BCR562E6327HTSA1: Infineon's Low-Drop Linear LED Driver for Automotive Applications
The demand for robust and efficient LED lighting in the automotive industry continues to surge, driven by the need for enhanced aesthetics, safety, and energy efficiency. Addressing this need, Infineon Technologies has developed the BCR562E6327HTSA1, a highly integrated linear LED driver IC designed specifically for the challenging environment of modern vehicles. This component stands out as a premier solution for powering LEDs in applications such as interior lighting, ambient lighting, and tail lights.
A key feature of the BCR562E6327HTSA1 is its extremely low dropout voltage. This characteristic is critical for automotive applications where the battery supply voltage can dip very close to or even below the forward voltage of the LED string. Unlike switching regulators that require significant headroom, this linear driver can maintain a constant current to the LEDs even when the input voltage is only marginally higher than the LED voltage. This ensures stable and flicker-free illumination, maximizing efficiency and extending the available operating range, especially during cold-crank or start-stop scenarios.

The device integrates a 40V rated N-channel MOSFET, which provides excellent durability and protection against voltage transients common in the automotive electrical system. This built-in robustness eliminates the need for an external series transistor, simplifying the board design and reducing the total component count and system cost. The BCR562 is configured as a constant current source, with a default output current of 110 mA. This current can be easily adjusted downward by adding a single external resistor, offering designers flexibility for different LED configurations.
Furthermore, the IC incorporates vital protection features essential for automotive reliability. These include thermal shutdown, which safeguards the chip from overheating, and overvoltage protection on the input side. Its compact PG-SOT223-3 package is not only space-saving but also offers good thermal performance, allowing it to dissipate heat effectively directly from the PCB.
Designed for seamless integration, the BCR562E6327HTSA1 requires only two external components to form a complete LED driver circuit, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained applications. Its simple design minimizes engineering effort and accelerates time-to-market for new automotive lighting modules.
ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon BCR562E6327HTSA1 is a superior choice for automotive LED driving, offering a compelling combination of ultra-low dropout voltage, high integration, robust built-in protections, and design simplicity. It effectively meets the stringent requirements of the automotive environment, ensuring reliable and efficient performance for a wide range of lighting functions.
Keywords: Automotive LED Driver, Low Dropout Voltage, Constant Current Source, Infineon Technologies, Integrated MOSFET.
