LM3404MAX LED Driver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LM3404MAX is a PWM-controlled LED driver IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for step-down (buck) topology DC-DC regulation with 1A output current capability. The device operates across a 6V to 42V supply range and is rated for automotive-grade applications with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. The LM3404MAX has been discontinued at DiGi Electronics, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

LM3404MAX

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 6636LM3404MAX Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LM3404MAX/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 30111LM3404MAX/NOPB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

A6213KLJTR-T

Allegro MicroSystemsIn Stock: 45786A6213KLJTR-T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LED2000DR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 35502LED2000DR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LED6000PHR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 2748LED6000PHR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LT3590ESC8#TRMPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 5051LT3590ESC8#TRMPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MP2481DH-LF-P

Monolithic Power SystemsIn Stock: 38123MP2481DH-LF-P Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MP3416GQH-Z

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.In Stock: 20221MP3416GQH-Z Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

NCV3065DR2G

onsemiIn Stock: 20056NCV3065DR2G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

TLD5045EJXUMA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 30215TLD5045EJXUMA1 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the LM3404MAX is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Topology: Step-Down (Buck) configuration
• Package compatibility: 8-SOIC form factor preferred for direct PCB replacement
• Dimming control: PWM capability
• Supply voltage range: Minimum 6V input support
• Output current: 1A or greater
• Automotive grade qualification (preferred but not mandatory)
• RoHS compliance status

Substitution Categories:

Direct Parametric Equivalent: LM3404MAX/NOPB matches all electrical and mechanical specifications with identical package, topology, and performance characteristics. This part is the primary equivalent with active product status and RoHS3 compliance.

Higher Current Capacity Substitutes: Parts with 1.2A to 3A output current (MP2481DH-LF-P, A6213KLJTR-T, NCV3065DR2G) provide functional equivalence with increased current headroom. These parts maintain 8-SOIC packaging and buck topology but operate at different supply voltage ranges and switching frequencies.

Extended Supply Voltage Range Substitutes: LED6000PHR and LED2000DR support wider input voltage ranges (3V to 61V and 3V to 18V respectively) with different package options (16-HTSSOP and 8-SOIC). These parts accommodate applications requiring extended voltage flexibility.

Limited Current Substitutes: LT3590ESC8#TRMPBF and TLD5045EJXUMA1 provide lower output current (80mA and 700mA) suitable only for reduced-power LED applications.

Non-Compatible Substitute: MP3416GQH-Z is a step-up (boost) topology regulator and is not functionally equivalent to the buck-topology LM3404MAX.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

LM3404MAX/NOPB is the primary recommended equivalent. This part maintains identical electrical specifications, package form factor, and automotive qualification while offering active product status and RoHS3 compliance. Direct PCB substitution is possible without design modification.

MP2481DH-LF-P is suitable for applications where 1.2A output current meets or exceeds design requirements. The part operates within the 4.5V to 36V supply range, which covers the LM3404MAX operating window. Automotive grade qualification and RoHS3 compliance are present. Package footprint differs (8-MSOP vs. 8-SOIC), requiring PCB layout adjustment.

A6213KLJTR-T provides 3A output current with extended supply voltage range (6V to 48V). Automotive qualification and RoHS3 compliance are confirmed. The 8-SOIC-EP package is mechanically compatible with standard 8-SOIC footprints. Higher current capacity provides design margin for LED string applications.

NCV3065DR2G offers dual topology capability (buck and boost) with 1.5A switch current and PWM/analog dimming flexibility. The 8-SOIC package is directly compatible. Supply range (3V to 40V) encompasses the LM3404MAX specification. RoHS3 compliance is confirmed. Lower switching frequency (150kHz) may require larger passive component values.

LED2000DR and LED6000PHR are suitable only for applications where supply voltage does not exceed 18V (LED2000DR) or where the 16-HTSSOP package is acceptable (LED6000PHR). These parts provide extended temperature operation (-40°C to 150°C) and higher current capacity (3A) but introduce package incompatibility or voltage range limitations.

TLD5045EJXUMA1 is limited to low-power LED applications requiring 700mA or less. Automotive grade and RoHS3 compliance are present. The 8-SOIC-EP package is compatible. This part is suitable only for reduced-power backlight or indicator LED applications.

LT3590ESC8#TRMPBF is restricted to ultra-low-power applications (80mA maximum). The SC-70-8 package is incompatible with standard 8-SOIC footprints. This part is not recommended for general LM3404MAX replacement.

MP3416GQH-Z is not a functional equivalent. This part implements step-up (boost) topology rather than step-down (buck) topology and is unsuitable for LM3404MAX replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LM3404MAX/NOPB be used as a direct replacement without PCB modification?

A: Yes. LM3404MAX/NOPB is electrically and mechanically identical to the LM3404MAX. The part uses the same 8-SOIC package, supply voltage range (6V to 42V), output current (1A), switching frequency (1MHz), and PWM dimming control. No PCB layout changes are required.

Q: What is the primary reason to select a substitute part?

A: The LM3404MAX has been discontinued at DiGi Electronics. LM3404MAX/NOPB provides active product status with identical specifications. Alternative parts are selected when higher current capacity, extended voltage range, or different package requirements are necessary.

Q: Can MP2481DH-LF-P replace LM3404MAX in all applications?

A: MP2481DH-LF-P is functionally compatible for applications where 1.2A output current is sufficient. The part operates within the 4.5V to 36V supply range, which overlaps the LM3404MAX specification (6V to 42V). However, the 8-MSOP package differs from 8-SOIC, requiring PCB footprint redesign. The higher switching frequency (1.4MHz vs. 1MHz) may reduce passive component size.

Q: Is A6213KLJTR-T suitable for high-current LED applications?

A: Yes. A6213KLJTR-T provides 3A output current, exceeding the LM3404MAX 1A specification. The part supports 6V to 48V supply range and maintains 8-SOIC package compatibility. Automotive qualification and RoHS3 compliance are confirmed. The exposed pad variant (8-SOIC-EP) improves thermal performance for higher-power applications.

Q: What is the key difference between NCV3065DR2G and LM3404MAX?

A: NCV3065DR2G supports both step-down (buck) and step-up (boost) topologies, whereas LM3404MAX is step-down only. NCV3065DR2G provides 1.5A switch current and dual dimming control (analog and PWM). The 8-SOIC package is compatible. The lower switching frequency (150kHz) requires larger inductors and capacitors compared to the 1MHz LM3404MAX.

Q: Can LED2000DR be used in applications with 42V supply voltage?

A: No. LED2000DR maximum supply voltage is 18V, which is below the LM3404MAX 42V specification. This part is suitable only for low-voltage LED applications (3V to 18V input range).

Q: What is the advantage of LED6000PHR over LM3404MAX?

A: LED6000PHR supports extended supply voltage range (4.5V to 61V) and higher output current (3A). The switching frequency is programmable (250kHz to 1.5MHz). However, the 16-HTSSOP package is incompatible with 8-SOIC footprints, requiring significant PCB redesign. This part is suitable for applications requiring wide input voltage range and higher power delivery.

Q: Is TLD5045EJXUMA1 a viable substitute for general LED driver applications?

A: TLD5045EJXUMA1 is limited to low-power applications (700mA maximum output current). The part is suitable for backlight or indicator LED applications only. For standard LED string driving at 1A or higher, this part is not recommended.

Q: Why is MP3416GQH-Z listed as a non-compatible substitute?

A: MP3416GQH-Z implements step-up (boost) topology, converting low input voltages to higher output voltages. The LM3404MAX is step-down (buck) topology, converting high input voltages to lower output voltages. These topologies are functionally opposite and not interchangeable.

Q: What RoHS compliance status should be considered for new designs?

A: RoHS3 compliance is standard for active production parts. LM3404MAX is RoHS non-compliant (discontinued status). All recommended substitutes (LM3404MAX/NOPB, MP2481DH-LF-P, A6213KLJTR-T, NCV3065DR2G, LED2000DR, LED6000PHR, and TLD5045EJXUMA1) are RoHS3 compliant and suitable for new designs.

Q: What is the impact of switching frequency differences on circuit design?

A: Higher switching frequency (1.4MHz for MP2481DH-LF-P vs. 1MHz for LM3404MAX) allows smaller inductors and capacitors, reducing PCB area and cost. Lower switching frequency (150kHz for NCV3065DR2G) requires larger passive components but may reduce EMI. Frequency selection depends on application power level and thermal constraints.