
AAT3167
High Efficiency 1X/1.5X/2X Charge Pump for White LED ApplicationsChargePumpTM
PRODUCT DATASHEET
3167.2009.09.1.5 11
www.analogictech.com
Applications Information
LED Selection
Although the AAT3167 is designed for driving white LEDs,
the device also can be used to drive most types of LEDs
with forward voltage specifications ranging from 2.0V to
4.7V. LED applications may include main and sub-LCD
display backlighting, camera photo-flash applications,
color (RGB) LEDs, infrared diodes for remotes, and other
loads benefiting from a controlled output current gener-
ated from a varying input voltage. Since the D1 to D5
input current sinks are matched with negligible voltage
dependence, the LED brightness will be matched regard-
less of the specific LED forward voltage (VF) levels.
In some instances (e.g., in high luminous output applica-
tions such as photo flash), it may be necessary to drive
high-VF type LEDs. The low-dropout current sinks in the
AAT3167 make it capable of driving LEDs with forward
voltages as high as 4.7V at full current from an input
supply as low as 3.0V. Outputs can be paralleled to drive
high-current LEDs without complication.
Device Switching Noise Performance
The AAT3167 operates at a fixed frequency of approxi-
mately 1MHz to control noise and limit harmonics that
can interfere with the RF operation of cellular telephone
handsets or other communication devices. Back-injected
noise appearing on the input pin of the charge pump is
20mV peak-to-peak, typically ten times less than induc-
tor-based DC/DC boost converter white LED backlight
solutions. The AAT3167 soft-start feature prevents noise
transient effects associated with inrush currents during
start-up of the charge pump circuit.
Capacitor Selection
Careful selection of the four external capacitors (CIN, C1,
C2, COUT) is important because they will affect turn-on
time, output ripple, and transient performance. Optimum
performance will be obtained when low equivalent series
resistance (ESR) (<100mΩ) ceramic capacitors are used.
A value of 1μF for all four capacitors is a good starting
point when choosing capacitors. If the LED current
sources are programmed only for light current levels,
then the capacitor size may be decreased.
Capacitor Characteristics
Ceramic composition capacitors are highly recommended
over all other types of capacitors for use with the
AAT3167. Ceramic capacitors offer many advantages
over their tantalum and aluminum electrolytic counter-
parts. A ceramic capacitor typically has very low ESR, is
lowest cost, has a smaller PCB footprint, and is non-
polarized. Low-ESR ceramic capacitors help maximize
charge pump transient response. Since ceramic capaci-
tors are non-polarized, they are not prone to incorrect
connection damage.
Equivalent Series Resistance
ESR is an important characteristic to consider when
selecting a capacitor. ESR is a resistance internal to a
capacitor that is caused by the leads, internal connec-
tions, size or area, material composition, and ambient
temperature. Capacitor ESR is typically measured in mil-
liohms for ceramic capacitors and can range to more
than several ohms for tantalum or aluminum electrolytic
capacitors.
Ceramic Capacitor Materials
Ceramic capacitors less than 0.1μF are typically made
from NPO or C0G materials. NPO and C0G materials
generally have tight tolerance and are very stable over
temperature. Larger capacitor values are usually com-
posed of X7R, X5R, Z5U, or Y5V dielectric materials.
Large ceramic capacitors (i.e., greater than 2.2μF) are
often available in low-cost Y5V and Z5U dielectrics, but
capacitors greater than 1μF are not typically required for
AAT3167 applications.
Capacitor area is another contributor to ESR. Capacitors
that are physically large will have a lower ESR when
compared to an equivalent material smaller capacitor.
These larger devices can improve circuit transient
response when compared to an equal value capacitor in
a smaller package size.