company blog about Supply Maxim LED Evaluation Board:Backlight LED Driver,LED display Driver,RGB LED Driver

Supply Maxim LED Evaluation Board:Backlight LED Driver,LED display Driver,RGB LED Driver

Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd., as a globally renowned distributor of electronic components, has become the preferred partner for clients in the electronics industry through its scalable inventory, competitive pricing, rapid delivery, quality assurance, and comprehensive product portfolio.

Supply Advantages

Authenticity guaranteed through direct manufacturer sourcing forms the cornerstone of all services. Procurement via official channels ensures every chip is genuine and brand-new, eliminating risks associated with refurbished items, bulk new stock, or counterfeit products.

Significant Supply Chain Advantages: Leveraging dual warehouse centres in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the company maintains ample stock for 24-hour express dispatch, with urgent orders benefiting from bespoke dedicated logistics services.

Flexible transaction models cater to diverse requirements—R&D samples are available with minimum order quantities starting from single units, while large-scale production orders are also accommodated. This adaptability covers all needs throughout the product development lifecycle and mass manufacturing stages.

I. Maxim Backlight LED Driver Evaluation Boards

Designed primarily for LCD display backlighting applications, these evaluation boards suit devices requiring uniform backlighting—including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, automotive displays, and industrial monitors. They address core challenges of backlight brightness adjustment, low power consumption, high uniformity, and reliability. The featured driver chips typically offer wide input voltage ranges, high-precision current control, and flexible dimming capabilities.

1. Core Products and Key Features

The Maxim Backlight LED Driver Evaluation Board encompasses multiple classic models, accommodating diverse backlight scales and application scenarios. The most representative include evaluation boards for the MAX25024, MAX16826, and MAX1575 series. Core features revolve around three dimensions: efficiency, precision, and reliability:

- Wide-range compatibility: Input voltage spans 2.5V to 40V, withstanding automotive load dump transients (up to 40V) and supporting cold start conditions. This accommodates both low-voltage consumer electronics and wide-voltage automotive/industrial applications. For instance, the MAX25024 evaluation board operates from 2.5V to 36V, directly compatible with automotive 12V power systems.

- High-precision current control: Delivers LED current accuracy of ±1% to ±3.5%, supports parallel driving of multiple LED strings (up to 4–6 strings), with independently adjustable current per string. This ensures uniform backlight brightness without light spots. For instance, the MAX16826 evaluation board supports driving 1–4 LED strings, integrating a 4-channel linear current sink for high-precision current matching.

- Flexible dimming modes: Supports PWM dimming, hybrid dimming, I²C programmable dimming and other modes, with a maximum dimming ratio of 10000:1. with dimming frequencies ranging from 100Hz to 2.2MHz. This enables smooth brightness transitions while reducing dimming noise and eliminating visual flicker. For instance, the MAX25024 evaluation board supports hybrid dimming via DIM input or I²C control, featuring a minimum pulse width of 500ns. It also employs phase-shift dimming to minimise EMI interference.

- High reliability and low power consumption: Integrated overvoltage, overtemperature, and LED open-circuit/short-circuit protection. Select models feature thermal foldback and standby modes to reduce device losses and extend product lifespan. For instance, the MAX16826 incorporates LED short-circuit/open-circuit detection and overtemperature protection. The MAX1575 evaluation board achieves an average efficiency of 85% during Li+ battery discharge, meeting the low-power demands of mobile devices.

- Streamlined evaluation design: Evaluation boards incorporate essential peripheral components (resistors, capacitors, MOSFETs, etc.), provide clearly marked test points and jumpers, and support parameter configuration via GUI software (Windows-compatible) or I²C interface. This enables rapid testing of backlight performance across different dimming modes and current settings. Boards such as the MAX25024 and MAX6964 evaluation boards include GUI software for intuitive parameter adjustment and operational monitoring.

2. Typical Application Scenarios

These evaluation boards are highly focused on various LCD backlight display devices, with core application areas including:

- Automotive displays: Central information displays, infotainment systems, instrument cluster backlights, such as the MAX25024 and The MAX25561 evaluation board supports ASIL B standards, specifically engineered for automotive high-reliability requirements and capable of withstanding a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.

- Consumer electronics: Backlighting for smartphones, tablets, laptops, monitors, and televisions. For instance, the MAX1575 evaluation board can drive four primary display LEDs and two secondary display LEDs, catering to dual-screen device requirements.

- Industrial displays: Industrial monitors, industrial computer displays, medical device display panels. Leveraging its wide temperature range and high reliability, it suits harsh industrial environments.

II. Maxim LED Display Driver Evaluation Boards

LED display driver evaluation boards target applications such as LED dot matrix displays, segmented displays, and fine-pitch LED displays. They fundamentally address multi-channel LED driving, grey-scale control, and refresh rate optimisation. The integrated driver chips feature multi-channel, high-current driving capability, enabling precise control over the on/off state and brightness of each LED. They support various display modes, including static display and dynamic scanning display, and are widely used in digital products, industrial instrumentation, automotive displays, and outdoor fine-pitch screens.

1. Core Products and Key Features

Maxim's LED display driver evaluation boards leverage multi-channel, high-precision grey-scale control as their core advantage. Representative models include the MAX6964 and MAX16800 series evaluation boards, balancing drive capability with display performance. Key features are as follows:

- Multi-channel drive capability: A single chip supports independent driving of 8 to 17 LED channels. Evaluation boards can be expanded through multi-chip cascading to achieve large-scale LED dot matrix driving. For instance, the MAX6964 evaluation board features 17 outputs, capable of simultaneously controlling 4 RGB LEDs and 5 white LEDs, with support for multi-chip cascading to scale display size.

- High-precision grayscale and refresh control: Supports 8- to 16-bit grayscale adjustment with smooth, nuanced gradations and no visible banding. Refresh rates reach up to kHz levels, eliminating motion blur and flicker during dynamic displays. For instance, the MAX6964 features 8-bit PWM brightness control for precise grayscale adjustment, alongside dual-channel signal flashing functionality to enhance display effects.

- Flexible control interfaces: Supports multiple control protocols including I²C, SPI, and single-wire serial. Certain models feature single-pin four-to-one I²C address configuration, enabling adaptability to diverse host controllers and simplifying system integration. For instance, the MAX6964 supports I²C or dual-wire interfaces with single-pin configuration for four distinct addresses, facilitating address differentiation during multi-chip cascading.

- Robust drive and protection capabilities: Each LED channel delivers 20mA to 350mA drive current with short-circuit and open-circuit protection. Selected models incorporate continuous short-circuit protection and thermal shutdown at 155°C typical temperature, enabling direct driving of high-brightness LEDs (HB LEDs). For instance, the MAX16800 evaluation board achieves 350mA maximum drive current and supports differential LED current sensing, reducing power consumption while enhancing reliability.

- Convenient Testing and Configuration: Evaluation boards incorporate built-in scan driver circuits and grey-scale control circuits. Test points enable direct measurement of current and voltage per LED channel. Companion GUI software facilitates rapid configuration of parameters including grey-scale levels, refresh rates, and drive currents, eliminating the need for additional test circuits. For instance, the MAX6964 evaluation board enables PC communication via the CMAXQUSB interface board, allowing flexible control of LED display states through GUI software.

2. Typical Application Scenarios

These evaluation boards suit diverse LED display products, particularly small-to-medium LED screens and segmented/dot-matrix display devices. Core applications include:

- Industrial instrumentation: Segmented/dot-matrix displays for multimeters, oscilloscopes, temperature controllers, etc. High-precision driving and wide temperature tolerance ensure display stability in harsh industrial environments;

- Consumer electronics: Compact LED displays for digital photo frames, electronic clocks, smart wristbands, etc., meeting low-power and small-form-factor design requirements. For instance, the MAX1575 evaluation board supports backlighting and display driving for portable devices like mobile phones and PDAs;

- Automotive displays: Instrument cluster indicator lights, auxiliary centre console displays, and warning lights. Evaluation boards like the MAX16800 and MAX25024 withstand automotive high voltages and wide temperature ranges to meet in-vehicle display requirements;

- Fine-pitch LED displays: Compact outdoor advertising screens and indoor signage achieve large-scale displays through multi-chip cascading. High refresh rates and precise grey-scale control ensure crisp, fluid visual output.

III. Maxim RGB LED Driver Evaluation Boards

The RGB LED driver evaluation board is designed for colour control and brightness adjustment of RGB tri-colour LEDs (including RGBW quad-colour LEDs). It fundamentally addresses issues such as RGB current matching, colour mixing, and gradient control. The integrated driver chip features three independent high-precision current control channels, enabling dynamic effects including full-colour gradients, breathing lights, and colour transitions. It finds extensive application in LED ambient lighting, decorative illumination, automotive ambient lighting, and consumer electronics indicator lights.

1. Core Products and Key Features

The Maxim RGB LED Driver Evaluation Board offers core advantages of ‘precise colour control, flexible dimming, and low noise’. Representative models include evaluation boards from the MAX6964 and MAX16826 series (some models compatible with RGB, backlighting, and display drivers). Key features centre on colour control and dynamic effects:

- High-precision tri-colour current matching: Features three independent LED current adjustment channels, each achieving current accuracy of ±1% to ±3.5%. enabling precise matching of RGB LED luminous characteristics to prevent colour distortion and achieve pure full-colour display. For instance, the MAX16826 evaluation board's 4-channel linear current sink can be flexibly configured for RGB+amber or RGBW drive modes to meet multi-colour control requirements. The MAX6964 evaluation board allows independent control of each LED current channel for precise RGB colour mixing.

- Flexible colour and dimming control: Supports 8- to 16-bit PWM dimming with frequencies ranging from 100Hz to 2MHz, enabling continuous brightness adjustment from 0% to 100%. Additionally supports dynamic modes including colour fade, breathing, flashing, and colour-jump effects. Certain models support I²C programmable control, enabling software-preset colour schemes. For instance, the MAX6964 features 8-bit PWM brightness control and two-wire signal flashing for flexible dynamic RGB LED colour switching. The MAX16826 dynamically adjusts LED current and output voltage via I²C to optimise colour display performance.

- Low noise and high EMI performance: Employing spread-spectrum oscillators and phase-shift dimming techniques reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by PWM dimming, preventing disruption to surrounding circuits while minimising dimming noise. This ensures smooth, flicker-free colour transitions, exemplified by the MAX25024 and The MAX25561 evaluation board incorporates a spread-spectrum mode to effectively reduce EMI, making it suitable for automotive and consumer electronics applications with stringent EMI requirements.

- Wide voltage range and high reliability: Input voltage coverage spans 2.5V to 40V, with support for LED open-circuit/short-circuit protection and overtemperature protection. with select models offering standby mode and thermal foldback. Low-power designs suit battery-powered devices—e.g., the MAX16826 withstands 40V automotive dump-load voltage and supports cold starts, while the MAX6964 operates at 3.3V to meet portable device requirements, complemented by comprehensive fault protection for enhanced reliability.

- Convenient evaluation and expansion: Evaluation boards incorporate RGB LED packages (some models support external RGB LEDs), with test points for measuring current and voltage per channel. accompanying GUI software enables intuitive adjustment of colour parameters and dynamic modes. Supports multi-chip cascading for synchronised control of multiple RGB LEDs. For instance, the MAX6964 evaluation board incorporates four RGB LEDs and five white LEDs for direct demonstration of colour control effects, while also supporting external LED expansion for scaled testing. GUI software facilitates rapid configuration of various dynamic effects.

2. Typical Application Scenarios

These evaluation boards primarily cater to diverse RGB LED full-colour illumination and indicator applications, with core domains including:

- Consumer electronics: RGB indicator lights, keyboard backlighting, and ambient lighting for smartphones, tablets, and laptops; colour decorative lighting for smart speakers and headphones. Leveraging low power consumption and precise colour control to enhance product aesthetics and user experience;

- Automotive electronics: Vehicle ambient lighting, instrument panel backlighting, and decorative lighting for central control screens. Evaluation boards such as the MAX25024 and MAX16826 are optimised for automotive environments, enabling multi-colour switching and gradient effects for interior ambient lighting to enhance the driving experience. These boards also support ASIL B standards to meet automotive high-reliability requirements;

- Lighting and Decoration: Home ambient lighting, outdoor decorative lighting, and stage lighting (small-scale). Multi-chip cascading enables large-scale RGB LED control, delivering rich colours and dynamic effects;

- Industrial and Medical: Status indicators for industrial equipment (multi-colour differentiation) and warning lights for medical devices. Leveraging high reliability and wide temperature adaptability, these ensure clear and accurate status indication during stable equipment operation.

IV. Common Advantages Across Three Evaluation Board Categories

Regardless of application scenario, Maxim LED evaluation boards uphold ADI/Maxim's consistent high-quality design philosophy, offering the following shared advantages that greatly facilitate engineer development:

- Plug-and-play rapid evaluation: All evaluation boards are fully assembled and tested, incorporating essential peripheral components. Users need only connect power, a host controller (optional), and a load (LED) to swiftly test chip performance without constructing complex circuits, significantly reducing evaluation time. Boards such as the MAX1575, MAX16800, and MAX6964 are fully assembled and tested, ready for immediate use upon unboxing;

- Configurable parameters for flexible adaptation: Key parameters such as drive current, dimming mode, grey scale levels (display/RGB), and colour parameters (RGB) can be configured via GUI software, I²C/SPI interfaces, or jumpers. This enables rapid adaptation to different LED specifications and application requirements. Most evaluation boards support I²C programmable control, while certain models allow jumper configuration of switching frequency, dimming mode, and other parameters to accommodate diverse design needs.

- High reliability and compatibility: The evaluation boards employ industrial-grade PCB design, with driver chips featuring comprehensive protection functions (overvoltage, overtemperature, LED fault protection). Operating temperatures span -40°C to +125°C, accommodating demanding environments across consumer, industrial, and automotive applications. They are also compatible with Maxim's full range of LED driver chips, enabling flexible chip replacement for comparative evaluation, such as the MAX25024, The MAX25561 evaluation board supports ASIL B standards, while the MAX16826 and MAX16800 evaluation boards withstand automotive load dump voltages, meeting reliability requirements across multiple sectors.