Press Release

Highest Efficiency, Negative-Charge-Pump White-LED Driver with Two LDO Regulators Saves 50% PCB Area

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Note to Editor: The MAX8822 is a high-efficiency, negative-charge-pump WLED driver with two low-dropout (LDO) regulators. By integrating a negative charge pump and two LDO regulators, this device saves 50% PCB area as compared to standard two-chip solutions. The unique negative-charge-pump architecture and innovative adaptive-mode switching for each of four LEDs enable the MAX8822 to provide 12% higher efficiency than the competition. The MAX8822 is ideal for handheld devices in which battery life is precious and PCB space is limited.

SUNNYVALE, CA—April 17, 2008—Maxim Integrated Products (Pink OTC Markets: MXIM) introduces the MAX8822, the industry's only white-LED (WLED) driver to combine a highly efficient negative charge pump with two independent, low-dropout (LDO) regulators. Available in a tiny, 3mm x 3mm x 0.8mm TQFN package, this single-chip solution for driving up to four WLEDs is 50% smaller than the standard two-chip solution. To achieve the industry's highest efficiency, the MAX8822 features a negative-charge-pump architecture that completely eliminates high-side in-line resistance, delaying 1x mode to 2x mode transition during battery discharge. It utilizes independent, adaptive-mode switching for each LED to further extend battery life, even with large LED forward-voltage (V_F) mismatch. These innovative features enable the MAX8822 to be 12% more efficient than competing solutions, thus making it ideal for use in cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, and other handheld devices in which space and battery life are precious.

The LDO regulators provide a low 45µV_RMS noise and high 60dB PSRR output for noise-sensitive applications, such as RF, LCD panels, and cameras. Output voltages are programmable in 16 different combinations using a simple, serial-pulse control interface.

The MAX8822 is fully specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. Prices start at $1.55 (2500-up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit is available to speed designs.

Maxim Integrated Products, a two billion dollar company, designs and manufactures ICs for analog and mixed-signal applications. The company has designed over 5400 products, more than any other analog semiconductor company, in the 25 years since its founding.