CAT4238

High Efficiency 10 LED

Boost Converter
Description
The CAT4238 is a DC/DC step−up converter that delivers an
accurate constant current ideal for driving LEDs. Operation at a fixed www.onsemi.com
switching frequency of 1 MHz allows the device to be used with small
value external ceramic capacitors and inductor. LEDs connected in
series are driven with a regulated current set by the external resistor
5
R1. LED currents up to 40 mA can be supported over a wide range of 1
input supply voltages up to 5.5 V, making the device ideal for TSOT−23
battery−powered applications. The CAT4238 high−voltage output TD SUFFIX
stage is perfect for driving mid−size and large panel displays CASE 419AE
containing up to ten white LEDs in series.
LED dimming can be done by using a DC voltage, a logic signal, or
PIN CONNECTIONS
a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The shutdown input pin
1
allows the device to be placed in power−down mode with “zero” SW VIN
quiescent current.
In addition to thermal protection and overload current limiting, the GND
device also enters a very low power operating mode during “Open FB SHDN
LED” fault conditions. The device is housed in a low profile (1 mm
(Top View)
max height) 5−lead thin SOT23 package for space critical
applications.
MARKING DIAGRAM
Features
• Drives High Voltage LED Strings (38 V)
• Up to 87% Efficiency MUYM
• Low Quiescent Ground Current 0.6 mA
• Adjustable Output Current
• 1 MHz Fixed Frequency Low Noise Operation MU = Specific Device Code
Y = Production Year (Last Digit)
• Soft Start “In−rush” Current Limiting M = Production Month
• Shutdown Current Less than 1 mA (1−9 (Jan−Sep), O, N, D (Oct−Dec))
• Open LED Overvoltage Protection
• Automatic Shutdown at 1.9 V (UVLO) ORDERING INFORMATION
• Thermal Overload Protection
Device Package Shipping
• Thin SOT23 5−lead (1 mm Max Height)
CAT4238TD−GT3 TSOT−23 3,000/
• These Devices are Pb−Free, Halogen Free/BFR Free and are RoHS (Pb−Free) Tape & Reel
Compliant Green*

Applications * Lead Finish NiPdAu

• GPS Navigation Systems

• Portable Media Players
• Handheld Devices, Digital Cameras
• Portable Game Machines

© Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC, 2016 1 Publication Order Number:

April, 2016 − Rev. 5 CAT4238/D
 CAT4238

VIN L D VOUT
47 mH
C1 C2

4.7 mF SW 0.22 mF
VIN
CAT4238
OFF ON VFB = 300 mV
SHDN FB 20 mA
GND R1
15 W

L: Sumida CDC5D23B−470
D: Central CMDSH05−4
C2: Taiyo Yuden UMK212BJ224 (rated 50 V)

Figure 1. Typical Application Circuit

Table 1. ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

Parameters Ratings Units
VIN, FB voltage −0.3 to +7 V
SHDN voltage −0.3 to +7 V
SW voltage (Note 1) up to 60 V
Storage Temperature Range −65 to +160 _C
Junction Temperature Range −40 to +150 _C
Lead Temperature 300 _C
Stresses exceeding those listed in the Maximum Ratings table may damage the device. If any of these limits are exceeded, device functionality
should not be assumed, damage may occur and reliability may be affected.
1. The SW pin voltage is rated up to 39 V for external continuous DC voltage.

Table 2. RECOMMENDED OPERATING CONDITIONS

Parameters Range Units
VIN up to 5.5 V
SW pin voltage 0 to 38 V
Ambient Temperature Range −40 to +85 _C
Functional operation above the stresses listed in the Recommended Operating Ranges is not implied. Extended exposure to stresses beyond
the Recommended Operating Ranges limits may affect device reliability.
NOTE: Typical application circuit with external components is shown above.

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 CAT4238

Table 3. DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(VIN = 3.6 V, ambient temperature of 25°C (over recommended operating conditions unless otherwise specified))
Symbol Parameter Test Conditions Min Typ Max Units
IQ Operating Current VFB = 0.2 V 0.6 1.5 mA
VFB = 0.4 V (not switching) 0.1 0.6

ISD Shutdown Current VSHDN = 0 V 0.1 1 mA

VFB FB Pin Voltage 10 LEDs with ILED = 20 mA 285 300 315 mV
IFB FB pin input leakage 1 mA
ILED Programmed LED Current R1 = 10 W 28.5 30 31.5 mA
R1 = 15 W 19 20 21
R1 = 20 W 14.25 15 15.75
VIH SHDN Logic High Enable Threshold Level 0.8 1.5 V
VIL SHDN Logic Low Shutdown Threshold Level 0.4 0.7

FSW Switching Frequency 0.8 1.0 1.3 MHz

DC Maximum Duty Cycle VIN = 3 V 92 %
ILIM Switch Current Limit 350 450 600 mA
RSW Switch “On” Resistance ISW = 100 mA 1.0 2.0 W
ILEAK Switch Leakage Current Switch Off, VSW = 5 V 1 5 mA
Thermal Shutdown 150 °C
Thermal Hysteresis 20 °C
VUVLO Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO) Threshold 1.9 V
VOV-SW Overvoltage Detection Threshold 40 V
VOCL Output Voltage Clamp “Open LED” with VIN = 5 V 43 45 48 V
Product parametric performance is indicated in the Electrical Characteristics for the listed test conditions, unless otherwise noted. Product
performance may not be indicated by the Electrical Characteristics if operated under different conditions.

Pin Description
VIN is the supply input for the internal logic. The device is SW pin is connected to the drain of the internal CMOS
compatible with supply voltages down to 2.8 V and up to power switch of the boost converter. The inductor and the
5.5 V. It is recommended that a small bypass ceramic Schottky diode anode should be connected to the SW pin.
capacitor (4.7 mF) be placed between the VIN and GND pins Traces going to the SW pin should be as short as possible
near the device. If the supply voltage drops below 1.9 V, the with minimum loop area. An over-voltage detection circuit
device stops switching. is connected to the SW pin. When the voltage reaches 40 V,
SHDN is the shutdown logic input. When the pin is tied to the device enters a low power operating mode preventing the
a voltage lower than 0.4 V, the device is in shutdown mode, SW voltage from exceeding the maximum rating.
drawing nearly zero current. When the pin is connected to a FB feedback pin is regulated at 0.3 V. A resistor connected
voltage higher than 1.5 V, the device is enabled. between the FB pin and ground sets the LED current
GND is the ground reference pin. This pin should be according to the formula:
connected directly to the ground place on the PCB. 0.3 V
I LED +
R1

The lower LED cathode is connected to the FB pin.

Table 4. PIN DESCRIPTIONS

Pin # Name Function
1 SW Switch pin. This is the drain of the internal power switch.
2 GND Ground pin. Connect the pin to the ground plane.
3 FB Feedback pin. Connect to the last LED cathode.
4 SHDN Shutdown pin (Logic Low). Set high to enable the driver.
5 VIN Power Supply input.

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 CAT4238

Block Diagram
VIN 47 mH

SW
C1 C2

4.7 mF 0.22 mF
1 MHz Over Voltage
Oscillator Protection

300 mV
VREF –
VIN Driver LED
A1 + PWM & Current
+ A2 Logic
Enable RC – N1

CC
Thermal
SHDN Shutdown +
RS
& UVLO GND
–
Current
Sense

FB

R1
15 W
Figure 2. Block Diagram

Device Operation Thermal overload protection circuitry has been included

The CAT4238 is a fixed frequency (1 MHz), low noise, to prevent the device from operating at unsafe junction
inductive boost converter that provides a constant current temperatures above 150°C. In the event of a thermal
with excellent line and load regulation. The device uses a overload condition the device will automatically shutdown
high-voltage CMOS power switch between the SW pin and and wait till the junction temperatures cools to 130°C before
ground to energize the inductor. When the switch is turned normal operation is resumed.
off, the stored energy in the inductor is released into the load
via the Schottky diode. Light Load Operation
The on/off duty cycle of the power switch is internally Under light load condition (under 2 mA) and with input
adjusted and controlled to maintain a constant regulated voltage above 5.0 V, the CAT4238 driving 10 LEDs, the
voltage of 0.3 V across the feedback resistor connected to the driver starts pulse skipping. Although the LED current
feedback pin (FB). The value of the resistor sets the LED remains well regulated, some lower frequency ripple may
current accordingly (0.3 V/R1). appear.
During the initial power-up stage, the duty cycle of the
internal power switch is limited to prevent excessive in-rush
currents and thereby provide a “soft-start” mode of
operation.
While operating from a Li−Ion battery, the device can
deliver 20 mA of load current into a string of up to 10 white
LEDs. For higher input voltages, the LED current can be
increased.
In the event of an “Open LED” fault condition, where the
feedback control loop becomes open, the output voltage will
continue to increase. Once this voltage exceeds 40 V, an
internal protection circuit will become active and place the
device into a very low power safe operating mode where
only a small amount of power is transferred to the output.
This is achieved by pulsing the switch once every 6 ms and
keeping it on for about 1 ms. Figure 3. Switching Waveform VIN = 5.0 V,
ILED = 1.5 mA

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 CAT4238

TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = 3.6 V, CIN = 4.7 mF, COUT = 0.22 mF, L = 47 mH with 10 LEDs at 20 mA, TAMB = 25°C, unless otherwise specified.)

150 2.0
VFB = 0.4 V

QUIESCENT CURRENT (mA)

QUIESCENT CURRENT (mA)

125 1.5

100 1.0

75 0.5

50 0
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 4. Quiescent Current vs. VIN Figure 5. Quiescent Current vs. VIN
(Not Switching) (Switching)

303 310

302
FB PIN VOLTAGE (mV)

FB PIN VOLTAGE (mV)

305
301

300 300

299
295
298
10 LEDs

297 290
−50 0 50 100 150 5 10 15 20 25 30
TEMPERATURE (°C) OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
Figure 6. FB Pin Voltage vs. Temperature Figure 7. FB Pin Voltage vs. Output Current

1.2
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (MHz)

SW
20V/div
1.1

Inductor
1.0 Current
100mA/div

0.9
VOUT
AC coupled
500mV/div
0.8
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 500 ns/div
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 8. Switching Frequency vs. Supply Figure 9. Switching Waveforms
Voltage

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 CAT4238

TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = 3.6 V, CIN = 4.7 mF, COUT = 0.22 mF, L = 47 mH with 10 LEDs at 20 mA, TAMB = 25°C, unless otherwise specified.)

40 1.0

R1 = 10 W

LED CURRENT VARIATION (%)

35
VOUT = 33.8 V
30 0.5
LED CURRENT (mA)

25 R1 = 15 W
VOUT = 33 V
20 0

15
R1 = 20 W
10 VOUT = 32.5 V −0.5

5 10 LEDs @ 10 mA

0 −1.0
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 10. LED Current vs. Input Voltage Figure 11. LED Current Regulation (10 mA)

100 100

90 VIN = 5 V 90
EFFICIENCY (%)

EFFICIENCY (%)

VOUT = 32.5 V
10 LEDs @ 15 mA

80 80 VOUT = 33 V
VIN = 3.6 V 10 LEDs @ 20 mA

70 70

60 60
5 10 15 20 25 30 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
LED CURRENT (mA) INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 12. Efficiency vs. Load Current Figure 13. Efficiency vs. Input Voltage
(10 LEDs) (10 LEDs)

2.0
SWITCH RESISTANCE (W)

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 14. Power−up with 10 LEDs at 20 mA Figure 15. Switch ON Resistance vs. Input
Voltage

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 CAT4238

TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = 3.6 V, CIN = 4.7 mF, COUT = 0.22 mF, L = 47 mH with 10 LEDs at 20 mA, TAMB = 25°C, unless otherwise specified.)

60 1.0

50

SHUTDOWN VOLTAGE (V)

OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)

0.8 −40°C
40 −25°C
85°C
30 0.6
125°C

20
VOUT = 35 V 0.4
10

0 0.2
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 16. Maximum Output Current vs. Input Figure 17. Shutdown Voltage vs. Input Voltage
Voltage

Application Information given current. In order to achieve the best efficiency, this
forward voltage should be as low as possible. The response
External Component Selection time is also critical since the driver is operating at 1 MHz.
Capacitors Central Semiconductor Schottky diode CMDSH05−4
The CAT4238 only requires small ceramic capacitors of (500 mA rated) is recommended for most applications.
4.7 mF on the input and 0.22 mF on the output. Under normal LED Current Setting
condition, a 4.7 mF input capacitor is sufficient. For The LED current is set by the external resistor R1
applications with higher output power, a larger input connected between the feedback pin (FB) and ground. The
capacitor of 10 mF may be appropriate. X5R and X7R formula below gives the relationship between the resistor
capacitor types are ideal due to their stability across and the current:
temperature range.
0.3 V
R1 + current
Inductor LED
A 47 mH inductor is recommended for most of the
CAT4238 applications. In cases where the efficiency is Table 5. RESISTOR R1 AND LED CURRENT
critical, inductances with lower series resistance are LED Current (mA) R1 (W)
preferred. Inductors with current rating of 300 mA or higher 5 60
are recommended for most applications. Sumida
10 30
CDC5D23B−470 47 mH inductor has a rated current of
490 mA and a series resistance (D.C.R.) of 420 mW typical. 15 20
20 15
Schottky Diode
The current rating of the Schottky diode must exceed the 25 12
peak current flowing through it. The Schottky diode 30 10
performance is rated in terms of its forward voltage at a

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 CAT4238

Open LED Protection

In the event of an “Open LED” fault condition, the 5.0
CAT4238 will continue to boost the output voltage with
maximum power until the output voltage reaches

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

4.0
approximately 40 V. Once the output exceeds this level, the
internal circuitry immediately places the device into a very
3.0
low power mode where the total input power is limited to
about 6 mW (about 1.6 mA input current with a 3.6 V
supply). The SW pin clamps at a voltage below its maximum 2.0
rating of 60 V. There is no need to use an external zener diode
between Vout and the FB pin. A 50 V rated C2 capacitor is
1.0
required to prevent any overvoltage damage in the open
LED condition.
0
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
Schottky 100 V
(Central CMSH1−100) INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
L
VIN VOUT Figure 20. Open LED Supply Current vs. VIN without
47 mH
C1 Zener
C2

4.7 mF 0.22 mF 55
SW
VIN
CAT4238
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
50
VFB = 300 mV
OFF ON SHDN FB
GND R1
15 W 45

Figure 18. Open LED Protection without Zener

40

35
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
SW 10 V/div

Figure 21. Open LED Output Voltage vs. VIN without

Zener

2 ms/div
Figure 19. Open LED Switching Waveforms without
Zener

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 CAT4238

Dimming Control
There are several methods available to control the LED
brightness. VIN SW
CAT4238
PWM Signal on the SHDN Pin SHDN
LED brightness dimming can be done by applying a PWM GND FB
signal to the SHDN input. The LED current is repetitively PWM
Signal VFB = 300 mV LED
turned on and off, so that the average current is proportional
2.5 V 3.73 kW 3.1 kW 1 kW Current
to the duty cycle. A 100% duty cycle, with SHDN always
high, corresponds to the LEDs at nominal current. Figure 22 0V RA RB R2
C1 i R1
shows a 1 kHz signal with a 50% duty cycle applied to the 15 W
SHDN pin. The recommended PWM frequency range is 0.22 mF
from 100 Hz to 2 kHz.
Figure 23. Circuit for Filtered PWM Signal
A PWM signal at 0 V DC, or a 0% duty cycle, results in
a max LED current of about 22 mA. A PWM signal with a
93% duty cycle or more, results in an LED current of 0 mA.

25

20

LED CURRENT (mA) 15

10

Figure 22. Switching Waveform with 1 kHz PWM on

0
SHDN
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Filtered PWM Signal PWM DUTY CYCLE (%)

A filtered PWM signal used as a variable DC voltage can Figure 24. Filtered PWM Dimming (0 V to 2.5 V)
control the LED current. Figure 23 shows the PWM control
circuitry connected to the CAT4238 FB pin. The PWM
signal has a voltage swing of 0 V to 2.5 V. The LED current
can be dimmed within a range from 0 mA to 20 mA. The
PWM signal frequency can vary from very low frequency up
to 100 kHz.

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 CAT4238

Board Layout
The CAT4238 is a high−frequency switching regulator. when the CAT4238 switch is open. Both loop areas should
The traces that carry the high−frequency switching current be as small as possible.
have to be carefully layout on the board in order to minimize Capacitor C1 has to be placed as close as possible to the
EMI, ripple and noise in general. The thicker lines on VIN pin and GND. The capacitor C2 has to be connected
Figure 25 show the switching current path. All these traces separately to the top LED anode. A ground plane under the
have to be short and wide enough to minimize the parasitic CAT4238 allows for direct connection of the capacitors to
inductance and resistance. The loop shown on Figure 25 ground. The resistor R1 must be connected directly to the
corresponds to the current path when the CAT4238 internal GND pin of the CAT4238 and not shared with the switching
switch is closed. On Figure 26 is shown the current loop, current loops and any other components.

Figure 25. Closed−switch Current Loop Figure 26. Open−switch Current Loop

Figure 27. Recommended PCB Layout

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 CAT4238

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS

TSOT−23, 5 LEAD
CASE 419AE
ISSUE O

SYMBOL MIN NOM MAX

D
A 1.00
e
A1 0.01 0.05 0.10
A2 0.80 0.87 0.90
b 0.30 0.45
c 0.12 0.15 0.20
D 2.90 BSC
E1 E E 2.80 BSC
E1 1.60 BSC
e 0.95 TYP
L 0.30 0.40 0.50
L1 0.60 REF
L2 0.25 BSC
θ 0º 8º
TOP VIEW

A2 A
q

L
b A1 c L2
L1

SIDE VIEW END VIEW

Notes:
(1) All dimensions are in millimeters. Angles in degrees.
(2) Complies with JEDEC MO-193.

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 CAT4238

Example of Ordering Information (Note 4)

Prefix Device # Suffix

CAT 4238 TD −G T3

Company ID Product Number Lead Finish Tape & Reel (Note 6)

(Optional) 4238 G: NiPdAu T: Tape & Reel
3: 3,000 / Reel

Package
TD: Thin SOT−23 (Lead−free, Halogen−free)

2. All packages are RoHS−compliant (Lead−free, Halogen−free).

3. The standard lead finish is NiPdAu.
4. The device used in the above example is a CAT4238TD−GT3 (TSOT−23, NiPdAu, Tape & Reel, 3,000/Reel).
5. For additional package and temperature options, please contact your nearest ON Semiconductor Sales office.
6. For information on tape and reel specifications, including part orientation and tape sizes, please refer to our Tape and Reel Packaging
Specifications Brochure, BRD8011/D.

ON Semiconductor and the are registered trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC (SCILLC) or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.
SCILLC owns the rights to a number of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other intellectual property. A listing of SCILLC’s product/patent coverage may be accessed
at www.onsemi.com/site/pdf/Patent−Marking.pdf. SCILLC reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any products herein. SCILLC makes no warranty, representation
or guarantee regarding the suitability of its products for any particular purpose, nor does SCILLC assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit, and
specifically disclaims any and all liability, including without limitation special, consequential or incidental damages. “Typical” parameters which may be provided in SCILLC data sheets
and/or specifications can and do vary in different applications and actual performance may vary over time. All operating parameters, including “Typicals” must be validated for each
customer application by customer’s technical experts. SCILLC does not convey any license under its patent rights nor the rights of others. SCILLC products are not designed, intended,
or authorized for use as components in systems intended for surgical implant into the body, or other applications intended to support or sustain life, or for any other application in which
the failure of the SCILLC product could create a situation where personal injury or death may occur. Should Buyer purchase or use SCILLC products for any such unintended or
unauthorized application, Buyer shall indemnify and hold SCILLC and its officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, and distributors harmless against all claims, costs, damages, and
expenses, and reasonable attorney fees arising out of, directly or indirectly, any claim of personal injury or death associated with such unintended or unauthorized use, even if such claim
alleges that SCILLC was negligent regarding the design or manufacture of the part. SCILLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. This literature is subject to all applicable
copyright laws and is not for resale in any manner.

PUBLICATION ORDERING INFORMATION

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12