AW2023

The AW2023 can drive multiple LEDs in series per channel, limited by the maximum output voltage of the boost converter. The number of LEDs depends on the LED forward voltage and battery voltage: Each white LED typically has 3.0-3.4V forward voltage at 20mA. The AW2023 boost converter can output up to 40V, allowing up to 10-12 LEDs in series per channel. With 6 channels, the total LED count can be 60-72 LEDs for large displays. The boost ratio (output voltage / input voltage) affects efficiency - higher boost ratios reduce efficiency slightly. For typical smartphone displays with 6-8 LEDs per string, the AW2023 provides excellent performance. The current per channel is programmable from 1mA to 30mA via I2C, allowing optimization for different LED types and brightness requirements.

AW2023 supports up to 10-12 LEDs per channel (40V max). Suitable for large displays.

The AW2023 I2C dimming control provides 1024 brightness levels (10-bit resolution). Programming involves: Initialize I2C communication and verify device ID. Write to the brightness register with the desired level (0-1023). Level 0 turns off all LEDs, level 1023 sets maximum current. The brightness change is immediate and glitch-free. Individual channel control is also available - each channel can have independent brightness settings. Group control allows multiple channels to be controlled together. The I2C interface supports standard (100kHz) and fast (400kHz) modes. Awinic provides a software driver with functions like: set_brightness(level), set_channel_brightness(channel, level), enable_channel(channel), disable_channel(channel). The dimming is performed by adjusting LED current (analog dimming) rather than PWM, avoiding potential flicker issues. For smooth brightness transitions, software can ramp the brightness value gradually.

Use I2C for precise 1024-level dimming. Awinic provides software drivers.

The AW2023 specifies current matching of <2% between channels, which is excellent for backlight applications. Current matching is important because: Uneven current between LED strings causes visible brightness variation across the display. Human eyes are sensitive to brightness differences - even 5% variation can be noticeable. Good matching ensures uniform illumination for optimal viewing experience. The <2% matching is achieved through: Precision current mirror circuits in each channel. Factory calibration during production. Temperature compensation to maintain matching across operating range. The matching is specified at nominal current (20mA) and maintained across the dimming range. For critical applications, Awinic also offers drivers with even tighter matching specifications. The matching is validated in production testing to ensure every device meets specifications.

<2% current matching ensures uniform backlight. Validated in production testing.

The AW2023 includes an integrated boost (step-up) converter to generate the higher voltage needed for LED strings: The boost converter takes the battery voltage (2.5V-4.5V) and steps it up to the LED operating voltage (up to 40V). It uses synchronous rectification for high efficiency (>90%). The switching frequency is 1MHz, enabling small inductor size. The boost converter automatically adjusts output voltage based on LED requirements - it provides just enough voltage to maintain programmed current. This adaptive regulation optimizes efficiency. The boost converter includes over-voltage protection to limit output if LED strings open. Soft-start prevents inrush current during power-up. External components required: Inductor (2.2uH-4.7uH), input capacitor (10uF), output capacitor (4.7uF). The boost converter operates in PWM mode at moderate loads and may enter PFM mode at light loads for improved efficiency.

Integrated boost provides up to 40V for LED strings. High efficiency with adaptive regulation.

The AW2023 includes LED fault detection to identify open or shorted LED strings: Open LED detection - monitors each channel for abnormally high voltage, indicating an open LED in the string. Short LED detection - monitors for abnormally low voltage, indicating a shorted LED. Fault status is reported via I2C registers that can be read by the system processor. Individual fault bits indicate which channel has the fault. Fault detection is useful for: Manufacturing test - identifying defective LED strings during assembly. Field diagnostics - detecting display failures in the field. Safety - preventing over-voltage conditions that could damage the driver. When a fault is detected, the affected channel is automatically disabled while other channels continue operating. The fault status can trigger interrupts to alert the system. Fault thresholds are programmable via I2C for different LED configurations.

Fault detection identifies open/short LEDs. Status available via I2C for diagnostics.

The AW2023 requires minimal thermal management due to high efficiency: At typical operating conditions (6 channels x 20mA, 3.3V LED voltage), power dissipation is <100mW. The QFN-20 package has exposed thermal pad for good heat dissipation. Connect the thermal pad to PCB ground plane with multiple vias. Standard PCB copper area provides adequate heatsinking for most applications. The device includes over-temperature protection that reduces current if die temperature exceeds safe limits. For high ambient temperatures or maximum load conditions: Ensure adequate copper area under and around the IC. Consider thermal vias to inner ground planes. Keep other heat sources away from the LED driver. Thermal modeling shows the device can operate at full load up to 85°C ambient with standard PCB design. The high efficiency (>90%) means most power goes to the LEDs rather than being dissipated as heat in the driver.

Minimal thermal management needed. Connect thermal pad to ground. High efficiency reduces heat.