM gradation data for each individual LED channel. The
PWM gradation data is set in hexadecimal for the lighting ratio. “8-bit” data “10(H)” generates a light level of
16/255. (All-0= “00(H)”= turns all LEDs off)
Case 1: Write LED gradation data using an “8-bit” configuration to the IC assigned by an IC address.
In accordance with [ALL] = “1”, write data to all the LED lines. In this case, LED line address data are
ignored; however, the 4 clock pulses for the LED line addresses are still necessary. Following the
initial “16-bit” command, “8-bit” x 27 LED lines = “216-bit” of data input are necessary.
Case 2: Write LED gradation data using an “8-bit” configuration to the IC assigned by an IC address.
In accordance with [ALL] = “0”, write data to a specified 3 colors LED line(LEDR4, LEDG4,
LEDB4). Following the initial “16-bit” command, “8-bit” x 3 LED lines = “24-bit” of data input are
necessary.
Case 3: Read LED gradation data using an “8-bit” configuration from the IC assigned by an IC address. In
accordance with [ALL] = “1”, read data from all the LED lines. In this case, LED line address data are
ignored; however, the 4 clock pulses for the LED line addresses are still necessary. Following the
initial “16-bit” command, CLK pulses for “8-bit” x 27 LED lines = “216-bit” are necessary.
Case 4: Read LED gradation data using a “8-bit” configuration from the IC assigned by an IC address. In
accordance with [ALL] = “0”, read data from a specified 3 colors LED lines (LEDR2, LEDG2,
LEDB2). In this case, Following the initial “16-bit” command, CLK pulses for “8-bit” x 3 LED lines =
“24-bit” are necessary.
Case 5: This command means [turn off all at once].
In accordance with [RW]=[ALL]=[RST]= “1”, turn off LEDs of the IC assigned by an IC address.
This command is used to turn off all LED lines, the LED gradation data before turning off will be kept
continually. Executing a latch command can relight the LEDs with the same gradation data.
This command is valid when the instruction= [normal command], [RW]=[ALL]=[RST]= “1” and
command length ≥ “16-bit” (need “16-bit” CLK pulse input). If [RST]= “1” is input when these
conditions are not satisfied, [RST] command will be recognized as “0”. (This command is used for
LED dynamic and scanning drives.)
Case 6: Write LED gradation data by an “8-bit” configuration to an IC assigned by the IC address.
In accordance with [ALL]= “0” and LED line setting (ch3~ch0), only write [R] data to LED lines in
the order as shown below.
(R8D7~R8D0) (R7D7~R7D0) … (R0D7~R0D0) ［Total “8-bit”×9LED lines = “72-bit” (bit number
of data)］
Case 7. Write LED gradation data using an “8-bit” configuration to an IC assigned the IC address.
In accordance with [ALL]= “0” and LED line setting (ch3~ch0), write data to one set of LED lines for
three colors in the order as shown below.
(RxD7~RxD0) (GxD7~GxD0) (BxD7~BxD0) [Total “8-bit”×3LED lines = “24-bit” (bit number of
data)]. For this setting, the data of one set of written LED lines for three colors is reflected to all LED
lines.
015008157-E-00
- 15 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
・Timing Diagram
RW=1,ALL=1,RST=0,ch3～ch0=任意　の場合　（RxDはHi-Z出力される）
RW= “1”, ALL= “1”, RST= “0”, ch3~ch0= “arbitrary value” (RxD outputs Hi-Z)
CSB
SCK
1
0
TxD
SCK
TxD
SCK
TxD
2
3
0
1
18
17
R8D7
B8D7
35
37
B8D4
38
R8D1
B8D0
27
G8D6
41
28
G8D5
42
R7D7
12
13
14
ALL RST ch3
26
G8D7
40
11
RW
25
R8D0
B8D1
10
A0
24
39
B8D2
9
A1
23
R8D2
B8D3
8
A2
22
R8D3
36
7
A3
21
R8D4
B8D5
B8D6
6
A4
20
R8D5
34
5
0
19
R8D6
33
4
G8D4
43
R7D6
29
44
R7D5
G8D3
45
R7D4
ch2
30
G8D2
46
R7D3
R7D2
15
ch1
31
G8D1
47
R7D1
16
ch0
32
G8D0
48
R7D0
CSB
SCK
TxD
218
217
G0D7
219
G0D6
220
G0D5
221
G0D4
222
G0D3
223
G0D2
224
G0D1
225
G0D0
226
B0D7
227
B0D6
228
B0D5
229
B0D4
230
B0D3
B0D2
231
B0D1
232
B0D0
RW=1,ALL=0,RST=0,ch3～ch0=0100　の場合　（RxDはHi-Z出力される）
RW=
“1”, ALL= “0”, RST= “0”, ch3~ch0= “0100” (RxD outputs Hi-Z)
CSB
SCK
1
0
TxD
SCK
2
17
TxD
R4D7
3
0
18
R4D6
4
1
19
R4D5
5
0
20
R4D4
A4
21
R4D3
6
A3
22
R4D2
7
8
A2
23
A1
24
R4D1
R4D0
9
A0
25
G4D7
10
11
12
13
RW ALL RST ch3
26
G4D6
27
G4D5
28
G4D4
29
G4D3
14
ch2
30
G4D2
15
16
ch1
31
ch0
32
G4D1
G4D0
CSB
SCK
33
TxD
B4D7
34
B4D6
35
B4D5
36
B4D4
37
B4D3
38
B4D2
39
40
B4D1
B4D0
LED line (gradation data): R4、G4、B4
Data write order (MSB-first):
R4D7, R4D6, …R4D1, R4D0, G4D7, G4D6, …G4D1, G4D0, B4D7, B4D6, …B4D1, B4D0
015008157-E-00
- 16 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
RW=0,ALL=1,RST=0,ch3～ch0=任意　の場合
RW= “0”, ALL= “1”, RST= “0”, ch3~ch0= “random”
CSB
SCK
TxD
1
2
0
3
0
4
1
5
0
6
A4
7
A3
8
A2
A1
RxD
SCK
9
10
A0
11
12
13
14
RW ALL RST ch3
15
ch2
16
ch1
ch0
Hi-Z
18
17
19
20
21
22
R8D4
R8D3
36
37
B8D4
B8D3
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
TxD
RxD
SCK
R8D7
R8D5
R8D6
34
33
35
R8D2
R8D1
38
R8D0
39
G8D7
40
G8D6
41
42
G8D5
43
G8D4
G8D3
44
45
R7D4
R7D3
G8D2
G8D1
46
G8D0
47
48
TxD
RxD
B8D7
B8D5
B8D6
B8D2
B8D1
B8D0
R7D7
R7D6
R7D5
R7D2
R7D1
R7D0
CSB
SCK
218
217
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
TxD
RxD
G0D7
G0D5
G0D6
G0D4
G0D3
G0D2
G0D1
G0D0
B0D7
B0D6
B0D5
B0D4
B0D3
B0D2
B0D1
B0D0
RW=0,ALL=0,RST=0,ch3～ch0=0010　の場合
RW= “0”, ALL= “0”, RST= “0”, ch3~ch0= “0010”
CSB
SCK
TxD
1
2
0
3
0
4
1
5
0
A4
6
A3
7
8
A2
RxD
SCK
9
A1
A0
10
11
12
13
RW ALL RST ch3
14
ch2
15
ch1
16
ch0
Hi-Z
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
G2D3
G2D2
31
32
TxD
RxD
R2D7
R2D6
R2D5
R2D4
R2D3
R2D2
R2D1
R2D0
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
B2D7
B2D6
B2D5
B2D4
B2D3
B2D2
B2D1
G2D7
G2D6
G2D5
G2D4
G2D1
G2D0
CSB
SCK
TxD
RxD
015008157-E-00
B2D0
- 17 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
RW=1,ALL=1,RST=1,ch3～ch0=任意　の場合　（RxDはHi-Z出力される）
RW= “1”, ALL= “1”, RST= “1”, ch3~ch0= “random” (RxD output Hi-Z)
CSB
SCK
1
2
0
TxD
3
0
4
1
5
0
6
A4
7
A3
8
A2
9
A1
10
A0
RW
11
12
13
ALL RST ch3
14
15
ch2
16
ch1
ch0
15
16
RW=1,ALL=0,RST=0,ch3～ch0=1001　の場合　（RxDはHi-Z出力される）
RW= “1”, ALL= “0”, RST= “0”, ch3~ch0= “1001” (RxD output Hi-Z)
CSB
SCK
1
0
TxD
SCK
TxD
SCK
TxD
2
3
0
18
17
R8D7
R6D7
1
19
R8D6
34
33
4
0
20
R8D5
35
R6D6
5
A4
21
R8D4
36
R6D5
6
R8D3
37
R6D4
R6D3
7
A3
22
R8D2
38
R6D2
8
A2
23
9
A1
24
R8D1
39
R8D0
40
R6D1
R6D0
10
A0
25
R7D7
41
R5D7
RW
26
R7D6
42
R5D6
11
12
13
ALL RST ch3
27
R7D5
43
R5D5
28
R7D4
44
R5D4
29
R7D3
45
R5D3
14
ch2
30
R7D2
46
R5D2
ch1
31
R7D1
47
R5D1
ch0
32
R7D0
48
R5D0
CSB
SCK
TxD
74
73
R1D7
75
R1D6
76
R1D5
77
R1D4
R1D3
78
R1D2
79
80
R1D1
R1D0
81
R0D7
82
R0D6
83
R0D5
84
R0D4
85
R0D3
86
R0D2
87
88
R0D1
R0D0
15
16
RW=1,ALL=0,RST=0,ch3～ch0=0000～0111　の場合　（RxDはHi-Z出力される）
RW= “1”, ALL= “0”, RST= “0”, ch3~ch0= “0000~0111” (RxD output Hi-Z)
CSB
SCK
1
0
TxD
SCK
TxD
2
17
R*D7
3
0
18
R*D6
4
1
19
R*D5
5
0
20
R*D4
A4
21
R*D3
6
A3
22
R*D2
7
8
A2
23
A1
24
R*D1
R*D0
9
A0
25
G*D7
10
11
12
13
RW ALL RST ch3
26
G*D6
27
G*D5
28
G*D4
29
G*D3
14
ch2
30
G*D2
ch1
31
G*D1
ch0
32
G*D0
CSB
SCK
TxD
33
B*D7
015008157-E-00
34
B*D6
35
B*D5
36
B*D4
37
B*D3
38
B*D2
39
40
B*D1
B*D0
- 18 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
10.3. Serial F/F Cascade Control
Input LED gradation data serially (8 bits x 27ch= 216 bits) and set PWM data from internal shift register to
control LEDs. Multiple AP4201s can be used to control LEDs with shift register by connecting the SO output
pin to the next IC’s SI pin.
Table 9. Serial F/F Cascade Control
Input
CLRB CLK
LAT
ENB
L
×
×
×
H
L
H
H
L
L
H
L
H
Shift register
Latch Data
LED pin
L
Data shift (Note 16)
SI→PWM_B0→
PWM_G0→PWM_R0→
PWM_B1→
:
:
PWM_7R→
PWM_8B→PWM_8G→
PWM_8R→SO
Data shift (Note 16)
SI→PWM_B0→
PWM_G0→PWM_R0→
PWM_B1→
:
:
PWM_7R→
PWM_8B→PWM_8G→
PWM_8R→SO
Not shift
L
OFF
Hold
OFF
Hold
ON at PWM signal = “1”
OFF at PWM signal = “0”
Transfer
off
ON at PWM signal = “1”
H
L
L
Not shift
Transfer
OFF at PWM signal = “0”
ON at PWM signal = “1”
H
×
×
L
－
－
OFF at PWM signal = “0”
Note 16. PWM_Rx, PWM_Gx, PWM_Bx (x=8~0) means shift each channel’s PWM gradation data.
(same as CSI control, input with MSB order)
e.g.) PWM_B0: “B0D0→B0D1→B0D2→B0D3→B0D4→B0D5→B0D6→B0D7”
(B0D0 is the LSB gradation data of LEDB0, B0D7 is the MSB gradation data of LEDB0)
SI
CLK
LAT
ENB
PWM Signal (take PWM data with LAT rising,
PWM信号（LAT立ち上がりでPWMデータ取り込
and start PWM signal)
み、及び、PWM信号開始）
LED Lighting Control Signal
(LED output change with ENB falling
LED発光制御信号（ENB立ち下がりでLED出力変化）
The SI inputLAT立ち上がりでSI入力シフトデータを複数chipで同時に取り込み、
shift data can be taken by many chips with LAT rising.
Output eachchip毎にENB=0のときにLED発光制御信号を出力（ENB=1のときには全chがOFF）
chip’s LED lighting control signal when ENB= “0” (ENB= “1”: all channel= “off”)
Figure 5. Serial F/F Cascade Control
015008157-E-00
- 19 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
10.4. LED Current Setting (fixed current output)
The AP4201 integrates 27-channel current sources for driving LEDs. The maximum current for each channel
is 50mA. LED current can be adjusted from 5mA to 50mA with an external resistor which is connected
between the ISET pin and GND. Since the ISET pin is easily affected by a noise, RISET layout should take a
shortest connection to avoid unstable LED current. The ISET_R pin is used to set LEDR0~8 current, the
ISET_G pin used to set LEDG0~8 current and the ISET_B pin used to set LEDB0 ~ 8 current.
An approximate formula of ILED, that is LED current, and RISET resistor, which is connected to the ISET
pin, and a relationship table between ILED and RISET are shown below. Please confirm actual values on your
board when setting.
ILED(mA) 
1000
R ISET (k)
Table 10. Combination of ILED and RISET
RISET_R (kΩ)
ILEDRx (mA)
RISET_G (kΩ)
ILEDGx (mA)
RISET_B (kΩ)
ILEDBx (mA)
200.0
5.0
166.7
6.0
142.9
7.0
125.0
8.0
111.1
9.0
100.0
10.0
90.9
11.0
83.3
12.0
76.9
13.0
71.4
14.0
66.7
15.0
62.5
16.0
58.8
17.0
55.6
18.0
52.6
19.0
50.0
20.0
47.6
21.0
45.5
22.0
43.5
23.0
41.7
24.0
40.0
25.0
38.5
26.0
37.0
27.0
015008157-E-00
RISET_R (kΩ)
RISET_G (kΩ)
RISET_B (kΩ)
35.7
34.5
33.3
32.3
31.3
30.3
29.4
28.6
27.8
27.0
26.3
25.6
25.0
24.4
23.8
23.3
22.7
22.2
21.7
21.3
20.8
20.4
20.0
- 20 -
ILEDRx (mA)
ILEDGx (mA)
ILEDBx (mA)
28.0
29.0
30.0
31.0
32.0
33.0
34.0
35.0
36.0
37.0
38.0
39.0
40.0
41.0
42.0
43.0
44.0
45.0
46.0
47.0
48.0
49.0
50.0
2015/09
[AP4201]
10.5. Input Voltage Range (VIN)
Basically, the input voltage range is 8V~24V. It can be changed to 4.5~5.5V by shorting the VIN pin and the
VDC1 pin when 5V power supply is used. A normal operation cannot be guaranteed with an input that is in the
range of 5.5V~8V.
Table 11. Input Voltage Range
Input Voltage Range 1
Input Voltage Range 2
VIN
VIN
8V～24V
4.5V～5.5V
1mF
1mF
VDC
VDC
1mF
10.6. POR Operation (Power on Reset)
The internal POR circuit releases reset state after a specific period of time (t1) when a power supply more than
6V is applied to the VIN pin. Do not input a command code via the interface for specific period of time (t2)
after releasing reset state for a certain stabilization of the internal oscillation frequency. The following figure
shows the POR timing when power is applied. During the “t1” period, a command from the interface is not
accepted. Please note, that a command accepted during the “t2” period may be interpreted incorrectly.
8V～36V
8V~24V
6V(VINset)
VIN
Vset
Internal
VDC2
5.0V LDO
1.8V
5V
Signal
SCI-I/Finput
available
can be entered
t1
Reset
t2
Internal POR
Reset release
Figure 6. POR Operation (Power on Reset)
Table 12. POR Timing when Power Applied
Parameter min typ max Unit Note
VIN pin voltage > 6V, IDC1= -30mA.
t1
2800
ms
Bypass capacitor between the VDC pin and GND CVDC=1.0mF.
t2
200
Stabilization time of internal power
ms
Note 17. As shown above, the AP4201 is in normal operation after 3msec at maximum from the time the VIN
voltage reaches 6V. In the case of “Input Voltage Range 2”, the AP4201 is in normal operation after 3mec
from the time the VIN voltage reaches 4.5V.
Note 18. In case that the internal POR circuit is reset by decreasing VIN voltage follows the prescribed times
above.
015008157-E-00
- 21 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
8V～24V
VINRST
VIN
VDC2RST
1.8V
VDC2
リセット
Reset
内蔵POR
Internal
POP
リセット解除中
Reset
release
Figure 7. POR Timing Chart
Table 13. POR Timing when VIN Decreases
Parameter
min
typ
max
Unit
Condition
VINrst
4.0
4.2
V
VIN reset voltage
VDC2rst
1.2
1.5
V
Internal 1.8V LDO reset voltage (reference value)
Note 19. This function executes reset when the supply voltage decreases, preventing instability. However, the
reset may not be executed even the supply voltage becomes below the VINrst voltage such as when VIN
decreases to near 0V instantaneously. Therefore, in the actual use, it is recommended to design the application
in consideration with the VIN voltage to avoid activating this function by peripheral noise or voltage
fluctuations.
Note 20. The IC is designed to work normally as possible, so sometimes LED gradation data can be hold even
when VIN< VINRST, and LEDs turn off all at once. (Lighting setting is holding)
Note 21. As long as the VIN voltage (IC pin voltage) is more than the maximum VINrst voltage, continuous
proper operation of the AP4201 is guaranteed (by design). However if the VIN voltage is out of recommend
voltage range, the communication function via input signal is not guaranteed.
10.7. Reset State
Immediately after start up the AP4201 or after reset by decreasing power supply voltage, LED gradation data
in the IC is all reset (all data= “0”). Therefore, LEDs will not light unless new gradation data is input via SCI
interface. The AP4201 has all turn off function (in case of SCI interface control). It can be used as reset
function. Reset types and reset states are shown below.
Table 14. Types of Reset and status
VIN Input
LED lighting status
LED gradation data input
LED gradation data hold
LDO1(5V) Output
015008157-E-00
－
Types of Reset
VIN falls
VDC1 falls
VDC2 falls
LED All Off
Impossible
Hold
Hold
Reset
Undefined
- 22 -
LED All Off
Possible
Hold
Normal
2015/09
[AP4201]
10.8. Protection Functions
The AP4201 has an over current (LED current) protection and a thermal protection function in order to prevent
damaging the IC. The LED current is shut off when these functions are activated and recovers automatically
when the fault condition is removed.
Table 15. Protection Function (All values are guaranteed by design)
Protection Function
Over Current Protection
LED Current
LED Current per channel ≥ 200mA (typ.)
Shut-off Condition
LED Current
Objective LED line
Shut-off points
Timer-latch type recovery
Recovery Type
Recovery Condition
Thermal Protection
Junction Temperature ≥ 140°C
(typ.)
All 27 Channels
(also shut-off VDC1 output)
Check if the overcurrent condition still exists after 0.3
second (typ) following LED current shut-off. After checking
three times, if the over current condition still exists, LED
current will be shut off continuously. (Latching)
Before Latch: Intended channel current ≥ 150mA (typ.)
After Latch: Power Reboot
Auto-recovery
Junction Temperature ≥ 120°C
(typ.)
Note 22. The over current protection function works when the LED is lighten and shuts off the LED current. In
the case that LED channels are not set to light the LEDs, this protection will not work even if the
LED pin voltage is “H”. This function is disabled in fixed current output mode.
Note 23. The thermal protection function is an auxiliary function for the worst case and it is not guaranteed to
work reliably. Therefore, it is recommended that application is designed in consideration with heat
generation in order to prevent activation of the thermal protection.
Note 24. When the VDC1 and VDC2 pins are shorted to GND, there is a case that thermal protection works
because the internal LDO is overheated by high VIN voltage and there is a case that Power On Reset
works because of the voltage at the VDC2 pin is decreased. The external current capability of the
VDC1 pin is maximum 30mA.
Note 25. VLED voltage and LED current settings according to the ambient temperature (Ta) are shown below.
Table 16. VLED voltage and LED current settings (Condition: VIN=12V, IDC1=0mA)
IC ambient
Output setting
LED pin voltage
temperature
DRSET
Ta [°C]
VLED [V]
25
Low (open drain)
55
―
70
3.1
25
2.3
2.6
55
2.1
High (fixed current)
3.0
2.4
70
2.0
1.7
015008157-E-00
- 23 -
LED current
ILED [mA]
ILEDTO=73 [mA]
ILEDTO=61 [mA]
ILEDTO=53 [mA]
ILEDTC=15 [mA]
ILEDTC=20 [mA]
ILEDTC=12 [mA]
ILEDTC=15 [mA]
ILEDTC= 8 [mA]
ILEDTC=10 [mA]
ILEDTC=12 [mA]
ILEDTC=14 [mA]
2015/09
[AP4201]
11. Recommended External Circuits
12V, 18V power line
STM power line
12V
R
VIN
AP4201
×Max 32pcs
VIN
AP4211
STM Drv IC
AP4201
LED Drv IC
STM
×27ch
H8SX
Etc.
4-bit
4-bit
AP4211
×Max 16pcs
SCI-4 wire bus max 5.0MHz
Figure 8. Recommended External Circuits
Note 26. If data on the AP4201/AP4211 application board will not be read, it is unnecessary to connect RxD of
the SCI 4-wire BUS. The 4-wire BUS can be reduced to a 3-wire BUS. The RxD terminal is an output terminal,
and it should be open when RxD is not used. When using the AP4201 as an open drain driver, external
resistors for current setting can be removed. In this case, the ISET_R, G, B pins should also be open.
015008157-E-00
- 24 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
12. Package
■ Package
・48-pin LQFP(Unit:mm)
■ Marking
AP4201
(3) XXXXXXX
(2)
(1)
(1) 1pin Indication
(2) Product No.
(3) Date Code (7digits)
2 digits for the year, 2 digits for the weed code, 1 digit
for the wafer factory code, 1 digit for lot number, 1 digit
for the assembly factory
Note 27. Week code: the first Thursday of the week of the assembly year is marked to as 01, the second week
is marked as 02 … and the 52nd week is marked as 52. (Compliance with ISO-8601)
Please contact to our sales office for more detailed marking specification. (example: marking size, marking
print sample and etc.)
015008157-E-00
- 25 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
13. Revision History
Date (Y/M/D)
15/09/15
015008157-E-00
Revision
00
Page
-
Contents
First Edition
- 26 -
2015/09
[AP4201]
IMPORTANT NOTICE
0. Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (“AKM”) reserves the right to make changes to the
information contained in this document without notice. When you consider any use or application of
AKM product stipulated in this document (“Product”), please make inquiries the sales office of
AKM or authorized distributors as to current status of the Products.
1. All information included in this document are provided only to illustrate the operation and
application examples of AKM Products. AKM neither makes warranties or representations with
respect to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document nor grants any
license to any intellectual property rights or any other rights of AKM or any third party with respect
to the information in this document. You are fully responsible for use of such information contained
in this document in your product design or applications. AKM ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR
ANY LOSSES INCURRED BY YOU OR THIRD PARTIES ARISING FROM THE USE OF
SUCH INFORMATION IN YOUR PRODUCT DESIGN OR APPLICATIONS.
2. The Product is neither intended nor warranted for use in equipment or systems that require
extraordinarily high levels of quality and/or reliability and/or a malfunction or failure of which may
cause loss of human life, bodily injury, serious property damage or serious public impact, including
but not limited to, equipment used in nuclear facilities, equipment used in the aerospace industry,
medical equipment, equipment used for automobiles, trains, ships and other transportation, traffic
signaling equipment, equipment used to control combustions or explosions, safety devices, elevators
and escalators, devices related to electric power, and equipment used in finance-related fields. Do
not use Product for the above use unless specifically agreed by AKM in writing.
3. Though AKM works continually to improve the Product’s quality and reliability, you are responsible
for complying with safety standards and for providing adequate designs and safeguards for your
hardware, software and systems which minimize risk and avoid situations in which a malfunction or
failure of the Product could cause loss of human life, bodily injury or damage to property, including
data loss or corruption.
4. Do not use or otherwise make available the Product or related technology or any information
contained in this document for any military purposes, including without limitation, for the design,
development, use, stockpiling or manufacturing of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons or
missile technology products (mass destruction weapons). When exporting the Products or related
technology or any information contained in this document, you should comply with the applicable
export control laws and regulations and follow the procedures required by such laws and regulations.
The Products and related technology may not be used for or incorporated into any products or
systems whose manufacture, use, or sale is prohibited under any applicable domestic or foreign laws
or regulations.
5. Please contact AKM sales representative for details as to environmental matters such as the RoHS
compatibility of the Product. Please use the Product in compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations that regulate the inclusion or use of controlled substances, including without limitation,
the EU RoHS Directive. AKM assumes no liability for damages or losses occurring as a result of
noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.
6. Resale of the Product with provisions different from the statement and/or technical features set forth
in this document shall immediately void any warranty granted by AKM for the Product and shall not
create or extend in any manner whatsoever, any liability of AKM.
7. This document may not be reproduced or duplicated, in any form, in whole or in part, without prior
written consent of AKM.
015008157-E-00
- 27 -
2015/09