Summary of ULTRA-LOW DROPOUT LINEAR LED DRIVER FROM DIODES INCORPORATED EXTENDS LIGHTING STRIPS
Diodes Incorporated’s BCR430UW6 is a linear LED driver offering ultra-low dropout (115 mV), adjustable constant current from 5 mA to 100 mA, low operating current (285 μA), and operation from 5 V to 42 V. It requires no external capacitors or power transistors, includes thermal protection, ±5% current tolerance at 95 mA, supports PWM dimming and paralleling, and fits in a SOT26 package with 1 W dissipation—suitable for multi-LED signage and architectural lighting.
Parts used in the BCR430UW6 LED driver project:
- BCR430UW6 linear LED driver (SOT26)
- External resistor for setting output current
- LEDs to be driven (strings)
- Power supply (5V to 42V)
- PWM dimming source or controller
- Optional parallel BCR430UW6 devices for increased current
Diodes Incorporated today announced the BCR430UW6 linear LED driver with ultra-low dropout voltage and constant current regulation between 5mA and 100mA. This combination allows more LEDs to be driven from a low supply voltage, making the BCR430UW6 suitable for applications that require multiple LEDs to operate together, such as signage illumination and architectural lighting for commercial and retail installations.

The ultra-low dropout voltage of 115mV and low operating current of just 285μA provides a greater level of system efficiency and scope to drive more LEDs per string reliably. These factors are particularly important in applications where the characteristics of the lighting are essential to the user experience, such as signage and architectural illumination.
The device requires no external power transistors or capacitors, reducing the overall BoM cost and increasing system stability. Long-term reliability is also improved through the robust design, which is tolerant to overvoltage levels resulting from faults in the LEDs or supply transients. Integrated thermal protection limits the output current in the event of high operating temperatures, avoiding operational failure and maximizing the working lifetime of the LEDs.
Features
- LED Current Tolerance of ±5% at 95mA Output Current
- Thermal Protection Reduces LED Current at Elevated Temperature
- Low Typical Saturation Voltage of 115mV at 50mA
- 5mA to 100mA Adjustable LED Current with an External Resistor
- 5V to 42V Supply Voltage
- High Power 1W Dissipation in SOT26
- No External Capacitors Required for Stable Operation
- LED Dimming Using PWM
- Parallel Devices to Increase Regulated Current
With an adjustable output current level between 5mA and 100mA, the BCR430UW6 can provide greater flexibility, allowing a single design to be used to drive various LED configurations. The output is highly stable, held at ±5% across temperature variations and supply voltage fluctuations. This stability delivers a uniform output lighting level under all operating conditions.
Read more: ULTRA-LOW DROPOUT LINEAR LED DRIVER FROM DIODES INCORPORATED EXTENDS LIGHTING STRIPS
- What output current range does the BCR430UW6 support?
It supports an adjustable LED current between 5 mA and 100 mA using an external resistor. - What is the typical dropout voltage of the BCR430UW6?
The typical saturation (dropout) voltage is 115 mV at 50 mA. - Does the BCR430UW6 require external capacitors for stable operation?
No, the device requires no external capacitors for stable operation. - What supply voltage range can the BCR430UW6 operate from?
It operates from 5 V to 42 V supply voltage. - Is thermal protection included in the BCR430UW6?
Yes, integrated thermal protection reduces output current at elevated temperatures. - Can the BCR430UW6 be dimmed?
Yes, LED dimming is supported using PWM. - Can multiple BCR430UW6 devices be used together to increase current?
Yes, devices can be paralleled to increase regulated current. - What is the device operating current?
The device has a low operating current of approximately 285 μA. - What is the LED current tolerance at high output?
The LED current tolerance is ±5% at 95 mA output current.
