RT8488 - Richtek

®
RT8488
High Voltage 6-CH LED Driver Controller
General Description
Features
The RT8488 is a 6-CH LED driver controller that delivers
well matched LED current to each channel of LED string.
With external current sources, the number of LEDs per
string is only limited by the current source and the VIN/

Wide Operation Voltage Range : 7V to 28V

VOUT conditions. The current mode PWM boost type
controller operates at a programmable switching
frequency of up to 1MHz, with a wide VIN range covering
from 7V to 28V. The switch driver is designed to drive
industrial grade high power MOSFETs.

Programmable Channel Current
3% Current Matching Accuracy between Channels
Programmable Switching Frequency
Easy Analog and Digital Dimming Control
Programmable Soft-Start
Automatic Open Channel Detection
Programmable Output Over Voltage Protection
Under Voltage Lockout and Thermal Shutdown
32-Lead WQFN Package
The PWM loop selects and regulates the LED string with
the highest voltage string to 0.7V, thus allowing voltage
mismatches between the LED strings. The RT8488
automatically detects and excludes any open and/or
broken strings during operation from the PWM loop to
prevent VOUT from over voltage.
The LED currents on all channels are simply programmed
with a resistor on each channel. Three convenient dimming
methods are provided : 1. Analog dimming is linearly
controlled by an external voltage. 2. True digitally
controlled PWM dimming can regulate the duty cycle of
the LED current. 3. For noise free PWM dimming, use an
on board output clamping amplifier as a low pass filter to
convert PWM dimming signals into analog dimming
signals.
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Applications

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Building and Street Lighting
LED TV Backlight
LED Monitor Backlight
Industrial Display Backlight
Marking Information
RT8488GQW : Product Number
RT8488
GQWYMDNN
YMDNN : Date Code
Pin Configurations
Other protection features include programmable output
over voltage protection, PWM switch current limit and
thermal shutdown.
Ordering Information
RT8488
Package Type
QW : WQFN-32L 5x5 (W-Type)
Lead Plating System
G : Green (Halogen Free and Pb Free)
Note :
Suitable for use in SnPb or Pb-free soldering processes.
Copyright © 2014 Richtek Technology Corporation. All rights reserved.
DS8488-05
ISENSE
GND
GATE
GBIAS
VCC
LED1
GATE1
SENSE1
1
24
2
23
3
22
4
October 2014
21
GND
5
20
6
19
7
33
18
17
8
LED2
GATE2
SENSE2
LED3
GATE3
SENSE3
LED4
GATE4
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
NC
SENSE6
GATE6
LED6
SENSE5
GATE5
LED5
SENSE4
RoHS compliant and compatible with the current requirements of IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020.

32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25
RSET
EN
OVP
SS
VC
ACTL
DCTL
NC
9
Richtek products are :

(TOP VIEW)
WQFN-32L 5x5
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1
RT8488
Typical Application Circuit
L1
VIN
*
12V
CIN
R3
D1
CB
RT8488
VCC
VOUT
COUT
GBIAS
CVCC
GATE
MSW
6 x N LEDs
ISENSE
RSENSE
RSET
RSET
LED1
GATE1
M1
SENSE1
VOUT
RS1
R1
OVP
R2
LED2
GATE2
M2
SENSE2
RS2
VC
LED3
RVC
GATE3
CVC
M3
SENSE3
RS3
SS
CSS
LED4
GATE4
Chip Enable
M4
SENSE4
EN
RS4
LED5
DCTL
GATE5
M5
SENSE5
RS5
ACTL
LED6
GND
GATE6
M6
SENSE6
RS6
* : If VIN is operated above 12V, it is recommended to keep the V CC at 12V for optimal application
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RT8488
Functional Pin Description
Pin No.
Pin Name
Pin Function
1
RSET
Switching Frequency Set Pin. Put a resistor from RSET to GND to program the
switching frequency. f SW = 310kHz when RSET = 40k.
2
EN
Chip Enable (Active High).
3
OVP
Over Voltage Protection Pin. OVP pin threshold is around 1.23V. Use a resistor
divider from Output to GND to program the OVP level.
4
SS
Soft-Start Pin. Use a soft start cap from SS pin to GND to program the soft start
time period. Around 5.5A is sourcing out of SS pin.
5
VC
Loop Compensation Pin.
6
ACTL
Analog/PWM Dimming Control Pin. When used in analog dimming, ACTL
control range is from 0.5V to 1.4V.
7
DCTL
Digital PWM Dimming Control Pin. By adding a 0.1F filter capacitor on the
ACTL pin, the PWM dimming signal on the DCTL pin will be averaged out and
converted into analog dimming signal on the ACTL pin.
NC
No Internal Connection.
SENSEx
Source Pin of External MOSFETx (x = 1 to 6).
The SENSEx pins are regulated around 225mV. Connect a sense resistor from
this pin to GND. The LED current is programmed by I LED = 225mV / (sense
resistance) when VACTL is greater than 1.4V.
GATEx
Gate Pin of External MOSFETx (x = 1 to 6). For LED drivers.
LEDx
Drain Pin of External MOSFETx (x = 1 to 6). For LED drivers.
Short the pin to GND if not used.
28
VCC
Power Supply Pin. For good bypass, a low ESR capacitor is needed between
this pin and GND.
29
GBIAS
Internal Gate Driver Bias Voltage (around 10V) Pin. Need a good bypass
capacitor between this pin and GND.
30
GATE
Gate Pin of External MOSFET. For the Boost PWM control loop.
8, 9
25, 22, 19
16, 13, 10
26, 23, 20
17, 14, 11
27, 24, 21
18, 15, 12
31,
GND
33 (Exposed Pad)
32
ISENSE
Ground Pin. The exposed pad must be soldered to a large PCB and connected
to GND for maximum power dissipation.
Switch Current Sense Pin. Connect a sense resistor from this pin to GND. The
switch current sense signal is used for boost current mode PWM loop control
and power switch over current protection.
Copyright © 2014 Richtek Technology Corporation. All rights reserved.
DS8488-05
October 2014
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RT8488
Function Block Diagram
VCC
10V
OSC
RSET
+
-
GBIAS
5.5V
GATE
+
-
1.23V
OVP
PWM
Control
-
ISENSE
+
3.2V
GBIAS
+
-
+
GATE1
-
SENSE1
LED1
VC
LED2
LED3
8µA
SS
3.2V
GBIAS
+
GATE2
SENSE2
3.2V
LED4
+
LED5
-
GBIAS
SENSE3
3.2V
GBIAS
+
EN
+
Shutdown
3.2V
GATE4
SENSE4
3.2V
DCTL
+
-
LED4
-
-
1.4V
LED3
GATE3
LED6
1.4V
LED2
-
VOUT
Regulation
Unit
3.2V
LED1
1.4V
GBIAS
+
GATE5
+
SENSE5
-
ACTL
3.2V
+
GND
LED5
GBIAS
LED6
GATE6
-
SENSE6
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is a registered trademark of Richtek Technology Corporation.
DS8488-05
October 2014
RT8488
Absolute Maximum Ratings
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

(Note 1)
VCC --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32V
ISENSE
DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2V
< 200ns ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6V
GBIAS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14V
SENSE1 to SENSE6
DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1V
< 200ns ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6V
LED1 - LED6 (Note 5) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20V
DCTL, ACTL, EN, OVP --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10V
Power Dissipation, PD@TA = 25°C
WQFN-32L 5x5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.778W
Package Thermal Resistance (Note 2)
WQFN-32L 5x5, θJA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36°C/W
WQFN-32L 5x5, θJC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6°C/W
Junction Temperature ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 150°C
Storage Temperature Range --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- −65°C to 150°C
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 260°C
ESD Susceptibility (Note 3)
HBM (Human Body Model) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2kV
MM (Machine Model) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 200V
Recommended Operating Conditions


(Note 4)
Supply Voltage, VCC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7V to 28V
Junction Temperature Range --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- −40°C to 125°C
Electrical Characteristics
(VCC = 12V, No Load, TA = 25°C, unless otherwise specified)
Parameter
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
Overall
Supply Current
IVCC
VVC  0.4V (Switching off)
--
5
8
mA
Shutdown Current
ISHDN
VEN  1.2V
--
5
--
A
EN Threshold
Voltage
Logic-High
VIH
2
--
--
Logic-Low
VIL
--
--
0.5
--
2
--
A
214
225
236
mV
--
1.5
3
%
--
--
10
A
--
0.4
--
V
EN Input Current
IEN
VEN  3.3V
V
LED Current Programming
SENSE1-SENSE6 Threshold
6V > VGATEx > 2V
V(MAX)  V(MIN)
SENSE Voltage CH to CH Matching
2  V(avg)
Analog Dimming ACTL Input Current IACTL
LED Current Off Threshold at ACTL
VACTL_OFF
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October 2014
VACTL ≦ 6V
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RT8488
Parameter
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
--
1.4
--
V
LED Current On Threshold at
ACTL
VACTL_ON
DCTL Input Current
IDCTL
VDCTL ≦ 6V
--
--
1
A
f SW
RSET = 40k
220
280
340
kHz
RSET = 40k
--
300
--
ns
--
0.1
--
V
PWM Boost Converter
Switching Frequency
Minimum Off-Time
VLED Threshold for No
Connection
VLED
Regulated VLED
VLED
Highest Voltage LED String
--
0.7
--
V
Amplifier Output Current
IVC
2.4V > VVC > 0.2V
--
±30
--
A
--
0.7
--
V
110
120
140
mV
IGBIAS = 20mA
--
10
--
V
IGATE = 20mA
--
7.7
--
IGATE = 0.1mA
--
8.2
--
IGATE = 20mA
--
0.7
--
IGATE = 0.1mA
--
0.4
--
1nF load at Gate
--
20
--
IGATEx = 2mA
--
8.1
--
IGATEx = 0.1mA
--
8.3
--
IGATEx = 2mA
--
0.8
--
IGATEx = 0.1mA
--
0.6
--
--
1.23
--
V
VC Threshold for PWM Switch
Off
ISENSE Threshold for Current
VLIM_ISENSE
Limit
Switch Gate Driver
GBIAS Voltage
VGBIAS
GATE High Voltage
VGATE_H
GATE Low Voltage
VGATE_L
GATE Drive Rise and Fall Time
V
V
ns
LED Current Sources Gate Driver
GATE1 to 6 High Voltage
VGATEx_H
GATE1 to 6 Low Voltage
VGATEx_L
V
V
OVP and Soft-Start
OVP Threshold
VOVP
OVP Input Current
IOVP
VOVP  1.23V
--
1
--
A
Soft-Start Pin Current
ISS
VSS  3.2V
--
8
--
A
TSD
--
150
--
C
TSD
--
20
--
C
Thermal Protection
Thermal Shutdown
temperature
Thermal Shutdown Hysteresis
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RT8488
Note 1. Stresses beyond those listed “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are
stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in
the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions may
affect device reliability.
Note 2. θJA is measured at TA = 25°C on a high effective thermal conductivity four-layer test board per JEDEC 51-7. θJC is
measured at the exposed pad of the package.
Note 3. Devices are ESD sensitive. Handling precaution is recommended.
Note 4. The device is not guaranteed to function outside its operating conditions.
Note 5. Adding a series resistor of at least 20kΩ for higher pin voltage.
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October 2014
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RT8488
Typical Operating Characteristics
LED Current vs. ACTL PWM Duty
Efficiency vs. Input Voltage
100
250
90
LED1
LED2
LED3
LED4
LED5
LED6
200
LEDx Current (mA)
Efficiency (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
150
100
50
20
10
VIN = 24V, RSx = 0.9Ω
6 x 10LEDs, ILED = 100mA
0
8
12
16
20
24
0
0
28
20
Input Voltage (V)
40
60
80
100
ACTL PWM Duty (%)
Frequency vs. RSET Resistance
LED Current vs. Input Voltage
120
1000
RSx = 2.2Ω
110
Frequency (kHz)1
LEDx Current (mA)
900
100
LED1
LED2
LED3
LED4
LED5
LED6
90
800
700
600
500
400
300
VIN = 24V
200
100
80
10
13
16
19
22
10
25
20
30
40
50
Input Voltage (V)
70
80
90
100 110
RSET (kΩ)
Switching Frequency vs. Input Voltage
Supply Current vs. Input Voltage
840
10
9
RSET = 10kΩ
760
Supply Current (mA) 1
Switching Frequency (kHz)1
60
680
600
520
RSET = 20kΩ
440
360
280
RSET = 30kΩ
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
200
0
4
8
12
16
20
24
Input Voltage (V)
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28
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
Input Voltage (V)
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RT8488
Shutdown Current vs. Input Voltage
Soft-Start Current vs. Input Voltage
10.0
9.5
6
Soft-Start Current (μA)
Shutdown Current (μA)1
7
5
4
3
2
1
9.0
8.5
8.0
7.5
7.0
6.5
6.0
5.5
EN = 0
0
5.0
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
4
8
Input Voltage (V)
LED Regulated Voltage vs. Input Voltage
24
28
ISENSE Threshold Voltage vs. Input Voltage
ISENSE Threshold Voltage (mV)
LED Regulation Voltage(mV)
20
150
690
680
670
660
650
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
4
8
12
16
20
Input Voltage(V)
Input Voltage (V)
Load Transient Response
Power On from EN
VOUT
(50V/Div)
ACTL
(5V/Div)
24
28
EN
(5V/Div)
GATE
(5V/Div)
IOUT
(100mA/Div)
VIN = 24V, PWM = 1kHz, Duty = 50%
Time (250μs/Div)
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Input Voltage (V)
700
GATE
(5V/Div)
12
October 2014
VOUT
(50V/Div)
LED1
(500mA/Div)
VIN = 24V, ILED = 400mA, CSS = 0.1μF
Time (100μs/Div)
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RT8488
Application Information
The RT8488 is a 6-CH programmable current source
controller for LED backlight or lighting application.
By detecting the minimum voltage required to drive each
LED string and hence to set the boost output accordingly,
this topology reduces power dissipation and increases
overall efficiency of the LED lighting system.
The individual current source channel regulates the current
flow to give accurate current sinking for each LED string.
The external N-MOSFET current source will accommodate
the power dissipation difference among channels resulting
from the forward voltage difference between the LED
strings.
Both digital PWM dimming signal and analog voltage
signal can be used to control the LED current of each
channel.
With high speed current source N-MOSFET drivers, the
RT8488 features highly accurate current matching of ±3
percent, while also providing very fast turn-on and turn-off
times. This allows a very narrow minimum on or off pulse,
which increases dimming range and provides higher
linearity.
Power On sequence
The RT8488 integrates adjustable switching frequency and
soft-start, and provides the circuitry for over temperature,
over voltage and current limit protection features.
Input UVLO
The input operating voltage range of the RT8488 is 7V to
28V. An input capacitor at the VCC pin can reduce ripple
voltage. It is recommended to use a ceramic 10μF or larger
capacitance as the input capacitor. This IC provides an
Under Voltage Lockout (UVLO) function to enhance the
stability when start-up. The UVLO rising input voltage
threshold is set at 5.5V typically with a 0.7V hysteresis.
Power Sequence
Refer to below Figure 1 and 2. The recommended power
on sequence states that the PWM signal should be ready
before EN and/or VIN is ready. Otherwise, the soft-start
function will be disabled. As for power off sequence, EN/
VIN must be pulled low within 10ms to prevent “hardstart”as shown as Figure 3.
Power Off sequence
Abnormal Power-on sequence
UVLO
VIN
PWM
EN must be turned on later than VIN
and PWM signal
EN must be turned off earlier than
VIN and PWM signal
EN
No Soft-Start
Soft-Start
If PWM turns on late
VOUT
Figure 1. Power On Sequence Control by EN
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RT8488
Power On sequence
Power Off sequence
Abnormal Power-on sequence
UVLO
VIN
PWM
VIN must be turned off earlier than
EN and PWM signal
EN
VIN must be turned on later than
EN and PWM signal
No Soft-Start
If PWM turns on late
Soft-Start
VOUT
Figure 2. Power On Sequence Control by VIN
EN/VIN
EN and/or VIN should be pulled low
once PWM pull low for over 10 ms
PWM
10ms
Figure 3. To Prevent “Hard-Start”Sequence
Soft-Start
The soft-start of the RT8488 can be achieved by connecting
a capacitor from the SS pin to GND. The built in soft-start
circuit reduces the start up current spike and output voltage
overshoot. The soft-start time is determined by the external
capacitor charged by an internal 8μA constant charging
current. The SS pin directly limits the rate of voltage rise
on the VC pin, which in turn limits the peak switch current.
The soft-start interval is set by the soft-start capacitor
selection according to the equation :
tSS = CSS 
3.2V
8 A
(s)
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October 2014
A typical value for the soft-start capacitor is 0.1μF. The
soft-start pin reduces the oscillator frequency and the
maximum current in the switch. The soft-start capacitor
is discharged when EN/UVLO falls below its threshold,
during an over-temperature event, or during a GBIAS under
voltage event.
GBIAS Regulator Operation
The GBIAS pin requires a capacitor for stable operation
and also to store the charge for the large GATE switching
currents. Choose a 10V rated low ESR, X7R or X5R
ceramic capacitor for best performance. The value of the
capacitor is determined primarily by the stability of the
regulator rather than the gate charge of the switching
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RT8488
N-MOSFET. A 1μF capacitor will be adequate for most
applications.
Place the capacitor close to the IC to minimize the trace
length to the GBIAS pin and also to the IC ground. An
internal current limit on the GBIAS protects the RT8488
from excessive on chip power dissipation.
The ACTL pin can also be used in conjunction with a
thermistor to provide over temperature protection for the
LED load, or with a resistive voltage divider to VIN to reduce
output power and switching current when VIN is low.
Brightness Control
where, RSx is the resistor between external regulating
N-MOSFET and GND.
For LED applications where a wide dimming range is
required, two methods are available: analog dimming and
PWM dimming. The easiest method is to simply vary the
DC current through the LED by analog dimming at the
ACTL pin voltage. The PWM dimming offers wider dimming
range over the analog dimming. There are two PWM
dimming control methods in RT8488 application : the ACTL
PWM dimming and the DCTL PWM dimming. The PWM
dimming at the ACTL pin achieves dimming by turning
the current source MOSFETs under the LED string fully
on when PWM is high and fully off when PWM is low via
different duty cycle to control the average LED current.
The ACTL PWM dimming is more preferred by LED
manufacturers than the ACTL analog dimming. The
advantage is the chromaticity of the LEDs which remains
unchanged since the LED current is either zero or at the
full programmed current. But, this advantage comes with
a price. The dimming non-linearity and dimming flicker at
certain duty spot depending on the PWM dimming
frequency can happen due to the load transient response
variation in each PWM dimming cycle. To avoid this
potential dimming non-linearity and the dimming flicker
issues, analog dimming signal should be applied at the
ACTL pin. In this case, the second dimming method by
PWM dimming at the DCTL pin should be considered.
The RT8488 will convert the PWM dimming signal at the
DCTL pin into an analog signal at the ACTL pin. To get
analog dimming signal at the ACTL pin, the PWM dimming
signal at the ACTL pin can also be converted into analog
signal through an external RC filter.
The ACTL pin should be tied to a voltage higher than 1.4V
to get the full scale 225mV (typical) threshold across the
sense resistor. The ACTL pin can also be used to dim the
LED current to zero, although relative accuracy decreases
with the decreasing voltage sense threshold. When the
ACTL pin voltage is less than 1.4V, the LED current is :
(V
 0.4)  225mV
ILED = ACTL
(mA)
RSx
The RT8488 features both the analog and the digital
dimming controls. The analog dimming is linearly
controlled by an external voltage (0.4V to 1.4V) at the
ACTL pin. A very high contrast ratio can be achieved by
driving the ACTL pin with a PWM signal at the
recommended PWM frequency of 100Hz to 10kHz with
acceptable dimming linearity. The dimming frequency can
be up to 30kHz with observable dimming non-linearity at
If the input voltage, VIN, does not exceed 10V, then the
GBIAS pin should be connected to the input supply. Be
aware that a typical 20mA current will load the GBIAS to
shutdown.
Loop Compensation
The RT8488 uses an internal error amplifier, in which
through its compensation pin (VC) the loop response is
optimized for specific applications. The external inductor,
output capacitor, compensation resistor, and
compensation capacitor determine the loop stability. The
inductor and output capacitor are chosen based on
performance, size and cost. The compensation resistor
and capacitor at VC are selected to optimize control loop
response and stability.
The compensation resistor and capacitor are connected
in series from the VC pin to GND to provide a pole and a
zero for proper loop compensation. The typical
compensation values for RT8488 is 1.8kΩ and 3.3nF.
LED Current Setting
The maximum current of channel 1 to 6 is programmed by
placing an appropriate sense resistor at each LED string.
When the voltage of ACTL is higher than 1.4V, the LED
current can be calculated by the following equation :
ILED, MAX =
225mV
RSx
(mA)
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is a registered trademark of Richtek Technology Corporation.
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RT8488
Frequency vs. RSET Resistance
1000
900
Frequency (kHz)1
the low dimming duty range. The LED current cannot be
100% proportional to the duty cycle, especially at high
dimming frequency and in low duty ratio condition, because
of the physical limitation on the internal regulation control
loop transient response time. Referring to Figure 4, the
minimum dimming duty with good dimming linearity can
be as low as 1% for the PWM dimming frequency range
between 100Hz and 300Hz. For the PWM dimming
frequency between 300Hz and 1kHz, the minimum
dimming duty with good dimming linearity is around 5%.
If the PWM dimming frequency is increased between 1kHz
and 30kHz, the minimum dimming duty with good dimming
linearity will be around 10%.
800
700
600
500
400
300
VIN = 12V
200
100
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100 110
RSET (kΩ)
LED Current vs. PWM Duty Cycle
Figure 5. Switching Frequence vs RSET
160
LED Current (mA)
140
LED Pin External Resistor Connection
120
The RT8488 equips 6-CH LED drivers and each channel
supports numerous LEDs. The 6 LED strings are
connected from VOUT to pin LEDx (x = 1 to 6) respectively.
100
200Hz
1kHz
3kHz
80
60
If one of the LED channel is not used, the LEDx (x = 1 to
6) pins should be connected to ground directly.
40
20
0
0
20
40
60
80
100
Duty Cycle (%)
Figure 4. LED Current vs. PWM Dimming Duty
Cycle
Programmable Switching Frequency
The RSET frequency adjust pin allows the user to program
the switching frequency from 100kHz to 1MHz in order to
optimize efficiency and performance or minimize external
component size. Higher frequency operation yields
smaller component size but increases switching losses
and gate driving current, and may not allow sufficiently
high or low duty cycle operation. Lower frequency
operation gives better performance, but is more costly
with larger external component size. An external resistor
from the RSET pin to GND is required do not leave this pin
open. For an appropriate RSET value, refer to Figure 5.
Copyright © 2014 Richtek Technology Corporation. All rights reserved.
DS8488-05
October 2014
In typical application, the current source MOSFET drain
node is tied to LEDx pin. The LEDx pin voltage is fed
back and regulated around 0.7V by the PWM control loop.
Hence, the LEDx pin voltage will not exceed the absolute
maximum rating at 20V.
If the short circuit between the LED string positive node
and the negative node could happen during production, to
protect the LEDx pins from damage in high Vout
applications (with Vout < 50V), a resistor Rx (around
20kΩ) between current source MOSFET drain node and
LEDx node as shown in Figure 6 is recommended to limit
the breakdown current into the LEDx pins. For applications
with Vout greater than 50V, a bigger Rx will be needed to
limit the current into the LEDx pins less than 2mA.
Since there is leakage current out of the LEDx pins, note
that the adding of the resistor Rx introduces voltage offset
to the current source MOSFET drain node regulation
voltage by the amount of the leakage current times Rx.
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RT8488
VOUT
L=
RT8488
LEDx
(VOUT  VIN )  VIN
2  IOUT  f  VOUT x 0.3
The inductor must be selected with a saturation current
rating greater than the peak current provided by the
following equation :
Rx
GATEx
SENSEx
RSx
IPEAK =
GND
Figure 6. LED Pin External Resistor Connection
V
VOUT  IOUT
 VIN 
VIN

  OUT

2  L  f  VOUT
  VIN

where
VOUT = maximum output voltage.
Output Over Voltage Protection Setting
The RT8488 is equipped with Over Voltage Protection
(OVP) function. When the voltage at the OVP pin exceeds
a threshold of approximately 1.23V, the power switch is
turned off. The power switch can be turned on once again
after the voltage at the OVP pin drops below 1.23V. The
output voltage can be clamped at a certain voltage level
set by the following equation :
 R1 
VOUT,OVP = 1.23   1

 R2 
where R1 and R2 make up the resistive voltage divider
from VOUT to GND with the divider center node connected
to the OVP pin.
As long as one string is in normal operation, the controller
will automatically ignore the open strings and continue to
regulate the current for the string(s) in normal operation.
Over Temperature Protection
The RT8488 has an over temperature protection (OTP)
function to prevent overheating caused by excessive power
dissipation. The OTP function will shut down switching
operation when the die junction temperature exceeds
150°C. The chip will automatically start to switch again
once the die junction temperature starts cooling down by
approximately 20°C.
Inductor Selection
The inductor for the RT8488 should have a saturation
current rating appropriate to the maximum switch current.
Choose an inductor value based on the operating
frequency, input voltage and output voltage to provide a
current mode ramp during the MOS switching. Allow the
peak to peak inductor ripple to be ±30% of the output
current.The following equations are useful to estimate the
inductor value :
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VIN = minimum input voltage.
f = operating frequency.
IOUT = sum of current from all LED strings.
η is the efficiency of the power converter.
The boost converter operates in discontinuous conduction
mode over the entire input voltage range when the L1
inductor value is less than this value L. With an inductance
greater than L, the converter operates in continuous
conduction mode at the minimum input voltage and may
be discontinuous at higher voltages.
Input Over Current Protection
The resistor, RSENSE, between the source of the external
switching N-MOSFET and GND should be selected to
provide adequate switch current.
The RT8488 senses the inductor current through ISENSE
pin in the switch on period. The duty cycle depends on
the current sense signal summed with the internal slope
compensation and compared to the VC signal. The
external N-MOSFET will be turned off when the current
signal is larger than the VC signal. In the off period, the
inductor current will descend. The external N-MOSFET is
turned on by the oscillator in the next beginning cycle.To
drive the application without exceeding the current limit
threshold on the ISENSE pin of the RT8488, select a
resistor according to :
RSENSE =
ISENSE threshold spec minimum valve
IOCP
IOCP = (1.33 to 1.5)  IPEAK
Where IPEAK formula can be found in the inductor selection
section above.
is a registered trademark of Richtek Technology Corporation.
DS8488-05
October 2014
RT8488
The ISENSE pin input to RT8488 should be a kelvin
connection to the positive terminal of RSENSE. Need to
minimize the PCB trace resistance between the ISENSE
pin and IC GND to avoid the parasitic resistance.
Power MOSFET Selection
For applications operating at high input or output voltages,
the power N-MOSFET switch is typically chosen for drain
voltage VDS rating and low gate charge. Consideration of
switch on resistance, R DS(ON), is usually secondary
because switching losses dominate power loss. The
GBIAS regulator on the RT8488 has a fixed current limit
to protect the IC from excessive power dissipation at high
VIN, so the N-MOSFET should be chosen such that the
product of QG at 7V and the switching frequency does not
exceed the GBIAS current limit.
Schottky Diode Selection
The Schottky diode, with their low forward voltage drop
and fast switching speed, is necessary for the RT8488
applications. In addition, power dissipation, reverse voltage
rating and pulsating peak current are important parameters
of the Schottky diode that must be considered. Choose a
suitable Schottky diode whose reverse voltage rating is
greater than the maximum output voltage. The diode’s
average current rating must exceed the average output
current. The diode conducts current only when the power
switch is turned off (typically less than 50% duty cycle).
If using the PWM feature for dimming, it is important to
consider diode leakage, which increases with the
temperature, from the output during the PWM low interval.
Therefore, choose the Schottky diode with sufficiently low
leakage current.
capacitor, COUT, is approximately given by the following
equation :
I
 (VOUT  VIN )
COUT  OUT
  VRIPPLE  VOUT  f
where V RIPPLE is rhe output voltage ripple, for LED
applications, the equivalent resistance of the LED is
typically low and the output filter capacitor should be sized
to attenuate the current ripple. Use of X7R type ceramic
capacitors is recommended. Lower operating frequencies
will require proportionately higher capacitor values.
Thermal Considerations
For continuous operation, do not exceed absolute
maximum junction temperature. The maximum power
dissipation depends on the thermal resistance of the IC
package, PCB layout, rate of surrounding airflow, and
difference between junction and ambient temperature. The
maximum power dissipation can be calculated by the
following formula :
PD(MAX) = (TJ(MAX) − TA) / θJA
where TJ(MAX) is the maximum junction temperature, TA is
the ambient temperature, and θJA is the junction to ambient
thermal resistance.
For recommended operating condition specifications of
the RT8488, the maximum junction temperature is 125°C
and TA is the ambient temperature. The junction to ambient
thermal resistance, θJA, is layout dependent. For WQFN32L 5x5 packages, the thermal resistance, θJA, is 36°C/
W on a standard JEDEC 51-7 four-layer thermal test board.
The maximum power dissipation at TA = 25°C can be
calculated by the following formula :
Capacitor Selection
PD(MAX) = (125°C − 25°C) / (36°C/W) = 2.778W for
WQFN-32L 5x5 package
The input capacitor reduces current spikes from the input
supply and minimizes noise injection to the converter. For
most applications, a 10μF ceramic capacitor is sufficient.
A value higher or lower may be used depending on the
noise level from the input supply and the input current to
the converter.
The maximum power dissipation depends on the operating
ambient temperature for fixed T J(MAX) and thermal
resistance, θJA. For the RT8488 package, the derating
curve in Figure 7 allows the designer to see the effect of
rising ambient temperature on the maximum power
dissipation.
In boost applications, the output capacitor is typically a
ceramic capacitor selected based on the output voltage
ripple requirements. The minimum value of the output
Copyright © 2014 Richtek Technology Corporation. All rights reserved.
DS8488-05
October 2014
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15
RT8488
Layout Consideration
Maximum Power Dissipation (W)1
3.0
PCB layout is very important when designing power
switching converter circuits. Some recommended layout
guidelines are suggested as follows :
Four-Layer PCB
2.7
2.4
2.1
 The
power components L1, D1, CIN, MSW and COUT
must be placed as close to each other as possible to
reduce the ac current loop area. The PCB trace between
power components must be as short and wide as
possible due to large current flow through these traces
during operation.
1.8
1.5
1.2
0.9
0.6
0.3
0.0
0
25
50
75
100
Place
L1 and D1, which are connected to N-MOSFET,
as close as possible. The trace should be as short and
wide as possible.
125
Ambient Temperature (°C)
Figure 7. Derating Curves for RT8488 Package
 The
input capacitor, CVCC must be placed as close to
the VCC pin as possible.
Place
the compensation components to the VC pin as
close as possible to avoid noise pick up.
L1
D1
VIN
VOUT
LEDs x N
COUT
CIN
CVCC
MSW
Place the capacitors close
to the input or output.
M1
RSENSE
ISENSE
GND
GATE
GBIAS
VCC
LED1
GATE1
SENSE1
RS1
32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25
VOUT
RSET
EN
OVP
SS
VC
ACTL
DCTL
NC
1
24
2
23
3
22
4
21
GND
5
20
6
19
7
18
33
8
17
LED2
GATE2
SENSE2
LED3
GATE3
SENSE3
LED4
GATE4
M2
RS2
M3
LEDs x N
RS3
NC
SENSE6
GATE6
LED6
SENSE5
GATE5
LED5
SENSE4
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
RS4
RS6
M6
RS5
M5
M4
LEDs x N
VOUT
Figure 8. PCB Layout Guide
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is a registered trademark of Richtek Technology Corporation.
DS8488-05
October 2014
RT8488
Outline Dimension
D2
D
SEE DETAIL A
L
1
E
E2
e
b
1
2
DETAIL A
Pin #1 ID and Tie Bar Mark Options
A
A1
1
2
A3
Note : The configuration of the Pin #1 identifier is optional,
but must be located within the zone indicated.
Dimensions In Millimeters
Dimensions In Inches
Symbol
Min
Max
Min
Max
A
0.700
0.800
0.028
0.031
A1
0.000
0.050
0.000
0.002
A3
0.175
0.250
0.007
0.010
b
0.180
0.300
0.007
0.012
D
4.950
5.050
0.195
0.199
D2
3.400
3.750
0.134
0.148
E
4.950
5.050
0.195
0.199
E2
3.400
3.750
0.134
0.148
e
L
0.500
0.350
0.020
0.450
0.014
0.018
W-Type 32L QFN 5x5 Package
Richtek Technology Corporation
14F, No. 8, Tai Yuen 1st Street, Chupei City
Hsinchu, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: (8863)5526789
Richtek products are sold by description only. Richtek reserves the right to change the circuitry and/or specifications without notice at any time. Customers should
obtain the latest relevant information and data sheets before placing orders and should verify that such information is current and complete. Richtek cannot
assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Richtek product. Information furnished by Richtek is believed to be
accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Richtek or its subsidiaries for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third
parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Richtek or its subsidiaries.
DS8488-05
October 2014
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