Infineon BCR401UE6327: A Comprehensive Technical Overview
The Infineon BCR401UE6327 represents a significant advancement in the integration and performance of linear current regulators for LED lighting applications. As a part of Infineon’s extensive portfolio of power management and LED driver solutions, this device is engineered to deliver exceptional reliability, efficiency, and design simplicity. This article provides a detailed technical examination of its architecture, key features, and typical applications.
At its core, the BCR401UE6327 is a low-drop linear constant current regulator. It is designed to provide a stable, precisely regulated current to one or more LEDs directly from an unregulated DC voltage supply, eliminating the need for external current-setting resistors. This integration simplifies circuit design, reduces the component count on a PCB, and enhances overall system reliability.
Housed in a compact SOT-143-4 package, the device is optimized for space-constrained applications. Its operation is straightforward: it regulates the output current by adjusting its internal resistance to maintain a constant current flow through the connected LED(s), regardless of variations in the forward voltage of the LED or the supply voltage.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
Precise Current Regulation: The device is factory-set to deliver a fixed constant output current of 40 mA. This high level of accuracy ensures uniform brightness across LEDs, which is critical for applications requiring consistent illumination.
Low Dropout Voltage: A defining characteristic of the BCR401UE6327 is its very low dropout voltage, typically around 120 mV at 20 mA. This low dropout allows it to operate efficiently even when the input voltage is only marginally higher than the forward voltage of the LED string, thereby minimizing power dissipation as heat.
Wide Operating Voltage Range: It can accept input voltages from 3 V to 42 V, making it incredibly versatile. This wide range allows it to be used in a vast array of scenarios, from low-voltage battery-powered systems to 24V industrial and automotive applications.
Integrated Protection Features: The device boasts robust built-in protection, including over-temperature shutdown. This feature automatically turns off the output current if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, protecting the regulator and the LEDs from damage due to overheating.
Simple Application Circuit: The implementation of the BCR401UE6327 is remarkably simple. Often, only a single external resistor is required to set the current (though it is fixed in this variant), and no external capacitor is needed for stability, further simplifying the board layout and reducing the Bill of Materials (BOM).
Primary Applications
The combination of its features makes the Bineon BCR401UE6327 an ideal choice for numerous applications, including:
Constant Current LED Driver: For general lighting, decorative lighting, and backlighting units in consumer electronics, signage, and appliances.
Automotive Interior Lighting: Ideal for dashboard backlighting, ambient lighting, and switch illumination due to its wide input voltage range and robustness.
Industrial Indicator Lights: Provides a reliable and simple solution for status indicators and panel lights in harsh environments.
Battery-Powered Devices: Its low dropout voltage ensures efficient operation and longer battery life in portable applications.
ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon BCR401UE6327 stands out as an exceptionally efficient and reliable linear constant current regulator. Its integration of precise current control, a wide operating voltage range, and robust thermal protection into a simple, compact package makes it a superior choice for designers seeking to simplify their LED driving circuits while achieving high performance and reliability across automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
Keywords:
1. Linear Current Regulator
2. Constant Output Current
3. Low Dropout Voltage
4. LED Driver IC
5. Over-Temperature Protection
