Global leading semiconductor manufacturer ROHM (headquartered in Kyoto, Japan) has developed a vehicle liquid crystal backlight LED driver integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as "LED driver") "BD94130xxx-M" suitable for large displays utilized in next-generation automotive infotainment systems and dashboards.
In recent years, with the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the increase in onboard entertainment features, vehicle displays require higher resolutions to ensure high visual recognizability. To address this demand, LED drivers with local dimming functionality can turn off the backlight in dark areas of the LCD screen, thereby improving display performance and reducing power consumption. As a result, many manufacturers are considering using such LED drivers when developing new-generation cockpits. Compared to conventional direct LED drivers, an IC can control less than 100 zones, presenting the challenge of increasing LED driver and peripheral component area as vehicle displays grow and compartment numbers trend upwards.
The BD94130xxx-M is a matrix LED driver, consisting of an 8-channel switch controller and a 24-channel current driver. With just this IC, backlighting for Mini LEDs can be controlled (dimmed) in up to 192 separate zones. Additionally, the driver can independently control mini-LEDs in each zone, enabling local dimming functionality, enhancing display clarity and reducing power consumption. In the automotive display sector, there is a sharp increase in the number of zones, and the new product can significantly reduce the installation area and the number of controllers required compared to traditional direct LED drivers (supporting 48 zones). For example, in the current mainstream 10-inch automotive infotainment systems, approximately 600 zones need to be controlled. Compared to direct LED drivers, the BD94130xxx-M reduces the number of LED drivers by 1/4 and occupies up to 84% less space. As display sizes in next-generation cockpits increase, the advantages offered by ROHM's new product become increasingly prominent.
The new product "BD94130xxx-M" has been mass-produced since April 2023 (sample price: 2,000 yen/piece, excluding tax), with a monthly production scale of 100,000 units. The primary process production base is located at ROHM Hamamatsu Co., Ltd. (Hamamatsu City, Japan), while the secondary process production base is located at ROHM Electronics Philippines, Inc. (Philippines, BD94130MUF-M) and ROHM Integrated Systems (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand, BD94130EFV-M). In addition, the new product is also available for sale on e-commerce platforms such as Ameya360.
About New Product BD94130xxx-M
BD94130xxx-M is a matrix LED driver, which can have up to 8 switch controllers and 24 current driver channels. The number of switch controllers can be selected from three modes (4, 6, or 8 channels) through register settings, making it adaptable to various specifications depending on the number of zones and LED power consumption. Furthermore, the new product also integrates feedback control functionality, helping to maintain constant feedback voltage, thereby reducing thermal design workload and power consumption, regardless of LED temperature characteristics.
Application Scenarios
The new product features local dimming functionality, enabling high-contrast vehicle displays suitable for the following scenarios:
- Electronic rearview mirrors (reversing mirrors, rearview mirrors),
- Dashboards,
- Automotive infotainment systems,
- Head-up display systems (HUD)
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