A6268
High-power headlight LED driver with 3A output and ASIL-B safety support for automotive forward lighting.
Product Overview
Description
The A6268 is a high-power LED driver specifically designed for automotive headlight applications. The device delivers up to 3A constant current for high-brightness LED modules used in low beam, high beam, and adaptive driving beam (ADB) systems.
The device features adaptive thermal management that automatically reduces LED current when temperature exceeds programmed thresholds, preventing thermal damage while maintaining light output. This extends LED lifetime and ensures reliable operation in high-temperature engine compartment environments.
Safety features include ISO 26262 ASIL-B support with comprehensive diagnostics, LED open/short detection, and fault reporting. The device supports PWM dimming for DRL functionality and seamless switching between low and high beam modes.
Product Series
A
Primary Application
LED headlight low beam
Key Features
- High-power 3A LED drive capability
- Dual channel for low/high beam
- 96% efficiency switching topology
- Adaptive thermal management
- ISO 26262 ASIL-B safety support
- Comprehensive fault diagnostics
- PWM dimming for DRL mode
- AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualified
Specifications
| Input Voltage | 6V to 60V |
|---|---|
| Output Current | Up to 3A |
| Number of Channels | 2 (low/high beam) |
| Topology | Switching buck |
| Efficiency | Up to 96% |
| Dimming | PWM up to 1kHz |
| Safety | ISO 26262 ASIL-B support |
| Thermal Management | Adaptive current foldback |
| Package | QFN-32 |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +150°C |
Applications
LED headlight low beam
Electronic system design
LED headlight high beam
Electronic system design
Adaptive driving beam (ADB)
Electronic system design
Daytime running lights (DRL)
Electronic system design
Fog lamps
Electronic system design
Cornering lights
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The A6268 is purpose-built for automotive headlight applications and it shows. The 3A output capability handles even the latest high-power LED modules, and the dual-channel design seamlessly manages low/high beam switching. The adaptive thermal management is a standout feature - I've seen it save designs that were overheating in engine compartment installations. When the temperature climbs, the device gracefully reduces current rather than shutting down completely, maintaining visibility while protecting the LEDs. The ASIL-B support is essential for modern headlight systems, especially with ADB functionality. Key design tips: Size the inductor for 3A with margin; implement proper thermal vias under the package; use the SPI interface to monitor thermal status and adjust operation. The fault diagnostics have helped identify wiring issues during production. For headlight designs, the A6268 provides the power, safety, and reliability that automotive OEMs demand."
3A high-power capability; adaptive thermal management; ASIL-B safety support; seamless low/high beam switching
— David Chen, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the adaptive thermal management work?
A6268 adaptive thermal management: Temperature monitoring - Internal temperature sensor monitors die temperature; Programmable thresholds via SPI; Real-time temperature reporting. Current foldback - Above T1 threshold: gradual current reduction begins; Above T2 threshold: more aggressive reduction; Above T3 threshold: shutdown for protection. Benefits: Maintains light output during thermal stress; Extends LED lifetime by preventing overheating; Allows operation in high-temperature environments; Gradual reduction less noticeable than sudden shutdown. Configuration: Set temperature thresholds via SPI (e.g., 120°C, 140°C, 160°C); Configure foldback rate (slow/medium/fast); Enable/disable automatic recovery. Operation example: Normal: 100% current at 80°C; T1 reached (120°C): current reduces to 80%; T2 reached (140°C): current reduces to 50%; T3 reached (160°C): shutdown until cooled. The adaptive management ensures headlights remain operational even in challenging thermal conditions.
Programmable thermal thresholds; gradual current reduction; maintains operation during thermal stress.
What is ASIL-B support and why is it needed for headlights?
ASIL-B support for headlight safety: ISO 26262 standard - Defines functional safety for automotive electrical systems; ASIL levels from A (lowest) to D (highest); Based on severity, exposure, and controllability. Headlight safety requirements - Headlights are safety-critical for nighttime driving; ASIL-B typically required for main beam functions; Ensures reliable operation and fault detection. A6268 safety features - Dual-core lockstep architecture; Comprehensive fault detection (LED open, short, overcurrent); Diagnostic coverage > 90%; Safe state management; Fault reporting via SPI. Safety mechanisms - Watchdog timer monitors operation; Hardware redundancy for critical functions; Self-test on startup; Continuous monitoring during operation. Compliance benefits - Meets OEM safety requirements; Enables ADB (adaptive driving beam) functionality; Supports autonomous vehicle lighting requirements; Reduces liability risk. Implementation requires following ISO 26262 development process and safety analysis.
ASIL-B ensures headlight reliability; required for modern headlight systems; supports ADB and autonomous driving.
How do I implement low/high beam switching?
Low/high beam implementation with A6268: Hardware setup - Channel 1: Connect to low beam LED string; Channel 2: Connect to high beam LED string; Both channels share common input power; Independent current programming for each channel. Switching methods - Method 1: Disable one channel, enable other via SPI; Method 2: Use dedicated beam select input pin; Method 3: PWM both channels with different duty cycles. Recommended approach - Use beam select input for fastest response; SPI control for configuration and diagnostics; Implement cross-check to ensure both not on simultaneously. Timing considerations - Switching time: < 100μs via hardware pin; < 1ms via SPI command; Ensure no dark period during switch; Implement hysteresis to prevent oscillation. Safety considerations - Verify only one beam active at a time; Monitor current to detect LED failures; Implement timeout for beam switch commands; Log beam usage for diagnostic purposes. The dual-channel design simplifies wiring and reduces component count compared to using two separate drivers.
Use beam select input for fast switching; SPI for configuration; ensure only one beam active at a time.
What inductor is recommended for 3A headlight operation?
Inductor selection for A6268 3A operation: Inductance value - 10μH to 22μH typical for headlight applications; Lower inductance: smaller size, higher ripple; Higher inductance: lower ripple, larger size; 15μH is common choice for 3A headlights. Current rating - Saturation current > 1.5 × 3A = 4.5A minimum; RMS current rating > 3A with margin; Use 5-6A rated inductor for reliability. DCR (DC resistance) - Target < 50mΩ for good efficiency; Calculate loss: P = 9 × 0.05 = 0.45W at 3A; Lower DCR improves efficiency and reduces heating. Shielding - Must use shielded inductor for automotive EMI; Unshielded not recommended for headlight applications; Toroidal or drum core with shield. Recommended parts - Coilcraft MSS1278T-153 (15μH, 6.2A); Wurth WE-HCI-1365 (15μH, 5.5A); TDK SLF12575T-150M (15μH, 5.8A). Thermal considerations - Inductor can get warm at 3A; Ensure adequate copper area for heat spreading; Keep away from temperature-sensitive components.
Use 15μH shielded inductor with 5-6A rating; target < 50mΩ DCR; ensure thermal management.
How do I configure the A6268 for ADB applications?
ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) configuration: ADB requirements - Dynamic beam shaping based on traffic; Multiple LED zones independently controlled; Fast response to changing conditions; Integration with camera/radar systems. A6268 ADB support - Dual channels support zone-based driving; Fast PWM dimming for zone control; SPI interface for real-time updates; Diagnostics for fault detection. Configuration steps: 1) Connect LED zones to both channels; 2) Configure current levels for each zone; 3) Set up PWM for brightness control; 4) Implement SPI communication with ADB controller; 5) Configure fault handling for safe operation. Software integration - Receive zone on/off commands from ADB system; Update PWM duty cycles in real-time (< 10ms response); Monitor LED status and report faults; Implement safe state for communication loss. Timing requirements - Zone update rate: 50-100Hz typical; Response time: < 10ms from command to output; PWM frequency: 400-1000Hz to avoid flicker. Safety considerations - Ensure no blinding glare in fault conditions; Implement default beam pattern on failure; Monitor all zones for proper operation; Log ADB system faults for diagnosis.
Use dual channels for zone control; fast PWM for dynamic beam; SPI integration with ADB system; < 10ms response time.