Evaluation board EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ is a high voltage LED controller featuring the LT®8356-1. It is assembled as a buck-boost mode LED driver but can be altered to a boost LED driver by adjusting the FB network and LED-connection. EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ drives a single string of LEDs up to 36V at 1A when the input is between 8V and 36V. It has an undervoltage lockout (UVLO) set at 6.5V falling and 7.5V rising. The evaluation board features PWM dimming, analog dimming, shutdown, open LED and short LED fault protection and reporting.

EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ runs at 250kHz switching frequency and features spread spectrum frequency modulation (SSFM) modulating its switching frequency from 250kHz to 310kHz to reduce EMI emissions. Small ceramic input and output capacitors are used to save space and cost. A high voltage 100V external power switch and 100V catch diode are used for up to 36W buck-boost mode output as assembled. The open LED overvoltage protection (OVP) uses the IC’s constant voltage regulation loop to limit the LED+ to LED– voltage to approximately 41V if the LED string is opened. The V_OUT, if referenced to GND, will jump to V_IN + 41V if the LED string is opened.

The input and output filters on EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ help further reduce its EMI. These filters consist of a small ferrite bead or inductor and high frequency ceramic capacitors. A small resistor on the gate pin of the power MOSFET is used to reduce high frequency EMI. These filters, combined with proper board layout and SSFM, are very effective in reducing EMI to comply with CISPR25 class 5 limits. Please follow the recommended layout and the four-layer PCB thickness of EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ. For best efficiency and PWM dimming performance, the EMI filters can be removed.

The LT8356-1’s integrated PWMTG high-side PMOS driver assists with PWM dimming of the connected LEDs. The LED string can be PWM-dimmed for accurate brightness control with an externally generated PWM signal for highest achievable dimming ratio. It can also utilize LT8356-1’s internally generated PWM feature for up to 128:1 exponential dimming. When running PWM dimming, the SSFM aligns itself with the PWM signal for flicker-free operation of the LED string. This applies to both internal and external PWM dimming. The LT8356-1 uses CTRL and IADJ pins for two-pin analog dimming.

The input undervoltage lockout (UVLO), LED current, output overvoltage protection (OVP), and switching frequency, can all be easy adjusted with simple resistor changes to EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ. Modifications can be made to convert the board from buck-boost mode LED driver to boost and buck mode LED Driver, and maintain low EMI, PWM dimming and fault diagnostic features. Buck mode and boost LED Driver schematics are provided in the data sheet. Please consult the data sheet or the applications team regarding how to customize EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ.

The LT8356-1 data sheet gives a complete description of the part, operation, and applications information. The data sheet must be read in conjunction with the demo manual for evaluation board EVAL-LT8356-1-AZ. The LT8356IUDCM-1 is assembled in a 20-lead side solderable plastic QFN package with a thermally enhanced exposed ground pad. Proper board layout is essential for maximum performance. See the data sheet section “Designing the Printed Circuit Board”.