The MAX1984/MAX1985/MAX1986 are white light-emitting diode (LED) drivers that use individual regulators to control the current of up to eight LEDs. A high-efficiency step-up regulator generates just enough voltage to keep all the current regulators in regulation. A versatile dimming interface accommodates analog, digitally adjusted pulse-width modulation (DPWM), or parallel control.

The individual current regulators allow good current matching between LEDs. Open or shorted LEDs cannot affect the performance of other LEDs.

The step-up regulator achieves high efficiency by using synchronous rectification. The internal N-channel switch and P-channel synchronous rectifier eliminate the need for external MOSFETs and diodes. The 1MHz switching frequency allows the use of low-profile inductors and ceramic capacitors.

The brightness can be easily adjusted using a multi-mode dimming interface, which allows brightness control through a DPWM signal, a 2- or 3-bit parallel control interface, or an analog signal. The DPWM signal can be connected directly to the control pin without the need for an external RC filter if its frequency is 10kHz or above.

The MAX1984 drives up to eight LEDs, the MAX1985 drives up to six LEDs, and the MAX1986 drives up to four LEDs. Each device has an LED select pin (SEL) that allows one subset, the other subset, or all LEDs to be illuminated. All three devices are available in a 4mm x 4mm thin QFN package.