Allegro A8517KLPTR-T Extensive diagnostics and fault reporting Datasheet

A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• AEC-Q100 qualified
• Wide input voltage range of 4.5 to 36 V
• Operates down to 3.9 V (VIN falling) for idle stop, and up
to 40 V for load dump
• Integrated boost converter with DMOS switch and OVP
protection up to 39 V
• 10 fully integrated LED current sinks, with individually
programmable current up to 60 mA per channel
• I2C™ interface for programming LED current, PWM
dimming, and various protection thresholds per channel
• Ability to drive multiple loads from a single IC
• Extensive PWM dimming (up to 10,000:1 at 100 Hz),
individually programmable for each channel
• Extensive diagnostics and fault reporting
Continued on the next page…
DESCRIPTION
The A8517 is a programmable multi-output LED driver, which
can be used for a variety of LED Driver applications. It integrates
a current-mode boost converter with internal power switch and
10 current sinks. The IC operates from 4.5 to 36 V, and is able
to withstand up to 40 V load-dump conditions encountered in
automotive systems.
The I2C interface allows the user to set the LED currents
individually, up to 60 mA per LED channel. Adjacent channels
may be combined to drive higher-current LED strings. The
PWM dimming duty cycle is independently controlled for
each LED channel, and each channel can be enabled/disabled
independently if needed.
This flexibility makes the A8517 a single solution for a wide
range of LED applications, in some cases offering the ability
to replace two or more LED driver ICs with a single device.
Continued on the next page…
PACKAGE:
28-pin TSSOP with exposed thermal pad
(suffix LP)
APPLICATIONS:
Automotive:
• Infotainment
• Cluster
• Center-stack lighting
• Head-up display (HUD)
• Daytime running lights (DRL)
Not to scale
VIN (4.5 to 36 V)
L1
RSENSE A
CIN
CQ1
Q1 A
GATE
INS
VIN
EN
COUT
SW
A8517
RADDR
SDA
I2C Interface
Status /
Interrupt
ADDR
SCL
VC B R
FSET
FSET/SYNC
PGND
OVP
LED1
VDD
CVDD
External
Synchronization
VOUT
D1
PAD
LED2
LED10
COMP
GND
CP
FLAG GPO1 GPO2 AGND
RZ
CZ
A Optional
B External pull-up voltage, or
connected to VDD
Typical Application Drawing
A8517-DS, Rev. 9
February 10, 2017
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
FEATURES AND BENEFITS (continued)
• Thermal warning and derating of LED current at higher
temperatures
• Buffered PWM dimming control for all channels to facilitate
localized dimming applications
• Polyphase PWM dimming: LED currents staggered to reduce
light flickering and input ripple current
• Synchronize boost switching frequency: 400 kHz to 2.3 MHz
to allow operation below or above the AM band
• Programmable frequency dithering to reduce EMI
• Typical LED current accuracy of 0.7%, and LED-to-LED
matching accuracy of 0.8%
• Protection Features
□□ Open/shorted LED pin detection
□□ Programmable LED string short detection
□□ Open/shorted external components (including boost
inductor, Schottky diode, FSET resistor and so forth)
□□ Input overcurrent protection against output to GND short
□□ Cycle-by-cycle switch current limit
□□ Overtemperature, and output overvoltage and undervoltage
protection
DESCRIPTION (continued)
The control loop is optimized to achieve very high dimming ratios
using only PWM control, to react smoothly to supply voltage
transients and step changes, and to eliminate night flash in display
backlight applications when starting up at very low PWM duty cycle.
The A8517 detects and protects against a wide variety of fault
conditions, and two-way communication allows fault status to be
reported. It provides protection against output short and overvoltage,
open or shorted diode, open or shorted LED pin, shorted boost
switch or inductor, and IC overtemperature. A dual cycle-by-cycle
current limit protects the internal switch against switch overcurrent.
If required, the IC can drive an external PFET as an input-disconnect
switch that is triggered by integrated current sense.
SELECTION GUIDE
1
Part Number
Operating Ambient
Temperature Range
TA (°C)
Package
Packing [1]
Leadframe
Plating
A8517KLPTR-T
–40 to 125
28-pin TSSOP with exposed
thermal pad
4000 pieces per 13-in. reel
100% matte tin
Contact Allegro™ for additional packing options.
Features and Benefits
Description
Applications
Package
Typical Application Drawing
Selection Guide
Specifications
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Characteristics
Functional Block Diagram
Pinout Diagram and Terminal List Table
Electrical Characteristics
Characteristic Performance
Fault Handling
Input Overcurrent Protection
Switch Overcurrent Protection
LED String Open Fault Detection
Protection Against Open/Missing BOOST Diode
Functional Description
Enabling the IC
PWM Dimming
Output Current and Voltage
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
3
3
4
5
6
9
14
14
15
15
16
17
17
18
22
Table of Contents
22
23
24
24
24
24
26
27
Application Information
31
Programming Information
38
I2C Interface Description
39
Timing Considerations
39
I2C Command Write to the A8517
40
I2C Command Read from the A8517
41
Register Map
43
Register Field Reference
45
Package Outline Drawing
58
Appendix A
A-1
Power Stage Transfer Function
A-1
Output to Control Transfer Function
A-2
Stabilizing the Closed Loop System
A-4
Measuring Feedback Loop Gain, Phase Margin A-7
Boost Frequency Dithering
Polyphase Grouping
Boost Output Voltage Regulation
Output Hysteresis
Soft Start Timing
Input Disconnect Switch
System Failure Detection and Protection
Fault Handling
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
2
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
SPECIFICATIONS
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS [1]
Characteristic
LEDx Pins
Symbol
Notes
Rating
VLEDx
–0.3 to 42
V
–0.3 to 42
V
INS and GATE pins should not exceed VIN by more than 0.4 V
–0.3 to 40
V
Continuous
–0.6 to 42
V
t < 50 ns
–1.0 to 46
V
–0.3 to 5.5
V
–40 to 125
°C
¯L̄¯Ā¯Ḡ¯ , GPO2, and OVP Pins
F̄
EN, VIN, INS, and GATE Pins
SW Pin
VSW
Unit
VDD, FSET/SYNC, COMP, GPO1,
SDA, SCL, and ADDR Pins
Operating Ambient Temperature
TA
Maximum Junction Temperature
TJ(max)
150
°C
Tstg
–65 to 150
°C
Storage Temperature
K temperature range
Operation at levels beyond the ratings listed in this table may cause permanent damage to the device. The Absolute Maximum ratings are stress ratings only, and
functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the Electrical Characteristics table is not implied. Exposure to Absolute
Maximum-rated conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
1
THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS: May require derating at maximum conditions; see application information
Characteristic
Package Thermal Resistance
2 Additional
Symbol
RθJA
Test Conditions [2]
On 4-layer PCB based on JEDEC standard
Value
Unit
28
°C/W
thermal information available on the Allegro website.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
3
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
FSET /SYNC
SW
Oscillator
Internal
VCC
+
COMP
Current
Sense
OCP
OCP
–
–
INS
–
+
Startup/
Shutdown
COMP
Diode Open
+ Sense
Driver
Circuit
–
PGND
TSD
+
VREF
Bandgap
Reference
OVP Sense
AGND
Internal
VCC
VDD
SDA
SCL
–
Regulator
UVLO
Fault
Fault
Status
VOVP
REG
I2 C
Interface
10 µA
10
PWM1 to
PWM10
–
+
LED1
10
VREG
10
10
ISET1 to
ISET10
EN
Enable
...
ADDR
VOVP REG
Open /Short
LED Detect
COMP
Register
OVP
+
VIN
LED10
LED Driver
100 kΩ
`
GPO1
GPO2
GATE
Selector
`
FLAG
MUX
PAD
AGND
Functional Block Diagram
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
4
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
PINOUT DIAGRAM AND TERMINAL LIST TABLE
28 SW
GATE 1
INS 2
27 OVP
VIN 3
26 PGND
EN 4
25 ADDR
24 SCL
FSET/SYNC 5
COMP 6
AGND 7
Terminal List Table
Name
PAD
23 SDA
22 GOP1
VDD 8
21 GPO2
FLAG 9
20 LED10
LED1 10
19 LED9
LED2 11
18 LED8
LED3 12
17 LED7
LED4 13
16 LED6
LED5 14
15 AGND
Package LP, 28-Pin TSSOP Pinout Diagram
Number
Function
ADDR
25
This pin has 4 levels that allow the user to set up to 4 physical IC addresses based on the voltage level. Connect a
resistor to GND to set the voltage level.
AGND
7, 15
Analog ground; connect all noise-sensitive components (especially for COMP) to this quiet ground, and connect to
thermal pad.
COMP
6
Output of error amplifier and compensation node; connect a type-2 feedback network from this pin to AGND for
control loop compensation.
EN
4
Enable for the A8517; IC stays in shutdown mode as long as EN = VEN(L) , enables the part when connected to VEN(H)
or to VIN .
F̄¯L̄¯Ā¯Ḡ¯
9
This active-low, open-drain pin is used to indicate that system attention is required, such as during startup or a fault
condition. Connect a resistor with a value from 10 to 100 kΩ between this pin and the target logic level voltage.
FSET/SYNC
5
Frequency/synchronization pin; a resistor, RFSET , from this pin to GND sets the switching frequency, and this pin can
also be used to synchronize to an external switching frequency.
GATE
1
Gate driver for optional external PMOS input disconnect switch, that in the event of a fault (such as output shorted to
GND) is turned off by this pin being pulled high (turning off input supply); if not used, this pin should be left open.
GPO1
22
General purpose open-drain output 1, programmable by internal register.
GPO2
21
General purpose open-drain output 2, programmable by internal register.
INS
2
Input current sense, used together with VIN pin to detect input overcurrent fault; if not used, this pin should be tied to
VIN.
LEDx
10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 16,
17, 18, 19, 20
OVP
27
Connect this pin to output voltage VOUT to provide output Overvoltage Protection (OVP) and Undervoltage Protection
(UVP).
PAD
–
Exposed pad of the package providing enhanced thermal dissipation. This pad must be connected to the ground
plane(s) of the PCB with at least 8 vias, directly in the pad, and AGND and PGND pins must be connected to this
ground pad on the PCB.
PGND
26
Power ground for internal NMOS switching device; connect this pin to ground terminal of output ceramic capacitor(s)
and to thermal pad.
SCL
24
I2C clock signal.
SDA
23
I2C data signal.
LED current sink channels 1 through 10. Up to 60 mA per channel. Any unused LEDx pin should be connected to
GND through a 4.7 kΩ resistor.
SW
28
The drain of the internal NMOS switch of the boost converter.
VDD
8
Output of internal LDO; connect a 0.47 µF decoupling capacitor between this pin and AGND.
VIN
3
Input power to the A8517.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
5
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS [1]: Valid at VIN = 16 V , TA = 25°C, EN = VEN(H) ,
indicates specifications valid across
the full operating temperature range with TA = TJ = –40°C to 125°C and with typical specifications at TA = 25°C; unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
4.5
−
36
V
INPUT VOLTAGE
Input Voltage Range
VIN
VIN Pin UVLO Start
VINUV(ON)
VIN rising
−
−
4.35
V
VIN Pin UVLO Stop
VINUV(OFF) VIN falling
−
−
3.90
V
VIN Pin UVLO Hysteresis
VINUV(HYS)
−
400
−
mV
Measured at the VIN pin, EN = VEN(H) , fSW =
2 MHz no load
−
15
−
mA
IQSLEEP
Sum of VIN and INS pin currents,
VIN = VINS = 16 V, VEN = 0 V
−
3.5
10.0
µA
EN Input Logic Level – Low
VEN(L)
4.5 V < VIN < 36 V
−
−
0.4
V
EN Input Logic Level – High
VEN(H)
4.5 V < VIN < 36 V
1.5
−
−
V
EN Internal Pull-Down Resistance
RENPD
−
100
−
kΩ
Measured at the VIN pin
INPUT CURRENT
Input Quiescent Current
Input Sleep Supply Current
IQ
EN (ENABLE) PIN
ERROR AMPLIFIER
Source Current
IEA(SRC)
VCOMP = 0.75 V, VLEDx = 0.3 V
−
–200
−
µA
Sink Current
IEA(SINK)
VCOMP = 0.75 V. VLEDx = 1.5 V
−
+200
−
µA
COMP Pin Internal Pull-Down
Resistance
RCOMPPD
During startup and shutdown
−
2000
−
Ω
8
8.5
V
OUTPUT OVERVOLTAGE AND UNDERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
Overvoltage Threshold
Overvoltage Step Size
VOVPMIN
OVP register = xxx0 0000
7.5
VOVPMAX
OVP register = xxx1 1111
38
39
40
V
−
1.0
−
V
VOVPSTEP
VUVPMIN
OVP register = xxx0 0000
−
0.49
−
V
VUVPMAX
OVP register = xxx1 1111
−
2.5
−
V
ROVP
VOVP = 20 V, EN = VEN(H)
−
800
−
kΩ
OVP Leakage Current
IOVPLKG
VOVP =16 V, EN = VEN(L)
−
0.1
1
µA
Secondary Overvoltage Protection
VOVP(sec)
Measured at SW pin
−
44
−
V
Undervoltage Threshold
OVP Pin Input Impedance
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
6
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS [1] (continued): Valid at VIN = 16 V , TA = 25°C, EN = VEN(H) ,
indicates specifications
valid across the full operating temperature range with TA = TJ = –40°C to 125°C and with typical specifications at TA = 25°C;
unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
BOOST SWITCH
Switch On-Resistance
RDS(ON)
ISW = 0.750 A, VIN = 16 V
−
220
350
mΩ
Switch Leakage Current
ISWLKG
VSW = 16 V, EN = VEN(L) , TA = TJ = –40°C
to 85°C
−
0.1
10
µA
VSW = 16 V, EN = VEN(L) , TA = TJ = 125°C
−
3
−
µA
3.6
4.2
4.8
A
5.6
7.0
−
A
Cycle-by-Cycle Switch Current Limit
ISW(LIM)
Higher than maximum ISW(LIM) at any
condition (A8517 latches when detected)
Secondary Switch Current Limit [2]
ISWLIM(sec)
Minimum Switch On-Time
tSWONTIME RFSET = 10 kΩ
−
85
120
ns
Minimum Switch Off-Time
tSWOFFTIME RFSET = 10 kΩ
−
55
85
ns
1.8
2
2.2
MHz
−
1
−
MHz
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
RFSET = 10 kΩ
Boost Stage Switching Frequency
fSW
RFSET = 20.1 kΩ
RFSET = 40.6 kΩ
−
500
−
kHz
−
1.00
−
V
fSW_SYNC
400
−
2300
kHz
Synchronization Input Minimum
Off‑Time
tSYNCPWOFF
150
−
−
ns
Synchronization Input Minimum
On‑Time
t
SYNCPWON
150
−
−
ns
Synchronization Input Logic – Low
VSYNCON(L)
−
−
0.4
V
Synchronization Input Logic – High
VSYNCON(H)
2
−
−
V
FSET/SYNC Pin Voltage
VFSETSYNC RFSET = 10 kΩ
SYNCHRONIZATION
Synchronized Boost Stage Switching
Frequency
LED CURRENT SINKS
LEDx Accuracy (Average)
ErrLEDx
Measured at ILEDMAX (maximum LED current)
−
0.7
3
%
LEDx Matching
ΔILEDx
Compared to average ILEDx , measured at
ILEDMAX
−
0.8
3
%
LEDx Regulation Voltage
VREG
ISET register = xx11 1111
−
0.85
1.0
V
ILEDx Step Size
ISETSTEP
Total 64 steps
0.9
1
1.1
mA
Maximum LEDx Current (Average)
ILEDMAX
ISET register = xx11 1111
62
64
66
mA
Minimum LEDx Current
ILEDMIN
ISET register = xx00 0000
−
1
−
mA
Short-Detect register = 000
−
12
−
V
Short-Detect register = 111
−
5
−
V
Pin Pull-Down Voltage
Fault / Interrupt condition asserted, pull-up
current = 0.5 mA
−
−
0.4
V
Pin Leakage Current
Fault / Interrupt condition cleared, pull-up to
3.6 V
−
−
1
µA
LEDx Short-Detect Threshold
VLED_SD
INTERRUPTS (FLAG, GPO1 AND GPO2 PINS)
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
7
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS [1] (continued): Valid at VIN = 16 V , TA = 25°C, EN = VEN(H) ,
indicates specifications
valid across the full operating temperature range with TA = TJ = –40°C to 125°C and with typical specifications at TA = 25°C;
unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
INTERNAL MASTER CLOCK
Master Clock Period
Master Clock Temperature Deviation [2]
TCLK
120
150
180
ns
DTCLK
TCLK change over temperature range
–2.5
–
2.5
%
IGSINK
VGATE = VIN , no input overcurrent fault
tripped
−
115
−
µA
VGATE = VIN – 5V, input overcurrent fault
tripped
−
–6
−
mA
INPUT DISCONNECT
GATE Pin Sink Current
GATE Pin Source Current
IGSOURCE
GATE Voltage at Off
VGSOFF
EN = VEN(L) , or overcurrent fault occurred
−
VIN
−
V
GATE Voltage at On
VGSON
Gate-to-source voltage when gate is on,
measured as VIN – VGATE
5
−
8
V
IGLKG
EN = VEN(L) , VGATE = VIN
GATE Pin Leakage Current
INS Pin Sink Current
IINSSINK
INS Trip Point
VINSTRIP
tINSTRIP
INS Trip Detection
Time [2]
−
−
1
µA
−
20
−
µA
Measured between VIN and INS
90
105
120
mV
Sensed voltage, VIN – VINS = 160 mV
−
2
−
µs
155
170
−
°C
−
20
−
°C
−
20
−
°C
THERMAL PROTECTION (TSD)
Thermal Shutdown Threshold [2]
Thermal Shutdown Hysteresis [2]
Thermal Warning Threshold
TSD
Temperature rising
TSDHYS
TSDWARN
Temperature rising, measured as difference
from TSD
I2C INTERFACE
Logic Input (SDA, SCL) - Low
VSCL(L)
−
−
0.8
V
Logic Input (SDA, SCL) - High
VSCL(H)
2.3
−
−
V
Logic Input Hysteresis
VI2CIHYS
−
150
−
mV
Logic Input Current
II2CI
–1
−
1
µA
Output Voltage SDA
VI2COut(L)
SDA = low, pull-up current = 2.5 mA
−
−
0.4
V
Output Leakage SDA
II2CLKG
EN = low, pull-up to 5.5 V
−
−
1
µA
SCL Clock Frequency
fCLK
−
−
400
kHz
0
−
0.5
V
ADDR PIN
Voltage Level for Address 100,0000
VADDLEVEL1 ADDR connected to GND
Voltage Level for Address 101,0000
VADDLEVEL2 RADDR = 110 kΩ from ADDR to GND
0.9
−
1.3
V
Voltage Level for Address 110,0000
VADDLEVEL3 RADDR = 210 kΩ from ADDR to GND
1.75
−
2.45
V
Voltage Level for Address 111,0000
VADDLEVEL4 ADDR connected to VDD pin or open
ADDR Pull-Up Current
IADDR
VADDR = 1 V
3.2
−
3.6
V
8.5
10
11.5
µA
−
3.6
−
V
INTERNAL REGULATOR
Bias Supply Voltage
VDD
1 For
input and output current specifications, negative current is defined as coming out of the node or pin (sourcing), positive current is defined as going into the node
or pin (sinking).
2 Ensured by design and characterization, not production tested.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
8
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
CHARACTERISTIC PERFORMANCE
Efficiency versus Input Voltage
Efficiency versus Output Current
7 series LEDs, 10 parallel strings at 60 mA each
95
fSW = 400 kHz
80
fSW = 2 MHz
Efficiency, η (%)
Efficiency, η (%)
100
90
70
fSW = 400 kHz
90
85
fSW = 2 MHz
80
75
60
8
10
12
14
VIN (V)
16
18
20
4 series
LEDS
85
5 series
LEDS
7 series
LEDS
8 series
LEDS
6 series
LEDS
80
9 series
LEDS
fSW = 2 MHz
7 series
LEDS
8 series
LEDS
75
9 series
LEDS
70
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.60
9 series LEDs, 8 parallel strings at 50 mA each, L1 = 47 µH
Efficiency, η (%)
90
6 series
LEDS
0.20
95
fSW = 400 kHz
5 series
LEDS
0.15
Efficiency versus Switching Frequency
10 parallel strings at 60 mA each
4 series
LEDS
0.10
Total LED Current (A)
Efficiency versus Output Voltage
95
VIN = 12 V
70
0.05
50
Efficiency, η (%)
7 series LEDs, 10 parallel strings at 60 mA each
90
85
80
75
VIN = 12 V
VIN = 12 V
70
65
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
Output Voltage (V)
26
28
30
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
2200
Switching Frequency (kHz))
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
9
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Startup Waveform at VIN = 12 V
Dimming PWM Duty Cycle = 0.02%
Startup Waveform at VIN = 12 V
Dimming PWM Duty Cycle = 100%
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
LED VREG = 0.85 V
VIN = 12 V
VOUT hysteresis = 0.45 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 100%
Polyphase mode = on
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VSW (20 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (200 mA/div)
Time scale = 20 ms/div
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
LED VREG = 0.85 V
VIN = 5.5 V
VOUT hysteresis = 0.45 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 0.02% at
200 Hz (5000:1)
Polyphase mode = on
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VSW (20 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 20 ms/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Startup Waveform at VIN = 5.5 V
Dimming PWM Duty Cycle = 0.02%
Startup Waveform at VIN = 5.5 V
Dimming PWM Duty Cycle = 100%
Thermal derating chart for LED=
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 30 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
LED VREG = 0.85 V
VIN = 12 V
VOUT hysteresis = 0.45 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 100%
Polyphase mode = on
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VSW (20 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (200 mA/div)
Time scale = 20 ms/div
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
LED VREG = 0.85 V
VIN = 5.5 V
VOUT hysteresis = 0.45 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 0.02% at
200 Hz (5000:1)
Polyphase mode = on
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VSW (20 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 20 ms/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
10
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
PWM Operation without Polyphase
e1
e1
Period
Ph
as
e9
Ph
as
e8
Ph
as
e7
Ph
as
e6
Ph
as
e5
Ph
as
e4
Ph
as
e3
Ph
as
e2
as
Ph
as
Ph
Ph
as
e1
0
PWM Operation with Polyphase
Period
Period / 10
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
LED VREG = 0.85 V
VIN = 12 V
VOUT hysteresis = 0.45 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 2% at 200 Hz
Polyphase mode = on (each on at assigned
time slot)
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (200 mA/div)
Time scale = 1 ms/div
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
VIN = 12 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 2% at 200 Hz
Polyphase mode = off (all simultaneously
on)
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (200 mA/div)
Time scale = 1 ms/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
PWM at 0.02%
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Transient Response to Step-Change
In PWM Duty Cycle ( 0.02% to 2%)
Transient Response to Step-Change
In PWM Duty Cycle ( 2% to 0.02%)
PWM at 2%
A8517 evaluation PCB:
PWM at 2%
PWM at 0.02%
Thermal derating chart for LED=
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
VIN = 12 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = change from
2% to 0.02% at 200 Hz (PWM on‑time
change from 100 µs to 1 µs)
Polyphase mode = on
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = I2C clock (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 10 ms/div
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
VIN = 12 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = change from
0.02% to 2% at 200 Hz (PWM on‑time
change from 1 µs to 100 µs)
Polyphase mode = on
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = I2C clock (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 10 ms/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
11
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Transient Response to Step-Change
In VIN (8 V to 16 V ) PWM Duty Cycle 0.02%
Transient Response to Step-Change
In VIN (16 V to 8 V ) PWM Duty Cycle 0.02%
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
VIN = change from 16 V to 8 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 0.02% at
200 Hz
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VIN (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 10 ms/div
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
VIN = change from 8 V to 16 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 0.02% at
200 Hz
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VIN (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 10 ms/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Transient Response to Step-Change
In VIN (8 V to 16 V ) PWM Duty Cycle 100%
Transient Response to Step-Change
In VIN (16 V to 8 V ) PWM Duty Cycle 100%
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 45 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
VIN = change from 16 V to 8 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 100%
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VIN (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 10 ms/div
LED strings = 10 parallel, 45 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
VIN = change from 8 V to 16 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 100%
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VIN (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (20 mA/div)
Time scale = 10 ms/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
12
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Switch Node, AC Output Voltage Ripple,
And Inductor Current
Test conditions:
Scope traces:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
LED VREG = 0.85 V
VIN = 12 V
VOUT hysteresis = 0.45 V
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 20%
Polyphase mode = on
C1 (Yellow) = VOUT (500 mV, AC/div)
C2 (Red) = VSW (10 V/div)
C4 (Green) = IL (inductor current)(200 mA/
div)
Time scale = 200 ns/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Temperature Rise versus VIN
8 series LEDs in 10 parallel strings
60 mA
each string
45 mA
each string
30 mA
each string
15 mA
each string
IC Case Temperature (°C)
IC Case Temperature (°C)
Temperature Rise versus VIN
7 series LEDs in 10 parallel strings
45 mA
each string
60 mA
each string
30 mA
each string
15 mA
each string
VIN (V)
VIN (V)
Test conditions:
A8517 evaluation PCB:
Test conditions:
A8517 evaluation PCB:
LED strings = 10 parallel
LEDs = 7 series each string
fSW = 2 MHz
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 100%
Polyphase mode = on
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
LED strings = 10 parallel
LEDs = 8 series each string
fSW = 2 MHz
Dimming PWM duty cycle = 100%
Polyphase mode = on
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6
nF, CP = 120 pF
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
13
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
FAULT HANDLING
Input Overcurrent Protection
Case 1. Normal startup when using input disconnect switch
Test conditions:
Q1 = AO4421
CGS = 10 nF
VIN = 12 V
RSENSE = 18 mΩ
GATE is being slowly pulled down (from VIN to VIN – 6.8 V) to control the inrush current.
Scope traces:
C1 (Yellow) = VIN (2 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VGATE (2 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = IIN (1 A/div)
Time scale = 200 µs/div
Case 2. Output-to-GND short fault occurred before startup
Test conditions:
Q1 = AO4421
CGS = 10 nF
VIN = 12 V
RSENSE = 18 mΩ
Startup into a VOUT-to-GND short. GATE is pulled high as soon as the input current > 5.8 A, in
order to turn off the input disconnect switch.
Scope traces:
C1 (Yellow) = VIN (2 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VGATE (2 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = IIN (1 A/div)
Time scale = 50 µs/div
Case 3. Output-to-GND short occurred during normal operation
Test conditions:
Q1 = AO4421
CGS = 10 nF
VIN = 12 V
RSENSE = 18 mΩ
Output shorted to GND during normal operation, causing a huge inrush current. GATE is pulled
high, in order to turn off the input disconnect switch and prevent damage to the power supply.
Scope traces:
C1 (Yellow) = VIN (2 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VGATE (2 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = IIN (5 A/div)
Time scale = 10 µs/div
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
14
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Switch Overcurrent Protection
Cycle-by-cycle current limit, ISW(LIM)
Switching
Period
ton(max)
Switching
Period
ton(truncated)
toff(min)
Test conditions:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
fSW = 1 MHz
VIN = 6.5 V
VIN intentionally lowered to the point where SW cycle-by-cycle current limit is tripped.
SW operating at maximum on-time initially. Inductor current ramps up and trips
cycle-by-cycle current limit (≈ 4.2 A). Present on-time is truncated immediately. Next
switching cycle starts normally.
Scope traces:
C2 (Red) = VSW (10 V/div)
C4 (Green) = IL (1 A/div)
Time scale = 500 ns/div
LED String Open Fault Detection
One LED string disconnects; VOUT starts to ramp up
OVP trips; IC stops switching
and pulls FLAG low
Test conditions:
LED strings = 10 parallel, 60 mA each
LEDs = 7 series each string
fSW = 2 MHz
VIN = 12 V
One LED string is disconnected during normal operation. After output trips OVP, the offending
LED string is removed from regulation, while other strings continue to function correctly.
Scope traces:
C1 (Yellow) = VFLAG (5 V/div)
C2 (Red) = VSW (10 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VOUT (5 V/div)
C4 (Green) = ILED (100 mA/div)
Time scale = 200 µs/div
FLAG cleared as
VOUT drops lower
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
15
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Protection Against Open/Missing BOOST
Diode
Case 1. BOOST diode becomes open during normal operation
Test conditions:
BOOST diode becomes open during normal operation. Energy stored in inductor causes a high
voltage across SW. SW DMOS conducts at VSW > 75 V to discharge the energy safely. IC shuts
off after detecting an overvoltage condition at the SW pin.
Scope traces:
C2 (Red) = VSW (20 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VFLAG (2 V/div)
Time scale = 500 ns/div
Case 2. BOOST diode missing during startup
Test conditions:
BOOST diode is missing during startup. Energy stored in inductor gradually builds up, causing
higher and higher voltage across the SW pin. Eventually the IC shuts off after detecting an
overvoltage fault at the SW pin (VSW > 50 V).
Switching
Period
SW secondary OVP tripped at ≈ 46 V
Scope traces:
C2 (Red) = VSW (20 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VFLAG (2 V/div)
Time scale = 200 ns/div
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
16
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Enabling the IC
The IC turns on when a logic high signal, VEN(H) , is applied
on the EN pin, and the input voltage present on the VIN pin is
greater than the UVLO threshold, VINUV(ON) . The EN pin is
rated for 40 V, so it can be tied directly to VIN for certain applications (see Application Information section). In addition, if the
FSET/SYNC pin is pulled low, the IC does not power up.
The A8517 performs a detailed startup sequence, flow chart and
timing diagram are shown in Figures 4a to 4c. Before the LEDs
are enabled, the device goes through a system check to determine
if there are any possible fault conditions that might prevent the
system from functioning correctly. Once the LEDs pass the “LED
short during start up” test the FLAG pin will be pulled low for a
short period of time. If no subsequent faults are detected during
this startup sequence, the IC pulls down the GPO2 pin to signal
to the system controller that the A8517 is ready to receive I2C
commands.
The system controller programs the A8517 internal registers
through I2C Write commands, in order to configure individual
LED strings before they can be turned on. On initial startup I2C
should first send a clear command to bit 2 of register bank number 56 , this ensures that an erroneous fault does not prevent the
LEDs turning on. This command is only required on power up
and/or enable (via EN pin) of the A8517. I2C can now communicate regularly with the A8517. Ensure I2C only enables populated
LED’s. If v tries to enable unpopulated LED strings an illegal
action is declared and no LEDs will turn on.
In the event of a genuine fault during start up, the FLAG pin is
pulled low, and the system controller can issue I2C Read commands to investigate the status of fault registers. In this instance
I2C should not clear bit 2 of register bank number 56.
The device enters into shutdown mode when the EN pin is pulled
low, VEN(L) .
Frequency Selection and Synchronization
The internally-generated switching frequency of the boost
converter, fSW , is set by the resistor RFSET , connected from the
FSET/SYNC pin to GND. The frequency can be set in the range
from 400 kHz to 2.3 MHz. The switching frequency is determined according to the following equation:
fSW (MHz) = 19.9 / RFSET (kΩ) + 0.01
(1)
Figure 1 illustrates how fSW varies with RFSET.
2.2
2.0
Switching Frequency, fSW (MHz)
The A8517 is an I2C programmable, multi-channel LED driver
for automotive lighting applications. It incorporates a currentmode boost controller with internal DMOS boost switch, and 10
integrated current sinks to regulate currents up to 10 LED strings.
Each LED string can be independently enabled or disabled, with
its own LED current and PWM duty cycle programmed through
I2C registers.
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
RFSET (kΩ)
Figure 1: Switching Frequency versus Value of the
RFSET Resistor
Alternatively, the switching frequency can also be synchronized
using an external clock signal on the FSET/SYNC pin. The external clock should be a logic signal between 400 kHz and 2.3 MHz.
If the A8517 is started up with a valid external SYNC signal, but
the SYNC signal is lost during normal operation, then one of the
following happens:
1. If the external SYNC signal becomes high impedance (open),
the A8517 waits for approximately 6 μs from the last edge
detected, before it resumes normal operation at the switching
frequency set by RFSET. No fault flag is generated.
2. If the external SYNC signal gets stuck low (shorted to ground),
the A8517 will still attempt to operate at the switching frequency
set by RFSET. However, since RFSET is shorted to GND by the
external SYNC signal, it will trip the FSET to GND short fault
and shut down the output. The Fault Flag is pulled low in this
case.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
17
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
To avoid the outcome of the second scenario above, the circuit
shown in Figure 2 can be used. In this case, after the external
SYNC signal goes low, the A8517 will continue to operate normally at the switching frequency set by RFSET.
VIH
Note 1: The SYNC signal is level shifted
after the blocking capacitor. Make sure the
logic High level at FSET pin is at least 2 V.
VIL
0
PWM_Period = (N + 1) × 1.5 (µs) (2)
where N is the value contained in the register.
The PWM on-time (hence the PWM duty cycle) for each LED
string is defined by the corresponding 16-bit register. The PWM
on-time can be adjusted in 0.15 µs increments. This is illustrated
in Figure 3. The smallest PWM on-time is 1 µs. This corresponds
to a 5000:1 ratio at a 200 Hz PWM frequency.
-Vd
External
SYNC
Signal
A8517
220 pF
FSET/SYNC
D1
RFSET
6.66 MHz
16-bit
Counter
Q B
R
Note 2: D1 can be either Schottky Barrier or regular
silicon diode. Schottky has the advantage of lower Vd,
but it suffers from higher leakage current at hot.
Figure 2: Low FSET_SYNC Signal Fault Counteraction
Circuit
PWM Dimming
The PWM dimming period (hence the PWM frequency) is
defined by the 13-bit PWM_Period register. It is programmable at
any time through the I2C interface, in 1.5 µs increments, as:
PWM start
LED1 PWM
Register
RB0 x 10 – 11
PWM
Comparator
A>B
A
LED1 = on
SW Driver
Circuit
16-bit register
Figure 3: PWM On-time Comparator Circuit
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
18
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
1
EN = High
Power Up
No
Internal LED_GROUP
Enable
Initiate Two Processes:
1. LED Ground Short Check
2. LED Population Check
VIN > UVLO
Yes
Enable Internal
LDO
Enable Voltage, Current
and Frequency
References
Inject 60 µA Current into
Each LED Pin and Observe
Each LED Pin Voltage
FAULT10 - LED Shorted to
GND During Startup.
Specific LED Information
is Recorded at RB-52,
53, 60, & 61
Enable Internal
System
No
All VLEDx
> 120 mV
Yes
FLAG Goes Low
for Short
Period
COUNT = 0
Temperature
< TSD
Yes
Enable Input
Disconnect
Switch
LED Pin Shorted
to GND
FAULT11
Activated
RB-48, 49, 56,
& 57 Records the
Fault
No
Yes
Is
COUNT
>2
Set COUNT =
COUNT + 1
No
No
Disconnect
Switch Fully
On
Yes
Wait -3072 Clock
Cycle (Clock Freq.
Based on FSET)
Yes
Any VLEDx
< 120 mV
No
LED Pin - Not In Use
(Channel not
Populated by User)
No
All VLEDx
> 270 mV
Yes
1
2
Figure 4a: Startup and Fault 11 Detect Flow Chart
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
19
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
3
OVP = Logic High &
At Least One VLEDx < Vled_regulation
2
FAULT11 Check Begins
Yes
Auto
Restart?
Disable Faulty LED
Channel & Inject 60 µA
Current Into the LED Pin
No
Signal IC Ready at
GPO2 Output
Wait -6144 Clock
Cycle (Clock Freq.
Based on FSET)
I2C Master Sends
Start Sequence
I C Master Writes
to IC Registers
2
LED Pin Open
Disable the Faulty LED
& Continue with
Remaining LEDs
No
Yes
Fault10 - LED Shorted to
GND During Startup.
Specific LED Information
is Recorded at RB -52,
53, 60, & 61
Set LED On-time
Update Bit
(Register 0x24)
1
Enable Boost and
LED Driver
3
Any VLEDx
< 120 mV
No
FAULT11 =
Latch
Yes
Disable Boost
& LED
Figure 4b: Startup and FAULT11 Detect Flow Chart (Cont.)
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
20
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
EN Pin
VDD Pin
FSET Pin
T1: VGATE ≈ (Vin – 4 V)
GATE Pin
T2: VOUT > UVP Threshold
VOUT Pin
Err_UVP*
T3: T2 + Tens of FSET Cycles
Enable LED Protection Scheme, LED Drivers are OFF
LED_GROUP*
T6: I2C Interface
LED Pin
120 mV
Err_LED_GND_STG@startup*
270 mV
T4: There is no timeout.
All 10 LEDs have to reach above 120 mV to qualify.
(T4-T3) could be anything.
3072 FSET Cycles. Starts
to Check Populated LEDs.
GPO2 Pin
LED_Ready*
LED Drivers Remain OFF
and All Internal Pull
Downs are Removed
T5: LED Block Makes
Decision About LED
Population Based on
LEDx Pin Voltage
FLAG
I2C Interface
A special case: if LED pin voltage passes LED GND STG @ startup but cannot reach above 270 mV in 3072 counts, controller will
re-attempt two more times; after that, it will report the fault: LED GND STG @ normal operation.
3072 FSET Cycles. Starts 3072 FSET Cycles. Starts
to Check Populated LEDs. to Check Populated LEDs.
Err_LED_GND_STG@Normal*
* = Internal signal
Figure 4c: Startup Timing Diagram
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
21
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Output Current and Voltage
Boost Frequency Dithering
For optimal efficiency, the output of the boost stage is dynamically adjusted to the minimum voltage required for all active
LED strings. This is expressed by the following equation:
The Boost Dithering function allows the user to randomize the
main switching frequency within a certain frequency range.
By shifting the main switching frequency of the regulator in a
pseudo-random fashion around the main switching frequency, the
overall system noise magnitude can be greatly reduced. Note that
the frequency dithering function is not available when an external
synchronization signal is used at the FSET/SYNC pin.
VOUT = MAX( VLED1 , VLED2 , … VLED10 )
+ VREG + VHYST
(3)
where
VLEDx is the voltage drop across an LED string (only the enabled
LED strings are considered),
VREG is the regulation voltage of the LED current sink (0.85 V
(typ)), and
VHYST is the hysteresis control voltage at the output (typically
0.25 V).
The boost output voltage is protected by the OVP threshold,
which can be programmed up to 39 V. This is sufficient for driving up to 10 white LEDs in series.
This spread spectrum functionality is achieved by a programmable register (0x05[BD1:BD0]. A non-zero number enables the
boost dithering and sets the modulation index of 5%, 10%, or
15% of fSW. For example, if 10 % dithering is selected, then the
switching frequency will jump between a low of 1.8 MHz and a
high of 2.2 MHz, as governed by the pseudo-random pattern.
Every two switching cycles, the switching frequency may randomly jump between low and high levels. The random pattern
repeats itself after 92 switching cycles. This is illustrated by the
timing diagram in Figure 5.
The current through each LED string can be programmed through
I2C registers to between 1 and 64 mA, in 1 mA steps.
92 Switching Cycles per Pattern Repeat
Frequency (MHz)
2.2
1.8
0
Time
Figure 5: A8517 Dithering Scheme at 2 MHz ±10% (frequency jumps between 1.8 MHz and 2.2 MHz, as governed
by a 46-bit pseudorandom pattern)
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
22
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Polyphase Grouping
During PWM operation, by default each of the ten LED channels starts at a separate time slot, or phase, (Figure 6, top panel)
and with a specified on-time setting. If required, two or more
adjacent LED channels can be grouped by programming to turn
on and off simultaneously (Figure 6, bottom panel). By tying the
corresponding pins together on the PCB, it is possible to combine
several channels to drive higher-current LED strings (see Typical
Application schematics).
Each LED channel has an LED channel enable bit (0x00 to 0x01)
and an LED PWM on-time setting register (0x10 to 0x23). In
normal PWM operation, any enabled LED channel is turned on
starting at its own time slot, and remains on for the duration controlled by its own PWM on-time register. By staggering the time
slots for LED channels, the input ripple current is reduced during
PWM operation.
If necessary, such as when more than 1 channel is required to
drive an LED string at current higher than 60 mA, the user can
group two or more adjacent LED channels together, so that they
turn on/off simultaneously. Grouping is done by setting the corresponding bits in the Polyphase Grouping registers (0x08 and
0x09).
A grouped LED channel starts in the same time slot as the lowernumbered channel, and inherits the PWM Dimming On-Time
of that lower-numbered channel (the original time slot of the
grouped channel is not used). If more than one adjacent channels
are grouped, the entire group starts at the time slot of the lowestnumbered channel in the group, and inherits that on-time setting.
PWM Period
Period /10
ILED9
ILED8
ILED10
Phase 10
Phase 8
Phase 7
Phase 5
Phase 4
Phase 3
Phase 2
ILED7
ILED5
ILED3
Phase 6
ILED1
Phase 9
ILED4
ILED1
t
Phase 1
ILED6
ILED2
Phase 1
LED
Current
Polyphase PWM Operation without Grouping – Each LED channel turns-on at a separate, sequential,
periodic time slot. The LED on-times are individually programmable, so any individual phase can overlap
later time slots.The LED current for each channel is individually programmed.
PWM Period
ILED5
ILED2
ILED9
t
Phase 1
ILED1
Phase 10
ILED8
Phase 9
ILED7
Phase 8
Phase 6
Phase 5
Phase 3
ILED10
ILED6
ILED3
Phase 2
Phase 1
ILED1
Period /10
Phase 7
ILED4
ILED2
Phase 4
LED
Current
Polyphase PWM Operation with Grouping – The starting time slot and the PWM on-time for each group is
determined by the time slot and the on-time of the lowest-numbered channel within that group, so all LED
channels in the same group turn-on and turn-off together. Each time slot is sequential and periodic, and
unused time slots are maintained. Any individual phase can overlap later time slots. The LED current for each
channel is individually programmed, regardless of grouping.
Figure 6: Polyphase Operation
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
23
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
For example, in Figure 6, LED1 and LED2 are grouped together,
so they start at PWM slot 1 and follow the on-time of LED1.
Similarly, LED3, LED4, and LED5 are grouped together, so they
start at PWM slot 3 and follow the on-time of LED3.
If the first LED channel in a polyphase group is disabled through
the LED enable register, then all the LEDs in this group are
disabled. If any other LED channels in a group are disabled, all
of the other LED channels in the group remain enabled, with the
PWM on-time of the first LED channel in the group.
Boost Output Voltage Regulation
Output from the boost stage is adaptively adjusted, based on the
voltage required by all the enabled LED strings. This ensures
minimum power loss at the LED current sinks, and reduces input
power consumption.
During operation, the LED string with the highest voltage drop is
the dominant string, and it is used to determine the boost output
voltage regulation. Because each LED string can be individually
enabled/disabled dynamically, which string is dominant can shift
at different times.
As an example, assume LED channels 1, 3, and 5 are currently
enabled. Further assume that voltage drops across the LED
strings are 21 V, 23 V, and 25 V respectively. The boost output
voltage will be regulated to the highest LED string voltage (25 V)
plus the regulation voltage required by the LED current sink
(0.85 V typical):
Table 1: LED String Voltages
LED Channel #
LED String
Voltage Drop
(V)
1
21
3
23
5
25 (dominant)
Boost Output
Voltage
(V)
LEDx Pin Voltage
(V)
25.85 +
Hysteresis
2.85 min
4.85 min
0.85 min
For LED strings 1 and 3, the extra voltage is absorbed by their
current sinks. When the LED string voltages are poorly balanced
(as in this example), excessive power loss can build up at the
current sinks. Consider adding ballast resistors to the LED strings
with lower voltage drops, so that less heat is dissipated by the IC.
Output Hysteresis
The A8517 superposes a minimum output hysteresis of 0.25 V on
top of the LED regulation voltage. The OVP pin provides output
voltage feedback during hysteresis control mode. An example of
output voltage is show in Figure 7.
When the dominant LED is on, boost stage starts switching to
keep the corresponding LEDx pin voltage regulated to VREG .
After the dominant LED is turned off, the switching continues
until boost output reaches VTH(+). The output is then regulated
between VTH(–) and VTH(+) through hysteresis control, before the
next time dominant LED is on again.
Soft Start Timing
The soft-start function performs the following sequence of opertion:
1. At startup, the boost stage initially switches at the minimum
SW on-time continuously. This allows output voltage to
build-up, even at the minimum PWM duty cycle.
2. The switch on-time increases as the COMP pin voltage starts
to rise (the COMP voltage controls the boost stage switching
duty cycle, which in turn controls the boost output voltage).
3. Soft start ramp duration is 100 ms, which allows the LED to
cycle 10 times at a 100 Hz PWM frequency.
4. Soft start can finish earlier, either due to the LED current
reaching regulation, or because output voltage reaches 90%
of OVP.
5. To prevent output voltage from reaching 90% of OVP prematurely (while the COMP voltage is still too low), the design
should ensure there is sufficient output capacitance, such that
it takes longer to build up VOUT at the minimum SW on-time.
Input Disconnect Switch
The A8517 has a gate driver for an external PMOS that can be
used to provide an input disconnect protection function. During
normal startup, the PMOS is turned on gradually to avoid large
inrush current. In the event there is a direct short at the boost
stage (either SW or VOUT shorted to GND), high input current
will cause the PMOS to turn off.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
24
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
The input disconnect current threshold is calculated by:
IINMAX = VINS(TH) / RINS
(4)
where VINS(TH) = 105 mV (typ).
Under normal operation, the input current is protected by the
cycle-by-cycle boost switch current limit. Only in case of a direct
short at boost output or SW pin will the input disconnect switch
be activated. Therefore the input disconnect current threshold
is typically set slightly higher than the switch current limit. For
example, choose RINS = 0.02 Ω to set IINMAX = 5.25 A approximately.
During normal power-up sequence, as soon as EN goes high, the
GATE pin will start to be pulled low by a 115 µA (typ) current.
How quickly the external PMOS turns on depends on the gate
capacitance, CGS, of the PMOS. If the gate capacitance is very
low, the inrush current may still exceed 5 A momentarily and trip
the input disconnect protection. In this case, an external CGS may
be added to slow down the PMOS turn-on. A typical value of
10 nF should be sufficient in most cases.
PWM Period
VOUT controlled by dominant
LED string
LED1 and
LED2 on
(dominant)
VOUT under hysteresis control
When selecting the external PMOS, check for the following
parameters:
• Drain-source breakdown voltage: BVDSS > –50 V
• Gate threshold voltage: ensure it is fully enhanced at VGS
= –4 V, and cut-off at –1 V
• RDS(on): ensure the on-resistance is rated at VGS = –4.5 V or
similar, not at –10 V; derate it for higher temperatures
The PMOS gate voltage is clamped by the A8517 such that VGS =
VIN – VGATE ≤ 8 V. This is to prevent the gate-source of external
PMOS from breaking down due to higher input voltage. In case
of very low input voltage, however, VGS is limited by VIN. Therefore it is important to select a PMOS with a lower gate threshold
voltage.
Test conditions:
LED1 and LED2 = 8 series (dominant LED string),
LED4, LED5, LED6 = 7 series
All other channels disabled
60 mA each enabled channel
LED VREG = 0.85 V
VIN = 12 V
VOUT hysteresis = 0.25 V
Scope traces:
LED4, LED5, and LED6 on
C1 (Yellow) = VGPO1 PWM period (5 V/div)
C3 (Blue) = VOUT (1 V/div, offset = 24 V)
C4 (Green) = Total ILEDx (50 mA/div)
Time scale = 500 µs/div
A8517 evaluation PCB:
L1 = 10 µH, COUT5 = 68 µF / 50 V polymer
electrolytic, COUT4 = 2.2 µF /
50 V 1206 ceramic, RZ = 10 kΩ, CZ = 5.6 nF,
CP = 120 pF
Figure 7: Output Hysteresis Waveform, LED1 and LED2 are the Dominant String
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
25
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
System Failure Detection and Protection
The A8517 is designed to detect and protect against a multitude
of system-level failures. Some of those possible faults are illustrated in Figure 8 and the A8517 is described in Table 2.
Inductor
open/short
VIN
L1
RSENSE
Q1
CIN
D1
CQ1
VOUT
Output to
GND short
LED string
open
COUT
GATE
INS
VIN
Synchronization
signal loss
External
Synchronization
Diode
open/short
SW
PGND
A8517
LED short
within string
OVP
LED1
FSET/SYNC
LED2
GND
LED10
RFSET
FSET pin to
GND short
LEDx pin to
GND short
Figure 8: Examples of System Fault Modes
Table 2: System Failure Mode
Failure Mode
Symptom
Protected?
A8517 Response
Inductor open
Output undervoltage fault detected at startup
Yes
Will not proceed with startup
Inductor shorted
Excessive current through SW pin during switching,
secondary OCP tripped
Yes
Shuts down and will not retry
Diode open
Excessive voltage detected at SW pin, secondary OVP
tripped
Yes
Shuts down and will not retry
Diode shorted
Excessive current through SW pin during switching
Yes
Shuts down and will not retry
Output shorted to GND
Input overcurrent protection tripped at startup
Yes
Shuts off input power via input disconnect
switch
LED string open or
LEDx pin open
IC unable to detect LED current, output ramps up and
trips OVP
Yes
Disable offending LED string, other strings
continue to operate
LEDs shorted within one
string
Excessive voltage drop at LEDx pin
Yes
Disable offending LED string, other strings
continue to operate
LEDx pin to GND short
at startup
Detected LED pin to GND short during startup error
check
Yes
Will not proceed until fault is removed
LEDx pin to GND short
during operation
IC unable to detect LED current, output ramps up and
trips OVP
Yes
Shuts down and rechecks for pin to GND short
before restart
FSET pin to GND short
or FSET pin open
IC unable to start switching
Yes
Will not restart until fault is removed
External synchronization
signal disconnected
Unable to detect logic signal at FSET pin
Yes
Falls back to switching frequency determined
by RFSET
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
26
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
Fault Handling
The A8517 can detect and monitor 12 different fault modes
internally. Some can be programmed for latching (flag set, system
controller action required) or for auto restart after flag set and
condition cleared. Faults are listed in Table 3.
In the event of a fault, registers 0x38 and 0x39 hold the fault
status to allow the master to read what type of fault (such as OCP,
OVP, open LED, and so forth) has been detected.
of 8 kΩ, so the combined sense resistance is 3 kΩ). The user can
further disable any LED channel through I2C programming. All
unused LED channels are taken out of regulation at this point and
will not contribute to the boost regulation loop. If any LED pin
is shorted to ground, the IC will not proceed with soft start until
the short is removed for the LED pin. This prevents the A8517
from powering up and putting an uncontrolled amount of current
through the LEDs.
There are two general-purpose output pins, GPO1 and GPO2,
that can be programmed to monitor selected internal status bits
directly. This allows those pins to be used as special IRQ (interrupt request) lines for the system. The system can also monitor non-critical fault occurrences (such as temperature warning
or SW current limit) while the IC continues to run. GPO1 and
GPO2 are open-drain outputs, and an external pull-up resistor is
required at each pin to set the logic-high level required.
LED DC Current (%)
INTERNAL STATE MONITORING
100
Thermal
derating
Restart
Cool
down
150
LED THERMAL SHUTDOWN AND DERATING
The A8517 also has an optional thermal derating function controlled by a register bit. The LED derating bit enables or disables
the Thermal Derating feature, which cuts-back on LED current
when the die temperature gets too close to the thermal shutdown
threshold. When enabled, the LED current starts decreasing as
die temperature rises above 20° from TSD. The Thermal Derating
feature is disabled by default, which means the IC will continue
to operate at full LED current until the TSD threshold is reached.
Current derating is illustrated by Figure 9.
LED PIN SHORT TO GND CHECK BEFORE STARTUP
When the IC is enabled for the first time, it checks to determine
if any LED pins are shorted to GND and/or are not used (LED
string not populated). An internal 60 µA current source pulls all
LED pin voltages high. Any LED pin with voltage below 120 mV
is considered shorted to GND. Any LED pin with voltage above
270 mV is considered in use (see Figure 10). If any LED channel is unused, that LED pin must be connected to GND through
a 4.7 kΩ resistor (note: there is an internal gated parallel resistor
170
Figure 9: Thermal Derating and Shutdown Protection
Features
LED Pin Voltage (mV)
The A8517 TSD (Thermal Shutdown) threshold is set to
170°C (typ). If the die temperature reaches the TSD threshold,
boost and LED drivers are disabled. The IC will restart after the
die temperature has fallen to 20° C below the TSD threshold.
Temperature (°C)
Thermal
shutdown
LED string in use
(no fault)
270
120
LED string
unpopulated
LED pin shorted
to GND fault
Figure 10: A8517 LED Short-to-GND Check Before
Startup
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
27
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
LED PIN OPEN/SHORT FAULT DURING NORMAL OPERATION
During startup and normal operation, all enabled LED channels
are supposed to ramp up in current until each channel regulation target is reached. If any channel is below regulation, it will
request the boost output voltage to rise, so the higher voltage can
help more current to flow through its LED string. But in the event
that an LED pin is either open or shorted to ground, there can be
no current flowing through its LED driver. The boost voltage will
continue to rise until the OVP fault is tripped.
This function is used in conjunction with general fault 8
(overvoltage protection), so it can be monitored by the I2C master. When this bit is set to 0, the corresponding LED channel is
within regulation and operating correctly (or the LED channel has
been previously disabled). When the OVP fault is tripped the bit
is set to 1.
When the OVP fault is tripped, any enabled LED channel that is
not in regulation is tested for ground-short again:
• If an unregulated channel is shorted to ground, the boost stage
is shutdown completely and will not attempt auto-restart. This
is to prevent uncontrolled current from flowing through the
LED string. Fault flag is set to signal an LED to GND short
fault (#11). The corresponding bit in the LED Pin Shorted to
GND status register is set. The user can then read this register
to determine which LED channel is shorted.
• If an unregulated channel is not shorted to ground, the IC will
remove the offending channel from regulation, and resume
¯ pin (which
¯¯ L̄¯¯Ā¯Ḡ
normal operation for other channels. The F̄
was previously set to signal an OVP fault) is then cleared. The
corresponding bit in the Latched Status LEDs in Regulation
registers (0x3A and 0x3B) is set. The user can then read this
register to determine which LED channel is open.
Note:
If the OVP level is programmed too low in the OVP
Threshold register for the LED string with highest
forward voltage, the LED driver may not be able to
reach regulation during startup. In this case, the IC
will treat the LED pin as open. The offending LED
pin is removed from regulation and the rest of the
LED channels will resume normal operation.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
28
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Table 3: Internal Fault Modes
Number and
Name
Fault 1
Input Overcurrent
Fault 2
Output Undervoltage
Fault 3
Temperature Warning
Fault 4
Overtemperature
Protection
Fault 5
FSET Short Protection
Fault 6
SW Primary Current Limit
Fault 7
SW Secondary Current
Limit
Default Action
Programmable?
Input Disconnect
Switch
Boost Switch
LED Current
¯L̄
¯Ā¯Ḡ
¯ Set
F̄
on Fault?
Latched
No
Off
Off
Off
Yes
This fault is set when an input overcurrent has been detected (VIN – VINS > 100 mV). The input disconnect switch is
disabled, as well as the boost stage and LED drivers. The fault flag is latched at low. To reenable the part, the EN pin
must be cycled.
Auto Restart
Auto Restart
Fault 10
LED Pin Shorted to GND
During Startup
Off
Off
Yes
Yes
On
On
Reduced
No
This is a warning that the IC is approaching thermal shutdown. Typically this fault is asserted at 20°C below TSD, and
LED current is reduced. As soon as the IC cools down, the fault bit will reset.
Auto Restart
No
On
Off
Off
Yes
Fault occurs when the die temperature exceeds the TSD (thermal shutdown) threshold, typically 170°C.
Auto Restart
Yes
On
Off
Off
Yes
Fault occurs when the FSET/SYNC current exceeds approximately 180 µA (≈150% of maximum current). The boost will
stop switching, and the IC will disable the LED sinks until the fault is removed.
Auto Restart
No
On
Truncated
On
No
The device monitors its switch current on a cycle-by-cycle basis, and shuts the switch off for the existing cycle if the
current exceeds ISW(LIM). Normal switching continues in the next cycle. This fault does not shut down the IC.
Latched
No
Off
Off
Off
Yes
When the current through the boost SW pin exceeds secondary current limit (ISWLIM(sec) ), the part will immediately shut
down the input disconnect switch, LED drivers, and boost. To restart the part, either cycle the power or toggle the EN pin.
Yes
On
Off
On
Yes
Fault occurs when the OVP pin exceeds the VOVP(th) threshold.
Case 1. All enabled LED strings are in regulation. The IC will immediately stop boost switching. LED current sinks remain
active to drain the output voltage. After the output voltage falls below approximately 94% of the OVP threshold, the IC will
resume switching to regulate the output voltage.
Case 2. One (or more) enabled LED string is not in regulation. See Fault 11.
Latched
Fault 9
Open Diode Protection
On
The IC monitors the output voltage on the OVP pin. If the voltage level drops below output undervoltage threshold, VUVP
(such as in case of output shorted to GND), the fault will be registered. The boost SW and LED drivers are shut down.
Auto Restart
Fault 8
Overvoltage Protection
Yes
No
Off
Off
Off
Yes
Secondary overvoltage protection at the SW pin is used for open diode detection. When diode D1 opens up, the SW pin
voltage will increase until VOVP(sec) is reached. The input disconnect switch is disabled, as well as the boost stage and
¯L̄¯Ā¯Ḡ¯ pin is pulled low only while the overvoltage condition exists. To restart the part, either cycle the
LED drivers. The F̄
power or toggle the EN pin.
Auto Restart
Yes
On
Off
Off
Yes
The system at power-up checks if an LED pin is shorted to GND (see the LED Pin Short to GND Check before Startup
section for details). If any pin is shorted, the system will not power up and the fault flag will be set.
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
29
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Table 3: Internal Fault Modes (continued)
Number and
Name
Default Action
Programmable?
Input Disconnect
Switch
Boost Switch
LED Current
¯L̄
¯Ā¯Ḡ
¯ Set
F̄
on Fault?
Latched
Yes
On
Off
Off
Yes
Fault 11
LED Pin Shorted to GND
During Normal Operation
This fault occurs when the LED pin is not in regulation and the output reaches OVP. At this time, the system removes
LED from the regulation loop, allowing the high output voltage to fall. After this LED is disabled, the IC will determine
whether the LED pin is shorted to GND or open (see the LED Pin Open/Short Fault during Normal Operation section for
details). If the LED pin is open, the IC will continue to operate with the offending LED turned off. If LED pin is shorted to
GND, the IC will shut down and latch off. To restart the part, either cycle the power or toggle the EN pin.
Fault 12
LED String Short Detect
This fault is set if any LED pin voltage goes above its LED Short-Detect Threshold (set by corresponding programmable
register bits). The offending LED driver is disabled immediately. Other LED strings will continue to work as normal. At the
next PWM cycle, the offending LED driver is checked again and may resume operation if the fault has been removed
(unless the Auto-restart bit is turned off).
Auto Restart
Yes
On
On
On*
Yes
*Only the offending LED driver is turned off. All other enabled LED drivers continue to work as normal.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
30
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Typical Applications
The A8517 is highly flexible and supports a wide range of application system configurations. Three example application configurations are described in this section:
• Application A. Driving two high-current, balanced LED
strings
• Application B. Driving unbalanced LED strings
• Application C. SEPIC converter
VIN (6 to 18 V)
L1
RSENSE
CQ1
Q1
CIN
GATE
INS
VIN
EN
VC
A8517
ADDR
SDA
I2C Interface
SCL
VC
FSET/SYNC
RFSET
VOUT (39 V maximum)
COUT
SW
PGND
OVP
LED1 to 4
VDD
CVDD
RADDR
External
Sync
D1
PAD
LED5
LED6 to 9
2 strings of 10 LEDs in series
240 mA maximum per string
VOUT = 34 V nominal
LED10
COMP
GND
FLAG GPO1 GPO2 AGND
CP
RZ
CZ
Status /
Interrupt
Application A: Circuit Diagram Showing the A8517 with Optional Input Disconnect Switch
LED current sinks are combined to drive two high-current LED
strings. Unused LED pins are connected to GND through 4.7 kΩ
resistors. As long as the two LED strings are well-balanced, the
heat dissipation from the LED current sources (LED1 through
LED4 and LED6 through LED9) can be minimized.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
31
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
VIN (12 V)
L1
D1
CIN
COUT
SW
GATE
INS
VIN
EN
CVDD
RADDR
OVP
LED1 to 3
LED4 to 5
PAD
ADDR
Green LEDs up to 120 mA
Blue LEDs up to 120 mA
LED10
COMP
GND
FSET/SYNC
RFSET
Red LEDs up to 120 mA
LED8 to 9
SCL
VC
White LEDs up to 180 mA
LED6 to 7
SDA
I2C Interface
PGND
A8517
VDD
VC
External
Sync
VOUT (39 V maximum)
CP
FLAG GPO1 GPO2 AGND
RZ
CZ
Status /
Interrupt
Application B: Circuit Diagram Showing the A8517 Used to Drive Four Unbalanced LED Strings: Separate Strings for White,
Red, Green, and Blue LEDs
The white LED string is assumed to have the greatest current and
voltage drops across the LEDs. To reduce the power dissipation
at other LED current sinks (LED4 through LED9), ballast resis-
VIN (5 to 36 V)
optional
tors may be inserted into the LED strings to dissipate part of the
heat externally. LED channels for each string should be grouped
by programming the Polyphase register.
L2
RSENSE Q1
VOUT (VIN + VOUT < 40 V)
D1
L1
CIN
CQ1
L1 and L2 may be either
discrete or integrated
GATE
INS
VIN
EN
VC
RADDR
ADDR
PAD
SCL
VC
FSET/SYNC
RFSET
PGND
OVP
LED1
SDA
I2C Interface
External
Sync
A8517
VDD
CVDD
COUT
SW
LED2
LED10
COMP
GND
FLAG GPO1 GPO2 AGND
CP
RZ
CZ
Status /
Interrupt
Application C: The A8517 can be used in a SEPIC (Single-Ended Primary Inductor Converter) Configuration
The main advantage of SEPIC is that output voltage can be either
higher or lower than the input voltage. In contrast, the output
voltage of a boost converter must be higher than the input. One
limitation of SEPIC configurations is that the voltage stress
across SW is higher than for boost converters:
• For boost: VSW = VOUT
• For SEPIC: VSW = VIN + VOUT
Therefore care must be taken to ensure that VIN + VOUT < 40 V
for a SEPIC configuration.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
32
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
Design Example
Substituting into equation 6:
This section provides a method for selecting component values
when designing an application using the A8517. The results are
diagrammed in the schematic shown in Figure 11 at the end of
this design example.
The following requirements are considered for this design
example:
• VIN: 10 to 14 V
• LED current per channel, ILED: 60 mA
DMAX = 1 – tSWOFFTIME(max) × fSW
,
(7)
DMAX = 1 – (0.085 (µs) × 2 (MHz)) = 0.83 .
• LED voltage drop, Vf : 3 V at 60 mA
Then the theoretical maximum voltage, VOUTMAX , is calculated
as:
• Boost diode forward voltage,Vd: 0.4 V
• fSW : 2 MHz
VOUTMAX = [VINMIN / (1– DMAX )] – Vd ,
• PWM dimming frequency: 200 Hz at 100% duty cycle
• Polyphase feature is turned on
• At 12 V and 60 mA/channel, the IC case temperature rise is
measured to be 40°C. At lower VIN , the IC case and junction
temperature rise will increase. Therefore, if proper cooling is
not applied, output current derating would be required.
STEP 1: Determining the output voltage. The output voltage is
determined by the following equation:
(5)
The regulated VLED is 0.85 V. The fixed 0.45 V is related to the
output-implemented voltage hysteresis control. During PWM
dimming on-time, VLED is regulated to 0.85 V. During PWM
dimming off-time, the output voltage hysteresis control is 0.45 V.
Substituting into equation 5:
VOUT = 7 × 3 (V) + 0.85 (V) + 0.45 (V) = 22.3 V .
STEP 2: Determining the OVP threshold limit. This is the maximum voltage based on the LED requirements. The regulation
voltage, VLED , of the A8517 is 0.85 V. A constant term, 5 V, is
added to give some margin to the design:
VOUT(OVP) = nsl × Vf + VLED + 0.45 (V) + 5 (V) .
STEP 3: At this point, a quick check should be done to determine
if the conversion ratio is acceptable for the selected frequency.
First, determine the maximum duty cycle:
where tSWOFFTIME(max), 85 ns, is found in the datasheet. Substituting into equation 7:
• Quantity of series LEDs per channel, nsl: 7
VOUT = nsl × Vf + VLED + 0.45 (V) .
In the OVP Threshold register (0x04), set the OVP threshold to
28 V.
• Quantity of LED channels (strings), n: 10
VOUT(OVP) = 7 × 3 (V) + 0.85 (V) + 0.45 (V) + 5 (V) = 27.3 V .
(6)
(8)
where Vd is the boost diode forward voltage. Substituting into
equation 8:
VOUTMAX = [10 (V) / (1 – 0.83)] – 0.4 (V) = 58.42 V .
The theoretical maximum voltage value must be greater than the
value VOUT(OVP) . If this is not the case, the switching frequency
of the boost converter must be reduced to meet the maximum
duty cycle requirements.
STEP 3: Selecting the inductor. The inductor must be chosen such
that it can handle the necessary input current. In most applications due to stringent EMI requirements the system must operate
in continuous conduction mode (CCM) at least throughout the
normal selected input voltage range and nominal output current.
STEP 3a: Determining the maximum operating duty cycle in
CCM. The duty cycle is calculated as follows:
DCCM(MAX) = 1 – VINMIN / (VOUT(OVP) + Vd ) ,
(9)
and substituting into equation 9:
DCCM(MAX) = 1 – 10(V) / (28 (V) + 0.4 (V)) = 0.65.
STEP 3b: Determining the maximum and minimum input current
to the system. The minimum input current will dictate the inductor value. The maximum input current will dictate the current
rating of the inductor.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
33
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
First, calculate the maximum input current. The input current is
output-determined, so:
IINMIN > (1/2) × ΔIL
For lower ripple current, smaller output capacitor, and higher efficiency, we selected the inductor value to be 10 µH.
IOUT = n × ILED ,
(10)
given ILED = 60 mA, substituting into equation 10:
STEP 3d: This step is used to verify that there is sufficient slope
compensation for the chosen inductor.
IOUT = 10 × 0.060 (A) = 0.6 (A) .
IOUT can be used to calculate the maximum input current:
IINMAX = (VOUT(OVP) × IOUT ) / (VINMIN × η) ,
(11)
where η is the efficiency value, which can be obtained from
efficiency curves in this datasheet (at fSW = 2 MHz). It is approximately 80% under these conditions. Substituting into equation 11:
IINMAX = (28 (V) × 0.60 (A) ) / (10 (V) × 0.8) = 2.1 A .
Similarly, calculate the minimum input current:
IINMIN = (VOUT × IOUT ) / (VINMAX × η) ,
(12)
where VOUT is determined by equation 5, and η is the efficiency
value, which can be obtained from efficiency curves in this
datasheet (at fSW = 2 MHz). It is approximately 85% under these
conditions. Substituting into equation 12:
IINMIN = (22.3 (V) × 0.60 (A) ) / (14 (V) × 0.85) = 1.12 A .
STEP 3c: Determining the inductor value. To ensure that the
inductor operates in continuous conduction mode, the value of
the inductor must be set such that the 1/2 inductor ripple current is
not greater than the average minimum input current:
ΔIL = IINMAX × kripple .
The ripple current when L = 10 µH is given by:
ΔILused = (VINMIN × DCCM(MAX) ) / (Lused × fSW ) .
ΔIL= 2.1 (A) × 0.4 = 0.84 A
The inductor value can then be calculated as:
(14)
where DCCM(MAX) is calculated as in equation 9. Substituting into
equation 14:
L1 = 10 (V) / (0.84 (A) × 2 (MHz)) × 0.65 = 3.87 µH
Double-check to make sure that the 1/2 inductor ripple current is
less than IINMIN , by applying equations 12 and 13:
(15)
Substituting into equation 15:
ΔILused = (10 (V) × 0.65) / (10 (µH) × 2.0 (MHz)) = 0.325 A .
The minimum required slope compensation is proportional to the
switching frequency and it is given by:
-6
∆ILused × (∆s × 10 )
SE(MINREQ) =
(16)
1
× ( 1 – DCCM(MAX))
fSW
where Δs is taken from Riddley’s formula:
(17)
Δs = 1 – 0.18/DCCM(MAX)
= 1 – 0.18 / 0.65 = 0.723 .
Substituting into equation 16:
-6
SE(MINREQ) =
0.325 (A) × (0.723 × 10 )
1
× ( 1 – 0.65 )
2.0 (MHz)
(13)
A practical starting point is to consider kripple to be 40% of the
maximum inductor current. Substituting into equation 13:
L1 = VINMIN / (ΔIL × fSW ) × DCCM(MAX) .
1.12 > 0.42 A .
= 1.34 A / µs
At 2 MHz switching frequency, 2.3A/µs slope compensation is
implemented in the A8517 (programmable through the I2C interface). If the implemented value is less than the figure calculated
using equation 16, then the inductor value must be increased.
STEP 3e: Determining the inductor current rating. The minimum
inductor current rating can be calculated as follows:
ILMIN = IINMAX + 1/2 × ΔIL
(18)
= 2.1 (A) + 0.325 (A) / 2
= 2.26 A
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
34
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
The inductor current rating should be higher than 2.26 A. Because
the converter must operate properly until OCP is triggered, it is
recommended to select the inductor current rating to be same as
the OCP limit, which is 3.8 A. An inductor current rating of 4 A
is good.
STEP 4: Selecting the switching frequency. The switching frequency is set by the resistor connected from the FSET/SYNC pin
to GND. Using the component values from Figure 2, to operate at
a 2 MHz switching frequency RFSET should be 10 kΩ.
STEP 5: Choosing the output boost Schottky diode. The Schottky
diode must be chosen taking the following four characteristics
into account when it is used in LED lighting circuitry:
must be chosen such that they can provide filtering for both the
boost converter and for the PWM dimming function. In addition,
the output capacitors should be big enough to hold and maintain
the output voltage within acceptable voltage ripple range during
PWM dimming off-time. The major contributor is the leakage
current, ILK. This current is the combination of the OVP sense, as
well as the leakage current of the Schottky diode. In this design,
the PWM dimming frequency is 200 Hz and the minimum PWM
dimming duty cycle is 0.02%. Typically, the voltage variation on
the output during PWM dimming should be less than 0.5 V so
that no audible hum can be heard.
• Reverse voltage
The selected diode leakage current at a 150°C junction temperature and 30 V output is 100 µA, and the leakage current through
OVP pin is 30 µA. The total leakage current can be calculated as
follows:
• Leakage current
• Current rating
• Reverse recovery charge
Current Rating – The diode should be able to handle the same
peak current as the inductor:
Idp= IINMAX + ΔILused / 2
(19)
Ilk = ILKG(diode) + ILKGOVP
= 100 µA + 30 µA
= 130 µA
To accommodate this, the output capacitance can be calculated as
follows:
= 2.1 (A) + 0.325 (A) / 2
Reverse Voltage – The reverse voltage rating should be larger
than the maximum output voltage. In this case, it is VOUT(OVP) .
Reverse Recovery Charge – For higher efficiency, the reverse
recovery charge should be as small as possible. This charge and
the boost switch output capacitor charge are the contributors for
the boost turn-on loss. This turn-on loss at high output voltage
and high switching frequency becomes significant. A Vishay
Schottky diode SS2PH10 2A 100V is selected for this design.
STEP 6: Choosing the output capacitors. The output capacitors
Ilk × (1 –DMIN )
fSW(PWM) × VCOUT
COUT =
= 2.26 A
Leakage Current – The third major component in deciding the
boost Schottky diode is the reverse leakage current characteristic.
This characteristic is especially important when PWM dimming
is implemented. During PWM off-time, the boost converter is
not switching. This results in a slow bleeding off of the output
voltage due to leakage currents. Leakage current can be a large
contributor especially at high temperatures. For the diode that
was selected in this design, the leakage current varies between
1 and 100 µA.
(20)
130 (µA) × (1 – 0.02 )
200 (Hz) × 0.450 (V)
= 1.42 µF
=
(21)
where DMIN is the minimum dimming duty cycle and fSW(PWM) is
the PWM dimming frequency.
A capacitor larger than 1.42 µF should be selected. It should be
noted that the ceramic capacitor value is reduced with DC voltage
bias. The capacitance value at 30 V output may drop by 40%.
4.7 µF and 2.2 µF, 50 V ceramic capacitors are good choice for
this design:
Vendor
Value
Part number
Murata
4.7 µF 50 V
GRM32ER71H475KA88L
Murata
2.2 µF 50 V
GRM31CR71H225KA88L
It is also necessary to note that, if a high dimming ratio of 5000:1
must be maintained at lower input voltages, then larger output
capacitors will be needed.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
35
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
The rms current through the capacitor is given by:
DCCM(MAX) +
COUTrms = IOUT ×
ΔILused
IINMAX × 12
(22)
1 – DCCM(MAX)
0.65 +
= 0.6 (A) ×
0.325 (A)
2.1 (A) × 12
The output capacitor must have a current rating of at least
0.826 A. The capacitors selected in this design have a combined
current rating of 3 A.
STEP 7: Selecting the input capacitor. The input capacitor must
be selected such that it provides a good filtering of the input voltage waveform. A good rule of thumb is to set the input voltage
ripple, ΔVIN , to be 1% of the minimum input voltage. To accommodate this, the input capacitance can be calculated as follows:
RSENSE = VINSTRIP / ILIM
(25)
= 0.105 (V) / 5 (A)
= 0.021 Ω
A 18 mΩ / 0.5 W, 1206 resistor is selected. Therefore, the actual
current limit is calculated by rearranging equation 25:
ILIM = 0.105 V / 0.018 Ω = 5.8 A
The AO4421 6.2 A / 60 V P-channel MOSFET is selected.
∆ILused
8 × fSW × ∆VIN
0.325 (A)
=
8 × 2 (MHz) × 0.1 (V)
STEP 9: Selecting the ADDR pin resistor value. Use a 0 Ω resistor address 100 0000.
(23)
= 0.203 µF
ΔILused
IINMAX
STEP 10: Selecting the SDA pin pull-up resistor. Use a 2 kΩ
resistor to VCC.
¯ , GPO1, and GPO2 pull-up resisSTEP 11: Selecting the F̄¯¯ L̄¯¯Ā¯Ḡ
tors. For each of these output pins, use a 10 kΩ resistor to VCC.
The rms current through the capacitor is given by:
CINrms = IOUT ×
STEP 8: Choosing the input disconnect switch components.
Choose a P-channel MOSFET disconnect switch with current rating the same or higher than the IC trip threshold current limit, Set
the limit to be 5 A.
The IC trip current limit, ILIM , can be set by the input current
sense resistor. When the IC detects VINSTRIP , 105 mV (typ),
across the input current sense resistor, it turns off the disconnect
switch. The sense resistor value can be calculated as follows:
1 – 0.65
= 0.826 A
CIN =
If long wires are used for the input, it is necessary to use a much
larger input capacitor. A larger input capacitor is also required to
have stable input voltage during line transients.
(24)
(1 – DCCM(MAX) ) × 12
0.325 (A)
2.1 (A)
= 0.6 (A) ×
(1 – 0.65) × 12
= 0.076 A
4.7 µF and 2.2 µF, 50 V ceramic capacitors are good choice for
this design, shown in the following table:
Vendor
Value
Part number
Murata
4.7 µF 50 V
GRM32ER71H475KA88L
Murata
2.2 µF 50 V
GRM31CR71H225KA88L
STEP 12: Selecting the output LEDs. High power white 3000 K
85 CRI Duris E5 (LCW JDSHEC-EUFQ-5R8T-1) LEDs were
selected.
STEP 13: Selecting CQ1 , placed from the drain of Q1 to GND.
The purpose of this capacitor is to absorb the negative spike generated by L1 when the input disconnect switch is turned off. Use
a small value such as 1 µF / 50 V ceramic. A large value may trip
OCP during startup or a fast VIN transient.
STEP 14: See appendix A for a detailed description of how to
calculate RZ, CZ, and CP. Using L1 = 10 µH, COUT = (4.7 µF +
2.2 µF ), and fC = 30 kHz, the calculation results for RZ , CZ , and
CP are: RZ = 240 Ω, CZ = 220 nF, and CP = 100 pF.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
36
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
VIN
10 to 14 V
RSENSE
0.018 Ω
A
CIN
4.7 µF
CVDD
1 µF
RADDR
0Ω
External
Synchronization
VC
10 kΩ
Status /
Interrupt
10 kΩ
10 kΩ
D1
2 A / 100 V
CQ1
1 µF
A
I2C Interface
L1
10 µH
Q1
–6.2 A /–60 V
COUT1
4.7 µF
SW
GATE
INS
VIN
EN
VDD
A8517
ADDR
PAD
SDA
SCL
FSET/SYNC
RFSET
10 kΩ
VOUT
High Power LEDs
COUT2
2.2 µF
PGND
OVP
LED1
LED2
LED10
COMP
GND
FLAG GPO1 GPO2 AGND
CP
100 pF
RZ
240 Ω
CZ
220 nF
A Optional
Figure 11: Schematic Diagram Showing Calculated Components from the Above Design Example
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
37
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
The I2C registers are setup in clusters. Each cluster has an 8-bit
register in a group which is called register bank (RB).
The I2C interface communicates with the system via separate
read and write registers, as shown in Figure 12.
I2C Interface
Write Registers
Read Registers
0x00 (RB0)
through
0x2F (RB47)
0x30 (RB48)
through
0x43 (RB67)
A8517 Operating Functions
Figure 12: I2C Interface Communication Structure
LED Driver and Boost
Running (Normal Operation)
I2C Master
Write?
I2C Master Sends
Start Sequence
Yes
No
A8517 Continues
with LED Current
and On-Time from
Latch Registers
I2C Master Reads
Faults and Status
from IC Registers
I2C Master Writes
to LED Current
and On-Time
Registers
I2C Master Writes
to Regsiter 0x24
I2C Master Sends
Stop Sequence
A8517 Updates
LED Current and
On-Time Registers
LED Driver and Boost
Running (Normal Operation)
Figure 13. I2C Interface During Normal Operation
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
38
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
I2C Interface Description
The A8517 provides an I2C-compliant serial interface that
exchanges commands and data between a system microcontroller
(master) and the A8517 (slave). Two bus lines, SCL and SDA,
provide access to the internal control registers. The clock input on
the SCL pin is generated by the master, while the SDA line functions as either an input or an open drain output for the A8517,
depending on the direction of the data flow.
SDA
SCL
Start
Condition
The I2C input thresholds depend on the VDD voltage of the
A8517. The threshold levels across the operating VDD range are
compatible with 3 V logic.
Timing Considerations
Stop
Condition
(A) Start and Stop Conditions
I2C communication is composed of several steps, in the following
sequence:
1. Start Condition. Defined by a negative edge on the SDA line,
while SCL is high (see Figure 14).
2. Address Cycle. 7 bits of address, plus 1 bit to indicate write
(0) or read (1), and an acknowledge bit (see Figure 15).
3. Data Cycles. Reading or writing 8 bits of data followed by an
acknowledge bit (see Figure 15).
4. Stop Condition. Defined by a positive edge on the SDA line,
while SCL is high (see Figure 14).
It is possible for the Start or Stop condition to occur at any time
during a data transfer. The A8517 always responds by resetting
the data transfer sequence. Except to indicate a Start or Stop condition, SDA must be stable while the clock is high (Figure 14).
SDA can only be changed while SCL is low.
Start
Condition
SDA
SCL
Change of
data allowed
(B) Clock and Data Bit Synchronization
Figure 14: Bit Transfer on the I2C Bus
Read/Write Acknowledge
Slave Device Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
SDA stable,
data valid
Acknowledge
Register Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
0
Acknowledge
Data (MSB byte)
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
A0 R/W AK RA7 RA6 RA5 RA4 RA3 RA2 RA1 RA0 AK D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
D8 AK
8
9
Acknowledge
Data (LSB byte)
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
D7 D6
SCL
1
2
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
3
4
5
6
7
0
Stop
Condition
D0 AK
8
9
Figure 15: Complete Data Transfer Pulse Train
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
39
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
The state of the Read/Write bit (R/W̄¯ ) is set low to indicate a
Write cycle and set high to indicate a Read cycle.
device must release the SDA line before the ninth clock cycle, in
order to allow the handshaking to occur.
The master monitors for an acknowledge bit to determine if the
slave device is responding to the address byte sent to the A8517.
When the A8517 decodes the 7-bit address field as a valid
address, it acknowledges by pulling SDA low during the ninth
clock cycle.
I2C Command Write to the A8517
The master controls the A8517 by programming it as a slave.
To do so, the master transmits data bits to the SDA input of the
A8517, synchronized with the clocking signal the master transmits simultaneously on the SCL input (Figure 16).
During a data write from the master, the A8517 pulls SDA low
during the clock cycle that follows each data byte, in order to
indicate that the data has been successfully received.
A complete transmission begins with the master pulling SDA low
(Start bit), and completes with the master releasing the SDA line
(Stop bit). Between these points, the master transmits a pattern of
address bits with a Write command bit (R/W̄¯ ), then the register
After sending either an address byte or a data byte, the master
Start
Condition
Write
Slave Device Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
Slave
Acknowledge
0
Register Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
Slave
Acknowledge
Slave
Acknowledge
0
0
A0 R/W AK RA7 RA6 RA5 RA4 RA3 RA2 RA1 RA0 AK
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Stop
Condition
D0 AK
8
9
Write to a single register
Write to multiple registers
Start
Condition
Write
Slave Device Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
Slave
Acknowledge
Slave
Acknowledge
0
Register N Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
0
A0 R/W AK RA7 RA6 RA5 RA4 RA3 RA2 RA1 RA0 AK
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Slave
Acknowledge
Register N Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
D0 AK
8
9
Slave
Acknowledge
Register N+1 Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
D0 AK
[Wraps to Register N+1]
8
Register N+n Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
[Wraps to Register N+n]
SDA
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
Slave
Acknowledge
Stop
0
Condition
D0 AK
8
9
Figure 16: Writing to Single and to Multiple Registers
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
40
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
address, and finally the data. The address therefore consists of
two bytes, comprised of the A8517 chip address, with the write
enable bit, followed by the address of the individual register.
After each byte, the slave A8517 acknowledges by transmitting a
low to the master on the SDA line. After writing data to a register
the master must provide a Stop bit if writing is completed. Otherwise, the master can continue sending data to the device and it
will automatically increase the register value by one for additional data byte. This allows faster data entry but restricts the data
entry to sequential registers.
I2C Command Read from the A8517
The master can read back the register values of the A8517. The
Read command is given in the R/W̄¯ bit of the address byte. To do
so, the master transmits data bits to the SDA input of the A8517,
synchronized with the clocking signal the master transmits simultaneously on the SCL input. The pulse train is shown in figure 16.
A complete transmission begins with the master pulling SDA low
(Start bit), and completes with the master releasing the SDA pin
(Stop bit). Between these points, the master transmits a pattern
of chip address with the Read command (R/W̄¯ = 1) and then the
address of the register to be read. Again, the address consists of
two bytes, comprising the address of the A8517 (chip address)
with the read enable bit, followed by the address of the individual
register. The bus master then executes a Master Restart, reissues
the slave address, then the A8517 exports the data byte for that
register, synchronized with the clock pulse supplied by the master. The master must provide the clock pulses, as the A8517 slave
does not have the capability to generate them.
If the master does not send an non-acknowledge bit (AK = 1)
after receiving the data, the A8517 will continue sending data
from the sequential registers after the addressed one, as shown in
Figure 16. After the master provides an non-acknowledge bit, the
A8517 will stop sending the data. After that, if additional register
reads are required, the process must start over again.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
41
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Start
Condition
Write
Slave Device Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
Slave
Acknowledge
0
Register Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
Slave
Acknowledge
0
Master Restart
A0 R/W AK RA7 RA6 RA5 RA4 RA3 RA2 RA1 RA0 AK
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Read
Slave Device Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
9
Slave
Acknowledge
0
A0 R/W AK
7
8
9
Register Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
Master
Non-Acknowledge
1
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
D0
AK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Stop
Condition
Read from a single register
Read from multiple registers continuously
Start
Condition
Write
Slave Device Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
Slave
Acknowledge
0
Register Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
Slave
Acknowledge
0
Master Restart
A0 R/W AK RA7 RA6 RA5 RA4 RA3 RA2 RA1 RA0 AK
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Read
Slave Device Address
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
9
Slave
Acknowledge
0
A0 R/W AK
7
8
9
Register Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
Master
Acknowledge
0
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
D0
AK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Master
Acknowledge
Register N+1 Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
SDA
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
D0 AK
[Wraps to Register N+1]
8
Register N+n Data
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
[Wraps to Register N+n]
SDA
D7
D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
SCL
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
Master
Non-Acknowledge
Stop
1
Condition
D0 AK
8
9
Figure 17: Reading from Single and to Multiple Registers
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
42
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Register Map
Table 4: Register Banks and Bit Names
RB# Address
0
0x00
1
0x01
Bit15
Bit14
Bit13
Bit12
Bit11
Bit0
Bit9
Bit8
Bit7
Bit6
Bit5
Bit4
Bit3
Bit2
Bit1
Bit0
Default
Value
–
–
LED10EN
LED9EN
0000 0011
R/W
LED4EN
LED3EN
LED2EN
LED1EN
1111 1111
R/W
PWM9
PWM8
0000 1111
R/W
PWM1
PWM0
1111 1111
R/W
Register
Name
Definition
LED Enable
Enable / disable each
populated LED string
–
–
–
–
LED8EN
LED7EN
LED6EN
LED5EN
LED PWM
Period
Program the PWM period
for all LED strings
–
–
–
PWM12
PWM11
PWM10
PWM7
PWM6
PWM5
PWM4
PWM3
PWM2
Type*
2
0x02
3
0x03
4
0x04
OVP
Program the OVP threshold
Threshold
–
–
–
OVP4
OVP3
OVP2
OVP1
OVP0
0001 1100
R/W
5
0x05
Boost
Dithering
and
Thermal
Derating
Program the boost dither
and LED derating
–
–
–
–
–
TD
BD1
BD2
0000 0000
R/W
6
0x06
7
0x07
Fault Mode
Program the fault action
type for general 12 faults
8
0x08
9
0x09
10
0x0A
11
0x0B
12
0x0C
13
0x0D
14
0x0E
15
0x0F
16
0x10
17
0x11
18
0x12
19
0x13
20
0x14
21
0x15
22
0x16
23
0x17
24
0x18
25
0x19
26
0x1A
27
0x1B
28
0x1C
29
0x1D
30
0x1E
31
0x1F
32
0x20
33
0x21
34
0x22
35
0x23
–
–
FAULT12
FAULT11
FAULT10
FAULT9
0000 1010
R/W
FAULT6
FAULT5
FAULT4
FAULT3
FAULT2
FAULT1
1011 1110
R/W
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
LED10PPH
0000 0000
R/W
LED8PPH
LED7PPH
LED6PPH
LED5PPH
LED4PPH
LED3PPH
LED2PPH
0000 0000
R/W
Program LED short detect
threshold for LEDs 1-2
–
SDT2_2
SDT2_1
SDT2_0
–
SDT1_2
SDT1_1
SDT1_0
0000 0000
R/W
Program LED short detect
threshold for LEDs 3-4
–
SDT4_2
SDT4_1
SDT4_0
–
SDT3_2
SDT3_1
SDT3_0
0000 0000
R/W
–
SDT6_2
SDT6_1
SDT6_0
–
SDT5_2
SDT5_1
SDT5_0
0000 0000
R/W
–
SDT8_2
SDT8_1
SDT8_0
–
SDT7_2
SDT7_1
SDT7_0
0000 0000
R/W
Program LED short detect
threshold for LEDs 9-10
–
SDT10_2
SDT10_1
SDT10_0
–
SDT9_2
SDT9_1
SDT9_0
0000 0000
R/W
General-purpose output
selection
–
–
–
GPO1S1
GPO1S0
–
GPO2S1
GPO2S0
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED1
T1_15
T1_14
T1_13
T1_13
T1_12
T1_11
T1_10
T1_9
0000 0000
R/W
T1_8
T1_7
T1_6
T1_5
T1_4
T1_3
T1_2
T1_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED2
T2_15
T2_14
T2_13
T2_13
T2_12
T2_11
T2_10
T2_9
0000 0000
R/W
T2_8
T2_7
T2_6
T2_5
T2_4
T2_3
T2_2
T2_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED3
T3_15
T3_14
T3_13
T3_13
T3_12
T3_11
T3_10
T3_9
0000 0000
R/W
T3_8
T3_7
T3_6
T3_5
T3_4
T3_3
T3_2
T3_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED4
T4_15
T4_14
T4_13
T4_13
T4_12
T4_11
T4_10
T4_9
0000 0000
R/W
T4_8
T4_7
T4_6
T4_5
T4_4
T4_3
T4_2
T4_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED5
T5_15
T5_14
T5_13
T5_13
T5_12
T5_11
T5_10
T5_9
0000 0000
R/W
T5_8
T5_7
T5_6
T5_5
T5_4
T5_3
T5_2
T5_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED6
T6_15
T6_14
T6_13
T6_13
T6_12
T6_11
T6_10
T6_9
0000 0000
R/W
T6_8
T6_7
T6_6
T6_5
T6_4
T6_3
T6_2
T6_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED7
T7_15
T7_14
T7_13
T7_13
T7_12
T7_11
T7_10
T7_9
0000 0000
R/W
T7_8
T7_7
T7_6
T7_5
T7_4
T7_3
T7_2
T7_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED8
T8_15
T8_14
T8_13
T8_13
T8_12
T8_11
T8_10
T8_9
0000 0000
R/W
T8_8
T8_7
T8_6
T8_5
T8_4
T8_3
T8_2
T8_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time
for LED9
T9_15
T9_14
T9_13
T9_13
T9_12
T9_11
T9_10
T9_9
0000 0000
R/W
T9_8
T9_7
T9_6
T9_5
T9_4
T9_3
T9_2
T9_1
0000 0000
R/W
Program PWM on-time for
LED10
T10_15
T10_14
T10_13
T10_13
T10_12
T10_11
T10_10
T10_9
0000 0000
R/W
T10_8
T10_7
T10_6
T10_5
T10_4
T10_3
T10_2
T10_1
0000 0000
R/W
LED ShortProgram LED short detect
Detect
threshold for LEDs 5-6
Threshold
Program LED short detect
threshold for LEDs 7-8
PWM
Dimming
On-Time
–
FAULT7
LED9PPH
Polyphase Program the polyphase for
Grouping
LEDs 2 through 10
GPO
Control
–
FAULT8
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
43
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Table 4: Register Banks and Bit Names (continued)
RB# Address
Register
Name
Definition
PWM
On-Time
Update
Command loading all LED
on-times
Bit15
Bit14
Bit13
Bit12
Bit11
Bit0
Bit9
Bit8
Bit7
Bit6
Bit5
Bit4
Bit3
Bit2
Bit1
Bit0
Default
Value
Type*
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
LOAD
0000 0000
W
–
–
–
LEDREG
–
OUTHYS
SLOPE
0000 0000
R/W
36
0x24
37
0x25
38
0x26
Program the DC current
of LED1
–
–
DC1_5
DC1_4
DC1_3
DC1_2
DC1_1
DC1_0
0001 1111
R/W
39
0x27
Program the DC current
of LED2
–
–
DC2_5
DC2_4
DC2_3
DC2_2
DC2_1
DC2_0
0001 1111
R/W
40
0x28
Program the DC current
of LED3
–
–
DC3_5
DC3_4
DC3_3
DC3_2
DC3_1
DC3_0
0001 1111
R/W
41
0x29
Program the DC current
of LED4
–
–
DC4_5
DC4_4
DC4_3
DC4_2
DC4_1
DC4_0
0001 1111
R/W
42
0x2A
Program the DC current
of LED5
–
–
DC5_5
DC5_4
DC5_3
DC5_2
DC5_1
DC5_0
0001 1111
R/W
43
0x2B
Program the DC current
of LED6
–
–
DC6_5
DC6_4
DC6_3
DC6_2
DC6_1
DC6_0
0001 1111
R/W
44
0x2C
Program the DC current
of LED7
–
–
DC7_5
DC7_4
DC7_3
DC7_2
DC7_1
DC7_0
0001 1111
R/W
45
0x2D
Program the DC current
of LED8
–
–
DC8_5
DC8_4
DC8_3
DC8_2
DC8_1
DC8_0
0001 1111
R/W
46
0x2E
Program the DC current
of LED9
–
–
DC9_5
DC9_4
DC9_3
DC9_2
DC9_1
DC9_0
0001 1111
R/W
47
0x2F
Program the DC current
of LED10
–
–
DC10_5
DC10_4
DC10_3
DC10_2
DC10_1
DC10_0
0001 1111
R/W
48
0x30
49
0x31
50
0x32
51
0x33
52
0x34
53
0x35
54
0x36
55
0x37
56
0x38
57
0x39
58
0x3A
59
0x3B
60
0x3C
61
0x3D
62
0x3E
63
0x3F
64
0x40
65
0x41
66
0x42
67
0x43
LED
Program boost slope
Regulation
compensation, hysteresis,
DUMMYLOAD
Voltage
LED regulation voltage and
and Output
Dummy Load
Hysteresis
LEDx DC
current
Fault Status
Check the general 12 faults
active fault status
Active
LED Inregulation
Status
Read the status of LEDs in
regulation
LED Pin
Shorted
to GND
Status
Read the status of LED pinto-GND shorts
LED String
ShortDetect
Status
Read the status of LED
string short detect
–
–
–
–
FS12
FS11
FS10
FS9
XXXX XXXX
R
FS8
FS7
FS6
FS5
FS4
FS3
FS2
FS1
XXXX XXXX
R
–
–
–
–
–
–
REG10
REG9
XXXX XXXX
R
REG8
REG7
REG6
REG5
REG4
REG3
REG2
REG1
XXXX XXXX
R
–
–
–
–
–
–
LGS10
LGS9
XXXX XXXX
R
LGS8
LGS7
LGS6
LGS5
LGS4
LGS3
LGS2
LGS1
XXXX XXXX
R
–
–
–
–
–
–
LSD10
LSD9
XXXX XXXX
R
LSD8
LSD7
LSD6
LSD5
LSD4
LSD3
LSD2
LSD1
XXXX XXXX
R
–
–
–
FAULTHST7
FAULTHST6
–
–
LED7HREG
–
Check the general 12 faults
hold fault status
FAULTHST8
–
Check the hold fault status
of LEDs in regulation
LED8HREG
Latched
Fault Status
FAULTHST12 FAULTHST11 FAULTHST10 FAULTHST9 XXXX XXXX
R/COW
FAULTHST5
FAULTHST4
FAULTHST3
–
–
–
LED6HREG
LED5HREG
LED4HREG
LED3HREG
FAULTHST2 FAULTHST1 XXXX XXXX
R/COW
LED10HREG LED9HREG
XXXX XXXX
R/COW
LED2HREG
XXXX XXXX
R/COW
LED1HREG
Read the hold fault status
of LED GND shorts
–
–
–
–
–
–
LED10HGND LED9HGND XXXX XXXX
R/COW
LED8HGND
LED7HGND
LED6HGND
LED5HGND
LED4HGND
LED3HGND
LED2HGND LED1HGND XXXX XXXX
R/COW
Read the hold fault status
of LED string short detect
–
–
–
–
–
–
LED10HOVP LED9HOVP
XXXX XXXX
R/COW
LED8HOVP
LED7HOVP
LED6HOVP
LED5HOVP
LED4HOVP
LED3HOVP
LED2HOVP
LED1HOVP
XXXX XXXX
R/COW
–
–
–
–
–
–
LED10VCC
LED9VCC
XXXX XXXX
R
LED8VCC
LED7VCC
LED6VCC
LED5VCC
LED4VCC
LED3VCC
LED2VCC
LED1VCC
XXXX XXXX
R
–
–
–
–
–
–
LED10HVCC LED9HVCC
XXXX XXXX
R/COW
LED8HVCC
LED7HVCC
LED6HVCC
LED5HVCC
LED4HVCC
LED3HVCC
LED2HVCC
XXXX XXXX
R/COW
Read the status of LED
Drive OK
Read the fault hold status
of LED Drive OK
LED1HVCC
* R/W = Read and Write, W = Write only, R = Read only, R/COW = Read and Clear-On-Write
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
44
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Register Field Reference
LED Enable
Address: 0x00:0x01
RB
RB0 (0x00)
Bit
15
Name
R/W
14
–
13
–
–
12
–
11
–
RB1 (0x01)
10
9
8
7
6
5
LED
ENABLE_M
–
4
3
2
1
0
LED Enable_L
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
X
X
X
X
X
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
MSB = Bit 9
LED Enable_M [9:8]
LED Enable Settings (MSB Byte)
LED Enable_L [7:0]
LED Enable Settings (LSB Byte)
Enables or disables LED strings 9 to 10.
Enables or disables LED strings 1 to 8.
Bit
Value
9
8
Description
0
Disable LED10
1
Enable LED10 (default)
0
Disable LED9
1
Enable LED9 (default)
Bit
7
6
5
Note:
If any LED is unpopulated (signalled by having a
4.7 kΩ resistor from the LEDx pin to GND) , but
during startup it is incorrectly set to Enable in this
register, the IC considers this an error and will not
proceed with startup. This is summarized in the
following table:
LED String
Hardware
Status
Register
(RB0+1 Enable
Status
LED LIght
Fault Flag
Populated
Disabled
Off
High (no fault)
Enabled
On
High (no fault)
Unpopulated
(4.7 kΩ resistor
to GND)
Disabled
Off
High (no fault)
Enabled
Off
Low (fault)
4
3
2
1
0
Value
Description
0
Disable LED8
1
Enable LED8 (default)
0
Disable LED7
1
Enable LED7 (default)
0
Disable LED6
1
Enable LED6 (default)
0
Disable LED5
1
Enable LED5 (default)
0
Disable LED4
1
Enable LED4 (default)
0
Disable LED3
1
Enable LED3 (default)
0
Disable LED2
1
Enable LED2 (default)
0
Disable LED1
1
Enable LED1 (default)
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
45
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
LED PWM Period
Address: 0x02:0x03
RB
RB2 (0x02)
Bit
15
14
13
Name
–
–
–
R/W
12
11
RB3 (0x03)
10
9
8
7
6
PWM_Period_H
5
4
3
2
1
0
PWM_Period_L
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
X
X
Reset
0
0
0
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
MSB = Bit 12
PWM_Period_H [12:8]
PWM Dimming Period (MSB Byte)
PWM_Period_L [7:0]
PWM Dimming Period (LSB Byte)
Bit
Value
Description
12:0
0/1
Absolute PWM period multiplier
This register allows the user to set a wide variety of PWM dimming periods. Bit resolution is 1.5 µs. The actual PWM period is
defined as (N+1) × 1.5 µs, where N is the combined value stored
in these two register banks. A 13-bit total programming capability allows the user program up to approximately a 10 ms PWM
period (a 100 Hz PWM frequency).
The smallest recommended PWM period is 45 µs ( 22 kHz
PWM frequency). The maximum recommended PWM
period is 9.830 ms, which corresponds to a setting of
XXX1 1001 1001 1000 (calculated as: (6552+1) × 1.5 µs =
9.8295 ms).
It is possible for the user to program a longer PWM period, but
doing so will not allow 100% PWM dimming because the LED
on-time counter can be programmed only up to a maximum of
9.830 ms. So for example, if the user programs the maximum
period (XXX1 1111 1111 1111), this gives a PWM period of
(8191+1) × 1.5 µs = 12.288 ms, so all LEDs would be limited to
an 80% PWM duty cycle.
The reset setting is 0x0fff = 4095. This corresponds to a PWM
period of (4095+1) × 1.5 µs = 6.144 ms (162.8 Hz PWM frequency).
Example: To set the PWM frequency to 400 Hz:
1. PWM period = 1/400 = 2.5 ms
2. Number of steps = 2.5 ms / 1.5 µs = 1667
3. The required LED PWM_Period register value is then 1666
(XXX0 0110 1000 0010):
RB2 = 0000 0110 (MSB)
RB3 = 1000 0010 (LSB)
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
46
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
OVP Threshold
Address: 0x04
RB
RB4 (0x04)
Bit
7
6
5
Name
–
–
–
R/W
4
3
2
1
0
OVP
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
X
Reset
0
0
X
0
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
1
1
1
0
0
MSB = Bit 4
OVP [4:0]
OVP Trip Point
Sets the OVP trip point multiplier. Bit resolution is 1.0 V. The OVP trip point
can be set anywhere from 8 V (00000) to 39 V (11111). Example: The
reset value of 0x1C, 28 decimal, gives an OVP trip point of: 8 V + (1.0 V
× 28) = 36 V.
Bit
Value
Description
4:0
0/1
Sets the OVP threshold multiplier
Boost Dithering and Thermal Derating
Address: 0x05
RB
RB5 (0x05)
Bit
Name
R/W
7
6
5
4
3
–
–
–
–
–
2
1
0
TD BD1 BD0
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
X
X
X
X
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0/1 0/1 0/1
0
0
0
MSB = Bit 2
BDx [1:0]
Boost Dither Enable and Magnitude
TD [2]
LED Derating Enable
Enables the Thermal Derating function.
Bit
2
Value
Description
0
Disable Thermal Derating feature (default)
1
Enable Thermal Derating
Enable and set the multiplier for the main switching frequency dithering
feature. Not available when external synchronization signal is used
(through FSET/SYNC pin). Example: Value of 11 sets ±15% (step size x
number of steps = 5% × 3). If fSW = 600 kHz, ±90 kHz: lower frequency =
510 kHz, upper frequency = 690 kHz.
Bit
Description
BD1
BD0
0
0
Disable dithering (default)
0
1
Frequency variation ±5% of nominal fSW
1
0
Frequency variation ±10% of nominal fSW
1
1
Frequency variation ±15% of nominal fSW
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
47
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Fault Mode
Address: 0x06:0x07
RB
RB6 (0x06)
Bit
15
14
13
12
Name
–
–
–
–
R/W
11
RB7 (0x07)
10
9
X
X
X
X
Reset
0
0
0
0
7
6
FAULT CNTRL_M
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
8
0/1 0/1 0/1
1
0
1
5
4
3
2
1
0
FAULT CNTRL_L
R
R/W
R
R
R/W
R
R/W R/W
R
0
0/1
0
1
0/1
1
0/1 0/1
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
MSB = Bit 11
FAULT CNTRL_M [11:8]
Fault Control Mode Settings (MSB Byte)
FAULT CNTRL_L [7:0]
Fault Control Mode Settings (LSB Byte)
Sets the fault handling behavior for faults 9 through 12. Certain bits are
non-programmable (default value only) for safety reasons.
Sets the fault handling behavior for faults 8 through 1. Certain bits are
non-programmable (default value only) for safety reasons.
Bit
11
10
9
8
Value
Description
0
Fault 12 Latched (no auto restart)
1
Fault 12 Auto restart (default)
1
Fault 8 Auto restart (default)
0
Fault 11 Latched (no auto restart) (default)
6
0
Fault 7 Latched (no auto restart) (default)
1
Fault 11 Auto restart
5
1
Fault 6 Auto restart (default)
0
Fault 10 Latched (no auto restart)
0
Fault 5 Latched (no auto restart)
1
Fault 10 Auto restart (default)
1
Fault 5 Auto restart (default)
0
Fault 9 Latched (no auto restart) (default)
Bit
7
4
3
2
1
0
Value
Description
0
Fault 8 Latched (no auto restart)
1
Fault 4 Auto restart (default)
0
Fault 3 Latched (no auto restart)
1
Fault 3 Auto restart (default)
0
Fault 2 Latched (no auto restart)
1
Fault 2 Auto restart (default)
0
Fault 1 Latched (no auto restart) (default)
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
48
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Polyphase Grouping
Address: 0x08:0x09
RB
RB8 (0x08)
RB9 (0x09)
Bit
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
Name
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
POLYPHASE_M
POLYPHASE_L
R/W
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
R/W
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0/1
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MSB = Bit 8
POLYPHASE_M [8]
LED String Grouping (MSB Byte)
POLYPHASE_L [7:0]
LED String Grouping (LSB Byte)
Enables grouping with LED10.
Bit
8
Value
Description
0
LED10 not grouped (default)
1
LED10 grouped
An ungrouped LED channel starts PWM operation in a separate
time slot, with duty cycle specified by the corresponding PWM
Dimming On-Time register.
A grouped LED channel starts in the same time slot as the next
lower-numbered channel, and inherits the PWM Dimming OnTime of that lower-numbered channel (the original time slot
of the grouped channel is not used). If more than one adjacent
channels are grouped, the entire group starts at the time slot of the
lowest-numbered channel in the group, and inherits that on-time
setting. Example: Set bit 6 to group LED8 with LED7 (start and
duty cycle according to LED7), also set bit 5 to group LED8 and
LED7 with LED6 (start and duty cycle according to LED6).
Enables grouping with LED10 through LED2. Note: LED1 is not included,
because there is no lower-number LED channel, but it can be grouped by
setting LED2.
Bit
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Value
Description
0
LED9 not grouped (default)
1
LED9 grouped
0
LED8 not grouped (default)
1
LED8 grouped
0
LED7 not grouped (default)
1
LED7 grouped
0
LED6 not grouped (default)
1
LED6 grouped
0
LED5 not grouped (default)
1
LED5 grouped
0
LED4 not grouped (default)
1
LED4 grouped
0
LED3 not grouped (default)
1
LED3 grouped
0
LED2 not grouped (default)
1
LED2 grouped
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
49
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
LED Short-Detect Threshold
Address: 0x0A: 0x0E
RB
RB10 (0x0A) to RB14 (0x0E)
Bit
7
RB10
–
6
SDT2_x
5
4
3
–
2
SDT1_x
1
0
RB11
–
SDT4_x
–
SDT3_x
RB12
–
SDT6_x
–
SDT5_x
RB13
–
SDT8_x
–
SDT7_x
RB14
–
SDT10_x
–
SDT9_x
R/W
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
Reset
0
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MSB = Bit 6 and bit 2
SDTx_x [6:4], [2:0]
LED String Short Detect Threshold
Allows adjustment of the LED string short-detect threshold for each LED
channel to prevent false tripping if the voltage drop across all LED strings
varies by more than one LED Vf during normal operation.
Bit
6
5
4
Description
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Threshold = 11 V
0
1
0
Threshold = 10 V
0
1
1
Threshold = 9 V
1
0
0
Threshold = 8 V
1
0
1
Threshold = 7 V
1
1
0
Threshold = 6 V
1
1
1
Threshold = 5 V
Threshold = 12 V (default)
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
50
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
General Purpose Output Selection
Address: 0x0F
RB
RB15 (0x0F)
Bit
Name
R/W
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
–
–
–
GPO1
–
GPO2
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
X
X
Reset
0
0
0
0/1 0/1
0
0
X
0/1 0/1
0
0
0
MSB = Bit 4, bit 1
GPO1 [4:3]
General Purpose Output 1 Data
GPO2 [1:0]
General Purpose Output 2 Data
Select data type to be output on the GPO1 pin.
Select data type to be output on the GPO2 pin.
Bit
4
3
0
0
0
1
1
1
Description
Bit
Description
1
0
0
0
Data: Master system clock / 4
Normal operation = approximately 1.65 MHz
0
1
0
Data: LED PWM frequency
Normal operation = low approximately 300 ns
each PWM period)
Data: SW 1x Current Limit
High = normal operation
Low = current limit exceeded
1
0
1
Data: Thermal Warning
High = normal operation
Low = Thermal Derating active
Data: Boost status
High = Boost switching
Low = No switching
1
1
Data: Boost soft start status (default)
High = soft start in progress
Low = soft start finished
Data: IC and LED status (default)
High = startup test not passed
Low = LED startup test passed
Reserved
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
51
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
PWM Dimming On-Time
Address: 0x10:0x23
Bit
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
RB
RB16 (0x10)
RB17 (0x11)
Name
LED1_TON_M
LED1_TON_L
RB
RB18 (0x12)
RB19 (0x13)
Name
LED2_TON_M
LED2_TON_L
RB
RB20 (0x14)
RB21 (0x15)
Name
LED3_TON_M
LED3_TON_L
RB
RB22 (0x16)
RB23 (0x17)
Name
LED4_TON_M
LED4_TON_L
RB
RB24 (0x18)
RB25 (0x19)
Name
LED5_TON_M
LED5_TON_L
RB27 (0x1B)
RB
RB26 (0x1A)
Name
LED6_TON_M
LED6_TON_L
RB
RB28 (0x1C)
RB29 (0x1D)
2
1
0
LEDx_TON_M [15:8]
LED PWM On-Time (MSB Byte)
LEDx_TON_L [7:0]
LED PWM On-Time (LSB Byte)
Name
LED7_TON_M
LED7_TON_L
RB
RB30 (0x1E)
RB31 (0x1F)
Name
LED8_TON_M
LED8_TON_L
Bit
Value
Description
RB
RB33 (0x20)
RB33 (0x21)
15:0
0/1
Absolute PWM on-time multiplier
Name
LED9_TON_M
LED9_TON_L
RB
RB34 (0x22)
RB35 (0x23)
LED10_TON_M
LED10_TON_L
Name
R/W
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
Value
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MSB = Bit 15
Set PWM dimming on-time multiplier for each LED channel.
16 bits are required for each channel. Bit resolution is 150 ns.
Let T = LED PWM Period, and tON = PWM Dimming On-Time,
then the PWM dimming percentage = tON / T.
Although the minimum on-time that can be set by the register
is 150 ns, in practice it is strongly advised to keep the on-time
at 1 µs or above. This implies a maximum dimming ratio of
5000:1 at 200 Hz PWM frequency. Therefore, the minimum tON
multiplier is 7 (0000 0000 0000 0111 in binary), which gives
150 ns × 7 = 1.05 µs.
The default register value = 0x0000, which means all LED channels are off, even if they are enabled by RB0 and RB1. Therefore
it is necessary to update the LED on-time registers first, in order
to turn on LED strings.
The registers must be written as MSB followed by LSB. Update
is allowed only after LSB write is complete. All ten registers are
buffered initially, until a Write operation is performed on register
0x24, at which time all 10 channels are updated together.
The maximum tON multiplier is 65,535 (1111 1111 1111 1111 in
binary), which gives 150 ns × 65,535 = 9.83 ms. When all 16 bits
are 1, or when tON > T , the LEDs are on all the time.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
52
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
PWM On-Time Update
Address: 0x24
RB
RB36 (0x24)
Bit
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Name
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
LOAD
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
R/W
R/W
Value
Reset
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0/1
0
0
MSB = Bit 0
LOAD [0]
Enable Load PWM On-Time Update
All PWM on-time registers are buffered and do not take effect until a Write
operation is performed on register 0x24 (the actual data written does
not matter). When the write operation is complete, all 10 channel data
are updated together. This feature is vital for applications that require
synchronized update for all LED brightness, such as for localized dimming.
Bit
0
Value
Description
0
(default)
1
Upload current contents of PWM dimming ontime registers
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
53
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
LED Regulation Voltage and Output Hysteresis
Address: 0x25
RB
RB37 (0x25)
Bit
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Name
DUMMYLOAD
–
–
–
LEDREG
–
OUTHYS
SLOPE
R/W
R/W
R/W R/W R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
Value
0/1
0/1 0/1 0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MSB = Bit 7
DUMMYLOAD [7]
Enable Startup Output Load Resistance
OUTHYS [1]
Enable Augmented Output Hysteresis
Enables a resistive load of approximately 4.3 kΩ connected to VOUT
during startup process. The load is removed after startup is completed.
The A8517 has a minimum output voltage hysteresis of 0.25 V. Lower
hysteresis is generally preferred, because excessive ripple voltage may
lead to audible noises from output ceramic capacitors. But larger ripple
may be required to reduce the frequency of the hysteresis control loop.
The correct value should be determined through experimentation.
Bit
7
Value
Description
0
(default)
1
Enable connection of resistive load
LEDREG [3]
Enable Augmented LED Regulation Voltage
The A8517 has a minimum LED Regulation voltage of 0.85 V (typ). Lower
regulation voltage is generally preferred, because it means less power
loss across the LEDx current sinks. In certain situations (such as during
input voltage transients at extremely low PWM duty cycles) it may be
advantageous to set the regulation voltage higher in order to maintain
current regulation.
Bit
3
Value
Description
0
Normal VREG, 0.85 V (typ) (default)
1
Augmented VREG, 1.05 V
Bit
1
Value
Description
0
Normal VOUThys, 0.25 V (typ) recommended
(default)
1
Augmented VOUThys, 0.45 V
SLOPE [0]
Enable Reduced Slope Compensation
Slope compensation is necessary in current-mode control circuits in order
to avoid instability at > 50% SW duty cycle. The A8517 allows selection
between two slope compensation values for best results.
Bit
0
Value
Description
0
10.8 A / µs at 2 MHz
1
2.3 A / µs at 2 Mz
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
54
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
LEDx DC Current
Address: 0x26: 0x2F
Bit
7
6
5
RB
Name
–
–
–
–
–
–
LED3_CURRENT
RB41 (0x29)
–
–
LED4_CURRENT
RB42 (0x2A)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
LED5_CURRENT
RB
Name
RB43 (0x2B)
LED6_CURRENT
RB
Name
RB44 (0x2C)
LED7_CURRENT
RB
Name
RB45 (0x2D)
LED8_CURRENT
RB
Name
RB46 (0x2E)
LED9_CURRENT
RB
Name
0
LED2_CURRENT
RB
Name
1
RB40 (0x28)
RB
Name
2
RB39 (0x27)
RB
Name
3
LED1_CURRENT
RB
Name
4
RB38 (0x26)
RB47 (0x2F)
LED10_CURRENT
R/W
R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W R/W
R/W
Value
0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1 0/1
0/1
Reset
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
MSB = Bit 5
LEDx_CURRENT [5:0]
LED Current Sink Capacity
Sets DC sink current capability multiplier for each LED
channel. Bit resolution is 1 mA. Each LED channel has a
base current of 1 mA. Default is 0x1F = 32 mA.
Bit
Value
Description
5:0
0/1
Absolute LED current multiplier
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
55
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Fault Status
Address: 0x30:0x31
RB
RB48 (0x30)
Bit
15
14
13
12
11
RB49 (0x31)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Name
–
–
–
–
FS8
FS7
FS6
FS5
FS4
FS3
FS2
FS1
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Value
X
X
X
X
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
FS12 FS11 FS10 FS9
FSx [11:0]
General Fault Status
Reports status of the 12 general faults. In the event of a fault condition
( F̄¯L̄¯Ā¯Ḡ¯ pin is pulled low), the system controller can read these registers
to determine which fault condition has occurred. For certain faults, such
as LED pin open/short, other status registers are available to be read to
determine which LED circuit caused the fault.
Note: Some fault types are followed by auto-restart. For such faults, if
the fault is subsequently resolved, the corresponding bit is cleared in the
General Fault Status register. Despite that, to allow the system controller
the option of diagnosing the problem, the incident remains recorded in the
Latched Status registers (0x38 through 0x43) until a reset occurs.
Bit
Value
Description
0
No fault present (default)
1
Specific fault detected
11:0
Active LED In-Regulation Status
Address: 0x32:0x33
RB
RB50 (0x32)
RB51 (0x33)
Bit
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
Name
–
–
–
–
–
–
4
3
2
1
0
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Value
X
X
X
X
X
X
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
REG10 REG9 REG8 REG7 REG6 REG5 REG4 REG3 REG2 REG1
REGx [9:0]
LED Voltage Fault Status
Sets a bit for each LED channel, when an LED driver is not in regulation
and the output exceeds the OVP threshold. Used with FAULT 8.
Bit
9:0
Value
Description
0
LED in regulation or not enabled (default)
1
LED out of regulation and VOUT exceeds OVP
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
56
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
LED Pin Shorted to GND Status
Address: 0x34:0x35
RB
RB52 (0x34)
RB53 (0x35)
Bit
15
14
13
12
11
10
Name
–
–
–
–
–
–
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Value
X
X
X
X
X
X
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
LGS10 LGS9 LGS8 LGS7 LGS6 LGS5 LGS4 LGS3 LGS2 LGS1
LGSx [9:0]
LED Short to GND Fault Status
This bit is set if an LED pin voltage is found to remain at GND level during
startup (prevents further initialization). Used with FAULT 10.
Bit
Value
Description
0
LED voltage normal (default)
1
LED remaining at GND during startup
9:0
LED String Short-Detect Status
Address: 0x36:0x37
RB
RB53 (0x36)
RB54 (0x37)
Bit
15
14
13
12
11
10
Name
–
–
–
–
–
–
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
LSD10 LSD9 LSD8 LSD7 LSD6 LSD5 LSD4 LSD3 LSD2 LSD1
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R/W
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Value
X
X
X
X
X
X
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
0/1
Reset
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LSDx [9:0]
LED String Short Detect Status
This bit is set if an LED pin voltage goes above its preset voltage limit, as
set by its corresponding LED pin Short-Detect Threshold register. Used
with FAULT 12.
Bit
9:0
Value
Description
0
LED voltage normal (default)
1
LED exceeds short-detect threshold
Latched Status Registers
Address: 0x38:0x43
(RB56 to RB67)
Retain the status of faults that have been detected, allowing the system controller to poll them by an I2C Read to diagnose
problems. All bits are cleared after a Read for the register.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
57
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
PACKAGE OUTLINE DRAWING
0.45
9.70±0.10
28
0.65
28
8º
0º
0.20
0.09
1.65
B
3 NOM
4.40±0.10
3.00
6.40±0.20
6.10
0.60 ±0.15
A
1
2
1.00 REF
5.08 NOM
0.25 BSC
Branded Face
28X
SEATING
PLANE
0.10 C
0.30
0.19
0.65 BSC
SEATING PLANE
GAUGE PLANE
C
1 2
5.00
C
PCB Layout Reference View
For Reference Only; not for tooling use (reference MO-153 AET)
Dimensions in millimeters
Dimensions exclusive of mold flash, gate burrs, and dambar protrusions
Exact case and lead configuration at supplier discretion within limits shown
1.20 MAX
0.15
0.00
A Terminal #1 mark area
B
Exposed thermal pad (bottom surface)
C
Reference land pattern layout (reference IPC7351
SOP65P640X120-29CM);
All pads a minimum of 0.20 mm from all adjacent pads; adjust as
necessary to meet application process requirements and PCB layout
tolerances; when mounting on a multilayer PCB, thermal vias at the
exposed thermal pad land can improve thermal dissipation (reference
EIA/JEDEC Standard JESD51-5)
Figure 18: Package LP, 28-Pin TSSOP with Exposed Thermal Pad
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
58
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
APPENDIX A. FEED BACK LOOP COMPONENTS CALCULATION
FOR PEAK CURRENT CONTROL BOOST CONVERTER USED IN LED DRIVERS APPLICATIONS
This appendix provides an examination of the factors involved
in calculating the transfer function of a peak current controlled
boost converter, an output to control transfer function, and recommendations for stabilizing the feedback loop closed system.
An example of a complete small signal model of a peak-currentmode boost converter is shown in Figure A-2. The A8517 is an
example of a boost converter that drives 10 LED strings with
10 LEDs in each string.
Power Stage Transfer Function
AP =
RS × REQ
1 D(nom)
×
RI
RS + RD + REQ
(A-3)
where
• D is the PWM duty cycle, calculated as:
(A-4)
where
VOUT = NL × Vf + VREG + VD + VH
(A-5)
and NL is the quantity of LEDs per string,
2××f×j
2××f×j
× 1–
1+
ωZ
ωRHP
2××f×j
2 × × f × j (2 × × f × j)
× 1+
+
2
ωP
Q D × ωS
ωS
2
1+
The DC gain is defined as follows:
D(nom) = (VOUT – VIN(nom)) / VOUT
Using a frequency-based model, the transfer function (control to
output) of boost power stage peak-current control is given by the
following equation:
TP(f ) = AP ×
AP , DC gain
(A-1)
Vf is the nominal forward voltage drop for each
LED diode,
VREG is the current sink regulated voltage for each LED string,
AP is the DC gain,
VD is the Schottky diode forward voltage drop and
ωZ is the angular frequency of the output capacitor
ESR zero, fZ ,
VH is the output hysteresis-control voltage.
• RI is the current sense resistor, which is connected in series
with the boost power switch,
ωRHP is the angular frequency of the right-half plane
zero, fRHP ,
ωP is the angular frequency of the output load pole, fP ,
QD is the inductor peak current sampling double pole quality or
damping factor, and
ωS is the double-pole angular frequency oscillation .
• RS is the LED sink pin sense resistor, which is usually located
inside the IC and can be calculated from the following
equation:
RS = VREG / ILED
(A-6)
Figure A-1 shows the plot of the power stage logarithmic transfer
function as gain, GP(f) , versus frequency. with GP(f) given by:
GP(f) = 20 × log( |TP(f)| )
(A-2)
The next sections define the components of TP(f).
Gain, GP(f)
0
�–100
10
100
1�×103
1�× 104
1�×105
1�×106
1�× 107
1�×108
Frequency (Hz)
Figure A-1: Plot of Power Stage Transfer Function versus Frequency
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-1
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
where ILED is the current through one LED string,
–6
• REQ is the output nominal operating resistance, which is given
by the following equation:
REQ = VOUT / ILEDT
(A-7)
where ILEDT is the total output current through all LED
strings:
ILEDT = NS × ILED
(A-8)
and NS is the total quantity of LED strings, and
• RD is the total dynamic resistance of one LED string, which
can be measured in the lab, as follows:
1. Get a load board with one string of LEDs.
2. Apply an external DC voltage across all LEDs in one string
through a current limit resistor, R = 10 Ω.
3. Change the DC voltage to get 90% of one string current. Then
measure the voltage across all LEDs in one string.
4. Repeat step 3 until reaching 100% of one string current.
5. Calculate RD = ( V2 – V1 ) / ( I2 – I2 ) . V2 is the voltage across all
LEDs in one string at I2 = 100% of one string LED current. V1
is the voltage across all LEDs in one string at I1 = 90% of one
string LED current.
QD , inductor peak current sampling double pole quality
QD =
1
× [0.5 – D(nom) + ( 1 – D(nom)) × IFSC] (A-9)
CSC =
IFSC is the implemented factor of inductor slope compensation, and is given by:
IFSC = ( ISC / CSC ) × FSC
(A-10)
and
ISC is the IC implemented slope compensation in A/µs. At
2 MHz switching frequency, ISC = 2.3 A/µs. However, it
changes as the switching frequency changes. It is normalized
to a 2 MHz swtiching frequency. At a switching frequency different from 2 MHz the implemented slope compensation can
be calculated from:
ISC = 2.3 (A/µs) × ( fSW / 2 (MHz)) (A-11)
CSC is the calculated slope compensation also in A/µs,
given by:
(A-12)
and
ΔI = (VIN(min) × D(max)) / L1 × fSW , and
(A-13)
FSC is the Ridley’s factor slope compensation, given by:
FSC = 1 – 0.18 / D(max)
(A-14)
ωZ , angular frequency of the output capacitor
ESR zero, fZ
ωZ = 1 / (ESR × COUT )
(A-15)
ωRHP , angular frequency of the right-half plane
zero, fRHP
ωRHP = REQ / ((1 – D(max))2 × L1 )
(A-16)
where
D(max) = (VOUT – VIN(min)) / VOUT
(A-17)
ωP , angular frequency of the output load pole, fP
ωP =
(A18)
RS + RD + REQ
(RS + RD + ESR) × REQ × COUT
ωS , angular frequency oscillation of the double pole that occurs
at half of the switching frequency, fSW
where
∆I × FSC × 10
(1/ fSW)× (1– D(max))
ωS = π × fSW
(A-19)
Output to Control Transfer Function
When using peak current mode control for a DC-to-DC converter,
a type II PI error amplifier compensation circuit is sufficient to
stabilize the converter. For controlling the current sink voltage
and as a result controlling the output, the A8517 IC uses a high
bandwidth transconductance amplifier, shown as A1 in Figure A-2.
A transconductance amplifier is actually a voltage-controlled
current source. It converts any error voltage at its input pins to a
current flowing out of its output pin at VC. The transconductance
gain of the error amplifier, g , is defined as:
g = IAMP / Verror
(A-20)
In Figure A-2, RAMP represents the output impedance of the
transconductance amplifier (A1). RAMP usually has a high value
and it is neglected in the calculation of the error amplifier transfer
function.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-2
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
RZ, CZ , and CP represent the external Type II compensation network. From an AC point of view, the non-inverting pin of A1 is
connected to a DC reference voltage, VREG , which is a virtual
AC ground. Therefore, the transfer function of the compensation
circuit is derived as follows:
Gain, GP(f)
100
50
0
Mid-Band Gain
� 50
10
100
1�×10 3
1�×10 4
1�×10 5
1�× 10 6
1�×10 7
1�×108
Frequency (Hz)
Figure A-3: Plot of error amplifier stage transfer function versus frequency
L1
V IN
PWM
and
Driver
VOUT
D1
COUT
Current Sense
Amplifier
D1
A2
Q1
ESR
RI
D2
D10
Adder
Slope
Compensation
Transconductance
(g) Amplifier
Vc
A1
Rz
Cp
Ram p
Vreg
Rs
Cz
Figure A-2: Small signal model of a peak-current-mode boost converter; the ten strings of the A8517 are represented by one string in this example
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-3
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
TEA(f ) =
=
(A-21)
VC( f )
VOUT( f )
–1 × IAMP × ZC ( f )
VERROR
×
RS + RD
RS
(A-22)
applying equation A-20:
TEA(f ) = –1 ×
RS × g
RS+RD
× ZC (f )
(A-23)
where
ZC ( f ) =
1
1
RZ + 2 × × f × j× C × 2 × × f × j× C
Z
P
RZ +
1
1
+
2× × f × j× CZ
2 × × f × j× CP
(A-24)
GEA(f) = 20 × log( |TEA(f)| )
fZEA = 1 / (2 × π × RZ × CZ )
(A-25)
(A-26)
The error amplifier pole frequency is selected to compensate for or cancel the power train ESR zero. This is the case if
the frequency of the ESR zero is small or below the switching frequency. Otherwise, it is selected to be at half switching
frequency. This pole frequency determines the end of mid-band
gain of the error amplifier transfer function, so it ensures that the
closed loop system cross-over frequency is below half switching frequency, which is important for stability issues. The pole
frequency is defined by:
fPEA =
Figure A-3 shows the logarithmic transfer function for the output
to control compensation circuit, with gain, GEA(f). given by:
The transfer function has a single pair of pole and zero in addition to the pole at the origin. The pole at the origin is defined
by CP and RAMP . The zero is defined by RZ and CZ . The zero
frequency location is selected to compensate or cancel the power
train load pole. It is defined by:
1
2 × × RZ ×
CZ × C P
CZ + C P
(A-27)
Stabilizing the Closed Loop System
In this section, calculations are provided for selecting optimal
RZ , CZ , and CP . The closed loop system will be stable if the total
system transfer function rolls off while crossing over at a phase
margin of approximately 90° or –20 dB per decade. It is recommended that the phase margin does not fall below 45°. For higher
stability, the cross over frequency should be much less than
the right half plane zero and smaller than half of the switching
frequency.
To achieve that, first fix the mid-band gain of the error amplifier
transfer function. Make it equal in value to the power train gain
at the cross over frequency, but negative so the total closed loop
gain will be 0 dB. Then position the compensation pole and zero.
Here are step-by-step procedures on how to calculate the compensation network components:
1. Calculate RZ such that the negative mid-band gain of the
error amplifier will be equal to the power train gain at the
required system bandwidth or cross over frequency.
A. Calculate the cross over frequency to be much less than
the RHP zero and lower than the half-switching frequen-
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-4
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
cy. A 20 to 30 kHz cross over frequency is appropriate for
LED applications, calculated as follows:
fC = 0.015 × fSW
(A-28)
B. Calculate, or preferably measure, the power train gain at
fC , which is GP(fC ), then multiply it by –1.
additional 3 dB:
–GP(fC) –3 dB
(A-29)
D. Convert the calculated gain to a linear gain:
C. To compensate for the difference from the error amplifier gain at fZEA and the actual mid-band gain, subtract an
10
GP( fC ) –3
20
(A-29)
Gain, GS(f)
100
0
� 100
10
100
1�×103
1�×104
1�×105
1�×106
1�×107
1�×108
Frequency (Hz)
Figure A-4: Plot of the Whole System Closed Loop Transfer Function Gain versus Frequency, with a Cross Over
Frequency, fC , of 30 kHz
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-5
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
E. Calculate RZ:
pole, fPEA . This pole determines the error-amplifier end
RZ =
10
of the mid-band region. It is selected to cancel the power
– GP( fC ) –3
20
(A-30)
train ESR zero. However, if ceramic capacitors are used
RS
g × R +R
S
D
at the output, the ESR zero will be at very high frequency.
In this case, the fPEA is selected to be at half of the switch-
2. Select a value for CZ.
ing frequency to ensure that fC is at lower than half the
A. Calculate the frequency for the error-amplifier compensation zero, fZEA . This zero should cancel the dominant low
frequency pole of power train. Therefore, fZEA should be
close to fP . Usually it is selected to be 1/5 to 1/10 of fC:
fZEA = fC / 10
switching frequency and as a result a higher phase margin
can be achieved. fPEA is given by:
B. Cz can be calculated by applying equation A-26:
CZ = 1 / (2 × π × RZ × fZEA )
fPEA = 0.5 × fSW
(A-31)
(A-33)
B. CP can be calculated by applying equation A-27:
(A-32)
3. Select a value for CP .
CP =
A. Select a frequency for the error-amplifier compensation
PWM
Q1
CZ
2 × × RZ × CZ × fPEA – 1
B1
(A-34)
VOUT
Driver
A2
Vc
A1
U1
–
COUT
Vs
AC Sweeping Signal
LED Strings
Cz
–
+
+
Rz
Cp
+
–
R1
10 ohm
Vreg
I-string
Figure A-5: Simplified Block Diagram for the Closed-loop Whole System
to show how to measure the gain of the power stage or closed-loop system gain and phase margin
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-6
A8517
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
The closed-loop system transfer function is given by:
TS(f ) = TP(f ) × TEA(f )
(A-35)
The closed-loop system logarithmic transfer function gain is
given by:
GS(f ) = 20 × log(|TS(f )|)
2.
3.
4.
(A-36)
Figure A-4 shows the closed loop logarithmic transfer function
as gain versus frequency. As shown in Figure A-4, if the above
methods are implemented the transfer function rolls off while
crossing over with around a –20 dB per decade, which results in
around a 90° phase margin.
5.
6.
off the control loop at very low frequency.
On the PCB cut the trace between VOUT and the LED
strings.
Connect a 10 Ω resistor from VOUT to the LED strings.
Connect the sweeping signal, VS, leads from the spectrum
analyzer line (red) to VOUT and the neutral (black) to the
LED string, across the 10 Ω resistor.
Hook the voltage probe V2 (red) to VOUT (B1) and the
ground lead to PCB GND.
Hook the voltage probe V1 (blue) to VC, so the gain would be
GP(f) = B1 / A2.
Run the sweep.
When the sweep is completed, to read the power stage gain
GP(fC) at the selected frequency, fC , place the analyzer screen
cursor at that frequency.
Finally, it is recommended to measure the gain and phase margin
of the whole system closed loop. If necessary, the compensation
components values could be tweaked to obtain the required cross
over frequency and phase margin.
7.
8.
Measuring the Feedback Loop Gain and
Phase Margin
WHOLE CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM TRANSFER FUNCTION GAIN AND PHASE MARGIN MEASUREMENT
It is always necessary to measure the feedback loop gain and
phase margin of a power converter to make sure the converter
runs stably and responds quickly to line or load transients. In
addition, to calculate the feedback-loop component values, it
is necessary first to calculate or preferably to measure only the
power-stage transfer function at the required cross over frequency. Below, one method for measuring the power-stage and
the closed-loop whole system transfer functions is presented.
POWER STAGE TRANSFER FUNCTION MEASUREMENT
The power stage or control to output transfer function can be measured using any gain/phase analyzer. Figure A-5 shows a block
diagram for the whole closed-loop system. To measure the powerstage transfer function, implement the following steps:
1. First, temporarily, use a large value capacitor for CZ , say
4.7 µF, and a small value resistor for RZ , say 100 Ω, to roll-
The closed-loop whole system transfer function gain and phase
margin can be measured using the following steps:
1. Change RZ , CZ , and CP to be the same as the calculated
values.
2. Follow same steps 2 through 5, shown above.
3. Hook the voltage probe V1 (blue) to A1, so the gain would be
GS(f) = B1 / A1.
4. Run the sweep.
5. When the sweep is completed, to read the phase margin at the
cross over frequency, fC, place the analyzer screen cursor at
fC.
6. To read the gain margin, place the analyzer screen cursor
where the phase margin is zero.
The whole system closed loop is considered stable if the phase
margin is larger than 45°. It is also recommended to have the
gain margin as large as possible. A gain margin around –7 dB
is sufficient.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-7
Wide Input Voltage, Fault Tolerant, Independently Controlled
Multi-Channel LED Driver with I2C interface
A8517
Revision History
Number
Date
Description
1
October 13, 2013
2
May 16, 2014
3
September 30, 2014
4
October 24, 2014
5
September 29, 2015
6
June 3, 2016
Updated Application C diagram (p. 32).
7
November 15, 2016
Updated Figures 4a and 4b (p. 19-20).
Updated Application Information.
Revised EC table, Functional Description and Design Example.
Revised Frequency Selection and Synchronization section.
Revised Figure 2.
Updated LED Regulation Voltage and Output Hysteresis (p. 54), and LED Voltage Fault Status (p. 56).
8
January 19, 2017
Updated Switch Leakage Current maximum value for first condition row (p. 7).
9
February 10, 2017
Corrected figure numbers in Functional Description (p. 17).
I2C™ is a trademark of Philips Semiconductors.
Copyright ©2017, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC reserves the right to make, from time to time, such departures from the detail specifications as may be required to
permit improvements in the performance, reliability, or manufacturability of its products. Before placing an order, the user is cautioned to verify that
the information being relied upon is current.
Allegro’s products are not to be used in any devices or systems, including but not limited to life support devices or systems, in which a failure of
Allegro’s product can reasonably be expected to cause bodily harm.
The information included herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC assumes no responsibility for its
use; nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use.
For the latest version of this document, visit our website:
www.allegromicro.com
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
A-8
Similar pages