LP3950SLX/NOPB LED Driver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LP3950SLX/NOPB is a 6-output LED driver IC manufactured by Texas Instruments, designed for step-up (boost) DC-DC regulation with PWM dimming capability. This device delivers 50mA per channel output current and operates from a 2.7V to 2.9V supply to generate 5V output, making it suitable for backlight and camera flash applications. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components that maintain functional compatibility for new designs or production continuity.

Substiute Parts

LP3950SLX/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 768LP3950SLX/NOPB Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LP3950SL/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1868LP3950SL/NOPB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

BD9397EFV-GE2

Rohm SemiconductorIn Stock: 2756BD9397EFV-GE2 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ISL97636AIRZ-TK

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 5193ISL97636AIRZ-TK Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

ISL97672BIRZ-T

Renesas Electronics CorporationIn Stock: 3594ISL97672BIRZ-T Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LT3598EUF#TRPBF

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1410LT3598EUF#TRPBF Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MP3366GC-P

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.In Stock: 1081MP3366GC-P Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MP3366GC-Z

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.In Stock: 1108MP3366GC-Z Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MP3387AGRT-P

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.In Stock: 1095MP3387AGRT-P Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MPQ3386DR-LF-P

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.In Stock: 1228MPQ3386DR-LF-P Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the LP3950SLX/NOPB is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Topology: Step-Up (Boost) DC-DC regulation with internal switching capability
• Number of Outputs: 6 independent LED driver outputs
• Output Current Capability: Minimum 50mA per channel
• Dimming Method: PWM dimming support
• Supply Voltage Range: Compatibility with low-voltage input (2.7V–2.9V nominal)
• Output Voltage: 5V nominal output
• Package Type: Surface mount with exposed pad thermal management
• Compliance: ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 classification

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: parametric equivalents from the same manufacturer (Texas Instruments) and manufacturer-recommended alternatives from Rohm Semiconductor, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Analog Devices Inc., and Monolithic Power Systems Inc. Parts within each group maintain the core functional requirements while accommodating variations in supply voltage range, output voltage capability, frequency, and package form factor.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Parametric Equivalent (Recommended for Direct Replacement)

LP3950SL/NOPB is the active equivalent from Texas Instruments. This part maintains identical electrical specifications (2.7V–2.9V supply, 5V output, 50mA per channel, 2MHz frequency, PWM dimming, 6 outputs) and package form factor (32-WFLGA). The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and MSL rating (3 vs. 1). This part is suitable for production continuity and new designs requiring the original electrical and thermal characteristics.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives

When the parametric equivalent is unavailable or when design flexibility permits, the following active parts are recommended based on compliance and product status:

• ISL97672BIRZ-T (Renesas Electronics): Active status, supports 50mA per channel output current matching the original specification, operates from 4.5V–26.5V supply with 45V output capability, 20-QFN package. Suitable for applications requiring higher supply voltage tolerance.

• LT3598EUF#TRPBF (Analog Devices Inc.): Active status, 30mA per channel output current, operates from 3V–30V supply with 44V output capability, supports both analog and PWM dimming, 24-QFN package, extended operating temperature to 125°C (TJ), MSL 1 rating. Suitable for designs requiring extended temperature range and flexible dimming control.

• MP3366GC-P and MP3366GC-Z (Monolithic Power Systems Inc.): Both active status, 45mA per channel output current, operate from 3V–25V supply with 45V output capability, support analog and PWM dimming, 18-WLCSP package, extended operating temperature to 125°C (TJ), MSL 1 rating. Suitable for compact form factor applications.

• MPQ3386DR-LF-P (Monolithic Power Systems Inc.): Active status, automotive-grade (AEC-Q100 qualified), operates from 4.5V–25V supply with 50V output capability, 1.25MHz frequency, 24-QFN package, extended operating temperature to 125°C (TJ), MSL 1 rating. Suitable for automotive and high-reliability applications.

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 classification. Selection should be based on supply voltage requirements, output voltage capability, package constraints, and thermal management needs of the target application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can LP3950SL/NOPB be used as a direct replacement for LP3950SLX/NOPB?

A: Yes. LP3950SL/NOPB is the parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications and package form factor. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and MSL rating. This is the recommended choice for production continuity.

Q: What is the key difference between the original LP3950SLX/NOPB and the manufacturer-recommended alternatives?

A: The original part operates from a narrow 2.7V–2.9V supply range and generates 5V output. Manufacturer-recommended alternatives operate from wider supply voltage ranges (3V–35V depending on part) and generate higher output voltages (34.5V–50V). These alternatives are suitable when the application can accommodate different supply and output voltage specifications.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All parts listed in this reference maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 classification, meeting regulatory requirements for commercial and industrial applications.

Q: What is the significance of MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) rating?

A: MSL rating indicates the maximum time a component can be exposed to ambient conditions (30°C, 85% relative humidity) before soldering. MSL 1 (Unlimited) allows indefinite storage without special handling. MSL 3 (168 Hours) requires controlled storage and handling. For production environments with extended lead times, MSL 1 rated parts (LP3950SL/NOPB, LT3598EUF#TRPBF, MP3366GC-P, MP3366GC-Z, MPQ3386DR-LF-P) are preferred.

Q: Which substitute part is suitable for automotive applications?

A: MPQ3386DR-LF-P is automotive-grade and AEC-Q100 qualified, making it suitable for automotive and high-reliability applications requiring formal qualification.

Q: What package options are available among the substitutes?

A: Substitute parts are available in multiple package types: 32-WFLGA (LP3950SL/NOPB), 40-VSSOP (BD9397EFV-GE2), 24-VFQFN (ISL97636AIRZ-TK, MPQ3386DR-LF-P), 20-VFQFN (ISL97672BIRZ-T), 24-WFQFN (LT3598EUF#TRPBF, MP3387AGRT-P), and 18-WLCSP (MP3366GC-P, MP3366GC-Z). Package selection depends on PCB layout constraints and thermal management requirements.

Q: Can parts with higher output current capability (e.g., BD9397EFV-GE2 at 400mA) be used in place of the 50mA original?

A: Higher output current capability does not prevent substitution; however, the BD9397EFV-GE2 operates from a 9V–35V supply range, which is incompatible with the original 2.7V–2.9V specification. Substitution requires verification that the application supply voltage and output voltage requirements align with the alternative part's specifications.

Q: What is the operating temperature range difference between the original and substitutes?

A: The original LP3950SLX/NOPB operates from -40°C to 85°C (TA, ambient temperature). Several substitutes (LT3598EUF#TRPBF, MP3366GC-P, MP3366GC-Z, MPQ3386DR-LF-P) extend the upper limit to 125°C (TJ, junction temperature), providing improved thermal margin for high-power applications.