October 2, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — Diodes Incorporated has introduced the AL58818Q and AL58812Q, 18- and 12-channel linear LED drivers with I2C/SPI programmable interfaces designed for automotive lighting applications. The devices provide precise color mixing and brightness control for rear lamp modules, grille and emblem lights, interior ambient lighting, infotainment displays, status indicators, and touch panels.

Each channel features a 12-bit, 30kHz PWM generator for smooth dimming and fine-tuned color control. Designers can select I2C or SPI interfaces through a hardware pin, enhancing programming flexibility. The AL58818Q supports up to six RGB LED modules or 18 single-color LEDs, while the AL58812Q accommodates four RGB LED modules. Channel current can reach 70mA, with adjustable global output current via registers.

Independent color-mixing and brightness control registers per RGB module enable over 16 million color combinations. A combination of PWM and digital dithering achieves 12-bit resolution, while internal analog dimming maintains linearity at low duty cycles. Device-to-device and channel-to-channel current matching is within 3%, ensuring consistent color across modules. A 16MHz internal oscillator reduces BOM costs, and PWM phase-shifting minimizes peak current and input noise.

For dynamic lighting, the devices support independent or bank-controlled LED animation, including blink and breathing effects. Integrated fault detection covers open/short LEDs, undervoltage lockout, and overtemperature protection, with channel-level masking options. Low-power operation features 1µA quiescent current and automatic sleep after 30ms of inactivity.

The drivers are housed in W-QFN5050-40/SWP packages with wettable flanks for automated optical inspection. Design support includes an RGB 3-in-1 evaluation board with onboard MCU. The AL58818Q and AL58812Q are priced at $0.85 and $0.80 per unit, respectively, in 5,000-piece quantities, with standard versions available for industrial and commercial applications.

For more information, pleae visit AL58818Q, AL58812Q, AL58818 and AL58812.