LT3591 Datasheet

• Drives Up to Ten White LEDs from a 3V Supply
• High Side Sense Allows “One Wire Current Source”
• Internal Schottky Diode
• One Pin Dimming and Shutdown
• 80:1 True Color PWM^™ Dimming Range
• 42V Open LED Protection
• 1MHz Switching Frequency
• ±5% Reference Accuracy
• V_IN Range: 2.5V to 12V
• Requires Only 2.2µF Output Capacitor
• Low Profile 8-Lead DFN Package
• (3mm × 2mm × 0.75mm)

• Cellular Phones
• PDAs, Handheld Computers
• Digital Cameras
• MP3 Players
• GPS Receivers

The LT3591 is a fixed frequency step-up DC/DC converter specifically designed to drive up to ten white LEDs in series from a Li-Ion cell. Series connection of the LEDs provides identical LED currents resulting in uniform brightness and eliminating the need for ballast resistors. The device features a unique high side LED current sense that enables the part to function as a “one wire current source;” one side of the LED string can be returned to ground anywhere, allowing a simpler one wire LED connection. Traditional LED drivers use a grounded resistor to sense LED current, requiring a 2-wire connection to the LED string.

The high switching frequency allows the use of tiny inductors and capacitors. A single pin performs both shutdown and accurate LED dimming control. Few external components are needed: open-LED protection and the Schottky diode are all contained inside a low profile 3mm × 2mm DFN package.