austriamicrosystems Announces First 4-Channel LED Driver IC With Dedicated 3D TV Features and Unique Power Feedback Regulation

austriamicrosystems (SIX: AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of high-performance analog ICs, has announced the AS3696, a new 4-channel LED driver IC that ensures the brightest and most brilliant video images. Designed for edge lighting in LCD televisions, the AS3696 is the first to include a special control mechanism for 3D effects and extends austriamicrosystems’ portfolio of LED BLU (backlight unit) drivers for the next generation of LCD TVs.

With a channel-to-channel accuracy +/-1 %, the AS3696 BLU driver IC is a precision LED controller with PWM inputs and internal PWM generators. It is designed for driving external FETs in LCD backlight panels, allowing long LED strings and the high currents used in 3D mode. It offers the functions and accuracy to simplify the design task of LED driving with an on-chip shunt regulator and built-in safety features, including thermal shutdown and open and short LED detection. In addition, the AS3696 LED driver IC also provides a unique power feedback regulation for controlling external power supplies to reduce power and achieve the highest system efficiency in LED backlit LCD TVs.

According to Markus Luidolt, Marketing Manager Panel Lighting, "austriamicrosystems’ LED driver IC products are used in dozens of edge and direct type TVs by many major brands and we have now achieved a leading position in large LCD backlighting. With 3D functionality becoming a mainstream feature within the next few years, we saw the clear market need for a cost-effective four-channel product based on our leading IP-blocks with special 3D control possibilities.”

Price & availability
Samples of the AS3696 BLU Driver IC are available now. The 1,000 piece price for the AS3696 QFN32 is $1.50 USD; the AS3696 TQFP32 is $1.70.

Technical Support
A demo board is available to help evaluate the AS3696 4-channel LED driver. For more information please visit www.austriamicrosystems.com/AS3696/LCD-Backlighting

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of standard and customized high-performance analog ICs in the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces and mobile infotainment. Complemented by its full service foundry services, the company focuses on the communications, industrial & medical and automotive markets. austriamicrosystems leverages almost 30 years of expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading products, operating worldwide with more than 1,000 employees with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS). For more information, visit www.austriamicrosystems.com

Download Press Picture or Block Diagram of this IC at
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/eng/Press/Release-Archive-2010