General Description

The MAX4990E high-voltage DC-AC converter is ideal

for driving electroluminescent (EL) lamps. The

MAX4990E features a wide +2.4V to +5.5V input range

that allows the device to accept a wide variety of

voltage sources such as single-cell lithium-ion (Li+)

batteries and higher voltage battery chargers. The lamp

outputs of the device generate up to 250V peak-to-

peak output voltage for maximum lamp brightness.

The MAX4990E utilizes an inductor-based boost con-

verter to generate the high voltage necessary to drive

an EL lamp. The boost-converter switching frequency is

set with the combination of an external capacitor con-

nected from SW to GND and an external resistor con-

nected from SLEW to GND.

The MAX4990E uses a high-voltage full-bridge output

stage to convert the high voltage generated by the

boost converter to an AC waveform suitable for driving

the EL panel. The EL output switching frequency is set

with the combination of an external capacitor connect-

ed from EL to GND and an external resistor connected

from SLEW to GND.

The MAX4990E uses a proprietary acoustic noise-

reduction circuit that controls the slew rate of the AC

voltage, reducing audible noise from the EL panel. The

slew rate is set with an external resistor connected from

SLEW to GND.

The MAX4990E features an EL lamp dimming control

(DIM) that allows the user to set the EL output voltage

with a PWM signal, a DC analog voltage, or a resistor

connected from the DIM input to GND. A capacitor

placed in parallel to the resistor on DIM allows the user

to program a slow turn-on/-off time that generates a soft

fade-on/fade-off effect of the EL lamp.

The MAX4990E enters a low-power shutdown mode

(100nA max) when the EN and DIM inputs are connect-

ed to GND. The MAX4990E also enters thermal shut-

down if the die temperature rises above +158°C.

The MAX4990E is available in a space-saving, 14-pin,

3mm x 3mm TDFN package and is specified over the

extended -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range.

Features

♦ ESD-Protected EL Lamp Outputs

±15kV Human Body Model

±4kV IEC 61000-4-2 Contact Discharge

±15kV IEC 61000-4-2 Air-Gap Discharge

♦ Wide +2.4V to +5.5V Input Voltage Range

♦ Resistor-Adjustable Slew-Rate Control for

Audible Noise Reduction

♦ Externally Driven Lamp and Switching Converter

Frequencies

♦ Capacitor-Adjustable Lamp and Switching

Converter Frequencies

♦ Low 100nA Shutdown Current

♦ DIM Input for Controlling Output Voltage Through

DC Analog Voltage, PWM, or Resistor to GND

♦ Capacitor Adjustable for Slow Turn-On/-Off

♦ Space-Saving Packages

14-Pin, 3mm x 3mm TDFN

Applications

High-Voltage, ±15kV ESD-Protected

Electroluminescent Lamp Driver

________________________________________________________________

Maxim Integrated Products

1

19-0886; Rev 0; 8/07

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,

or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.

Ordering Information

Note: The device operates over the -40°C to +85°C operating

temperature range.

+

Denotes a lead-free package.

EP = Exposed paddle.

PART

PIN-PACKAGE

TOP

MARK

PKG

CODE

±15kV

PROTECTION

DIM CONTROL

SLEW-RATE

CONTROL

MAX4990ETD+

14 TDFN-EP (3mm x 3mm)

ADL

T1433-2

Yes

Yes

Yes

Keypad Backlighting

MP3 Players

LCD Backlighting

PDAs/Smartphones

Automotive Instrument

Clusters

MAX4990E

TDFN-EP

TOP VIEW

24

5

13

11

10

1

+

14

3

12

6

9

7

8

*EP = EXPOSED PAD. CONNECT EP TO GND OR LEAVE UNCONNECTED.

*EP

Pin Configuration

Typical Application Circuits appear at end of data sheet.