PAM2846KR LED Driver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PAM2846KR is a 6-output LED driver IC with integrated DC-DC step-up (boost) regulator topology, manufactured by Diodes Incorporated. This device is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active alternative components that maintain functional and electrical compatibility for backlight applications. The PAM2846KR operates across a 4.8V to 28V supply range with 40V output capability and 30mA per-channel current rating, featuring analog and PWM dimming control in a 24-QFN (4x4) package.

Key Parameters

Parameter	PAM2846KR Value
Manufacturer	Diodes Incorporated
Product Status	Obsolete
Type	DC DC Regulator
Topology	Step-Up (Boost)
Number of Outputs	6
Voltage - Supply (Min)	4.8V
Voltage - Supply (Max)	28V
Voltage - Output	40V
Current - Output / Channel	30mA
Dimming	Analog, PWM
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	3 (168 Hours)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PAM2846KR is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Topology: Step-Up (Boost) DC-DC regulator
Number of Outputs: 6 channels
Output Voltage: Minimum 40V capability
Per-Channel Current: Minimum 30mA
Dimming Control: PWM support (analog support optional)
Operating Temperature Range: Minimum -40°C to 85°C
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant

Secondary Considerations:

Package form factor (QFN variants acceptable with PCB layout adjustment)
Supply voltage range compatibility (4.5V minimum acceptable; 22V-28V maximum acceptable)
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL 1-3 acceptable)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on electrical performance alignment:

Category A - Direct Electrical Equivalents (30mA Output Current): ISL97693IRTZ, ISL97694AIRTZ-TK, and TPS61181RTER maintain the 30mA per-channel current specification with PWM dimming and 40V+ output capability.

Category B - Enhanced Performance Alternatives (50mA+ Output Current): ISL78171ARZ-T7A, LP8545SQ/NOPB, LP8545SQE/NOPB, LP8552TLX/NOPB, LP8556TME-E05/NOPB, and TPS61183RTJR provide higher per-channel current ratings (50mA-450mA) with maintained or improved electrical specifications, suitable for applications requiring increased current headroom.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	PAM2846KR	ISL78171ARZ-T7A	ISL97693IRTZ	ISL97694AIRTZ-TK	LP8545SQ/NOPB	LP8545SQE/NOPB	LP8552TLX/NOPB	LP8556TME-E05/NOPB	TPS61181RTER	TPS61183RTJR
Manufacturer	Diodes Inc.	Renesas	Renesas	Renesas	TI	TI	TI	TI	TI	TI
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
Topology	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)	Step-Up (Boost)
Number of Outputs	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6	6
Voltage - Supply (Min)	4.8V	4.5V	2.4V	2.4V	2.7V	2.7V	2.7V	2.7V	5V	4.5V
Voltage - Supply (Max)	28V	26.5V	5.5V	5.5V	22V	22V	22V	20V	24V	24V
Voltage - Output	40V	40V	26V	26V	40V	40V	40V	7V ~ 43V	38V	38V
Current - Output / Channel	30mA	50mA	30mA	30mA	50mA	50mA	450mA	50mA	25mA	30mA
Dimming	Analog, PWM	Analog, I2C, PWM	PWM	PWM	PWM	PWM	PWM	—	PWM	PWM
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-30°C ~ 85°C	-30°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-30°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	24-WFQFN Exposed Pad	20-VFQFN Exposed Pad	16-WFQFN Exposed Pad	20-VFQFN Exposed Pad	24-WFQFN Exposed Pad	24-WFQFN Exposed Pad	25-WFBGA	20-WFBGA, DSBGA	16-WFQFN Exposed Pad	20-WFQFN Exposed Pad
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
MSL Rating	3 (168 Hours)	1 (Unlimited)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	2 (1 Year)	2 (1 Year)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement with Minimal PCB Modification:

TPS61183RTJR is the primary recommended substitute. It maintains identical 30mA per-channel current specification, 40V output capability, and PWM dimming control. The 20-WFQFN package differs from the original 24-WFQFN, requiring PCB footprint adjustment. This device is active with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 2 rating, providing superior long-term availability compared to the obsolete PAM2846KR.

For Applications Requiring Higher Current Capacity:

ISL78171ARZ-T7A (50mA per channel, automotive-grade AEC-Q100 qualified) or LP8545SQE/NOPB (50mA per channel, 24-WFQFN package match) provide enhanced performance headroom. Both maintain 40V output and PWM dimming with active product status and superior MSL ratings (1 for LP8545SQE/NOPB).

For Compact Form Factor Applications:

ISL97693IRTZ or ISL97694AIRTZ-TK offer reduced package sizes (16-WFQFN and 20-VFQFN respectively) with 30mA per-channel current. These are suitable for space-constrained designs, though output voltage is limited to 26V, requiring verification against application requirements.

For Extended Temperature Range:

ISL78171ARZ-T7A supports -40°C to 105°C operating range with automotive qualification, exceeding the PAM2846KR specification and providing enhanced reliability for industrial or automotive backlight applications.

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance and are currently in active production status, ensuring long-term supply chain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ISL97693IRTZ or ISL97694AIRTZ-TK be used as direct replacements?

A: These devices are electrically compatible for 30mA per-channel applications but have output voltage limited to 26V versus the PAM2846KR's 40V. Substitution is valid only if the application operates at or below 26V output. Package sizes differ (16-WFQFN and 20-VFQFN), requiring PCB layout modification.

Q: What is the primary advantage of LP8552TLX/NOPB over other substitutes?

A: LP8552TLX/NOPB provides significantly higher per-channel current capacity (450mA) compared to the PAM2846KR (30mA), making it suitable for high-brightness LED applications. However, it uses a 25-WFBGA package requiring different PCB assembly processes. This device is recommended only when increased current capability is required.

Q: Are there package-compatible substitutes that require no PCB redesign?

A: LP8545SQ/NOPB and LP8545SQE/NOPB both use the 24-WFQFN (4x4) package, matching the PAM2846KR footprint exactly. These devices provide 50mA per-channel current with 40V output and PWM dimming, requiring no PCB layout modification for pin-compatible replacement.

Q: How does MSL rating affect component selection?

A: The PAM2846KR has MSL 3 (168 hours), requiring controlled storage conditions. Most active substitutes offer MSL 1 (unlimited) or MSL 2 (1 year), providing superior shelf-life stability and reduced moisture-related failures during manufacturing. MSL 1 devices (ISL78171ARZ-T7A, LP8545 series, LP8552TLX/NOPB) are preferred for high-volume production.

Q: Can TPS61181RTER be used despite its 25mA per-channel rating?

A: TPS61181RTER provides only 25mA per-channel current, below the PAM2846KR's 30mA specification. Substitution is valid only if the application design accommodates reduced per-channel current or if fewer LED strings are driven. The 16-WFQFN package also requires PCB modification.

Q: What is the significance of automotive qualification (AEC-Q100)?

A: ISL78171ARZ-T7A carries AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, indicating compliance with automotive reliability and environmental testing standards. This qualification is relevant only for automotive backlight applications; consumer applications do not require this certification.

Q: How do supply voltage ranges affect substitution validity?

A: The PAM2846KR operates from 4.8V to 28V. Substitutes with narrower ranges (e.g., ISL97693IRTZ at 2.4V-5.5V) are valid only if the application supply voltage falls within the substitute's specified range. Verify actual system supply voltage against each candidate device's minimum and maximum ratings.

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