
7
The inductor value has a large impact on the output brightness and current consumption of the driver. Figure
3 shows typical brightness and current draw of a D305A circuit with different inductor values. Please note
that the DC resistance (DCR) and current rating of inductors with the same inductance value may vary with
manufacturer and inductor type. Thus, inductors made by a different manufacturer may yield different
outputs, but the trend of the different curves should be similar. This curve is intended to give the designer a
relative scale from which to optimize specific applications. Absolute measurements may vary depending
upon the type and brand of other external components selected.
III. Inductor (L) Selection
IV. Wave-Shape Selection
The D305A EL driver IC uses a patented wave-shaping technique for reducing audible noise from an EL
lamp. The slope of the discharge section of the output waveform may be adjusted by selecting a proper value
for the wave-shape discharge resistor (Rd) in series with the E pin input. The optimal discharge level for an
application depends on the lamp size, lamp brightness, and application conditions. To ensure that the D305A
is configured optimally, various discharge levels should be evaluated. In many cases, lower discharge levels
may result in lower audible noise from the EL lamp. The recommended typical value for Rd is 10 k
.
V. Storage Capacitor (Cs) Selection
The Cs capacitor is used to store the energy transferred from the inductor before discharging the energy to
the EL lamp. Cs values can range from 1.5nF to 4.7nF and must have minimum 200V rating. In general, the
Cs value does not have a large affect on the output of the device. The typical Cs capacitor recommendation
is 2.2nF with 200V rating.
VI. Rf and CRf Selection
The combination of Rf and the timing capacitors, CLF and CHF, determines the time constants for the low
frequency oscillator and the high frequency oscillator, respectively. To simplify the tuning of the oscillator
frequencies to the desired frequency range, a standard value is recommended for Rf = 100 k
.
The CRf capacitor is used as a stabilizing capacitor to filter noise on the Rf line. A small 100pF capacitor is
typical and sufficient value for CRf.
Figure 3: Brightness and current vs. inductor value
Conditions: Vcc = Vbat = 3.3V, 12.9 cm
2
EL Lamp
0
5
10
15
20
25
0
500
1000
Inductor (μH)
1500
2000
2500
L
0
20
40
60
80
C
100
Luminance
Current
Draw