Infineon TLD5097EPXUMA1: A High-Efficiency Buck-Boost Controller for Automotive LED Front Lighting

The relentless evolution of automotive lighting, driven by the superior performance, efficiency, and design flexibility of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), demands advanced and robust electronic control. At the heart of next-generation LED front lighting systems—encompassing adaptive driving beam (ADB), matrix beam, and dynamic turn indicators—lies the critical need for a stable and precise power supply. The Infineon TLD5097EPXUMA1 emerges as a premier solution, a highly integrated buck-boost controller engineered specifically to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry.

Operating from a wide input voltage range of 3.5 V to 42 V, the TLD5097EP is engineered to handle the harsh electrical environment of a vehicle, including load-dump conditions and cold-crank scenarios. Its core strength is its ability to seamlessly regulate current in a string of high-power LEDs regardless of whether the input voltage is above, below, or equal to the LED forward voltage. This buck-boost topology provides unparalleled design flexibility, allowing a single design to power various LED configurations without concern for fluctuating battery voltage.

A standout feature of this controller is its high-efficiency operation, critical for minimizing power dissipation and thermal stress in densely packed electronic control units (ECUs). By employing peak current mode control and operating at a fixed switching frequency of 2.1 MHz, it enables the use of smaller external components, saving valuable board space and reducing overall system cost. Furthermore, its high switching frequency is above the AM band, preventing interference with radio reception.

Beyond efficiency, the device is packed with a comprehensive suite of protection and diagnostic features essential for functional safety (ISO 26262). It includes advanced fault diagnostics for open-load, short-circuit, and overtemperature conditions, ensuring safe operation and longevity. Its ability to perform extensive dimming via a dedicated PWM input, with a wide dimming ratio, is crucial for modern lighting functions that require precise light intensity control for ADB and glare-free high beam applications.

Designed for the rigorous AEC-Q100 qualified standard, the TLD5097EP is built for reliability in extreme automotive temperatures. Its robust design ensures consistent performance, making it an ideal choice for safety-critical front lighting applications where failure is not an option.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLD5097EPXUMA1 is a highly integrated and robust buck-boost controller that sets a new benchmark for automotive LED front lighting. Its combination of a wide operating voltage, high efficiency, comprehensive protection features, and AEC-Q100 qualification makes it an indispensable component for designing next-generation, reliable, and adaptive headlight systems.

Keywords: Automotive LED Lighting, Buck-Boost Controller, High-Efficiency Power Conversion, AEC-Q100 Qualified, Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB)