ON Semiconductor has introduced a new 4-amp supercapacitor LED flash driver. The new CAT3224 addresses the emerging requirements for true high-intensity LED flash capability in high megapixel camera phones and standalone camera applications. The CAT3224 supercapacitor LED driver supports three key functions: precise supercapacitor charging control, management of the current discharge into the LED flash, and constant current for LED torch mode.

The CAT3224 sources up to 4 amp LED flash pulses and up to 400 mA torch-mode current, with simple programming via external resistors on the analog control inputs. The device incorporates a dual-mode 1x/2x charge pump, which charges the stacked supercapacitor to a nominal voltage of 5.4 V, while an active balance control circuit ensures that both capacitor cell voltages are matched during the charging cycle. In addition the CAT3224 provides the user with a dedicated logic output to flag the completion of the supercapacitor charging sequence.

Packaged in a space-saving, 16-lead TQFN 3 mm x 3 mm x 0.8 mm package, the CAT3224 features thermal shutdown, overvoltage protection (OVP) and protection against external resistor programming faults. The device also supports reverse output voltage for all conditions.

The CAT3224 is a key addition to the portfolio of ON Semiconductor products targeted at the four primary subsystems typically found in portable applications. The price of the CAT3224 supercapacitor LED driver is $0.97 USD per unit in 10,000 piece quantities. Samples and evaluation boards are available now. Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently 6 to 8 weeks ARO. For more information, visit http://www.onsemi.com.