A8603KESTR-R - 4-Output Automotive LCD Bias PMIC | Allegro
MPN: A8603KESTR-R ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.16 | $3.16 |
| 10 | $2.85 | $28.50 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.2 | $1,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.95 | $1,950.00 |
A8603KESTR-R Overview
Drop-in alternatives for A8603KESTR-R — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
A8603KLPTR-T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A8603KESSTR-R
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A8603KESTR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A8603KESTR-R Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Part Number | A8603KESTR-R |
| Function | Multi-output LCD voltage regulator (boost + 2x LDO + 2x charge pump) |
| Number of Outputs | 4 |
| Input Voltage Range | 3 V to 10 V |
| Switching Frequency Range | 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz (programmable or sync) |
| Topology | Boost converter + LDO + charge pumps |
| Interface | I2C control |
| Package | 24-pin QFN-EP (4x4 mm), side-wall plated |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
A8603KESTR-R Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VIN — Input supply |
| Pin 2 | BST — Boost converter switching node |
| Pin 3 | SW — Switch node |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | PGND — Power ground |
| Pin 6 | VOUT1 — Boost output rail |
| Pin 7 | VOUT2 — LDO output rail |
| Pin 8 | FB1 — Feedback for output 1 |
| Pin 9 | FB2 — Feedback for output 2 |
| Pin 10 | CP1 — Charge pump 1 flying capacitor node |
| Pin 11 | CP2 — Charge pump 2 flying capacitor node |
| Pin 12 | CP_OUT — Charge pump output |
| Pin 13 | EN — Enable input |
| Pin 14 | SCL — I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | SDA — I2C data |
| Pin 16 | ADDR — I2C address select |
| Pin 17 | FREQ — Frequency programming / sync input |
| Pin 18 | SYNC — External clock sync |
| Pin 19 | PGOOD — Power good output |
| Pin 20 | FAULT — Fault output |
| Pin 21 | SS — Soft-start |
| Pin 22 | COMP — Compensation network |
| Pin 23 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 24 | EP — Exposed pad (thermal/ground) |
Typical Applications
A8603KESTR-R is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Instrument Cluster TFT-LCD Bias, Center-Stack Infotainment Display Bias, Head-Up Display (HUD) LCD Bias, Rear-Seat Entertainment (RSE) Display Bias, Industrial TFT-LCD Panels (Non-Automotive), Multi-Display Automotive Systems.
Automotive Instrument Cluster TFT-LCD Bias
The A8603KESTR-R is ideal for automotive instrument cluster TFT-LCD bias because it integrates four programmable outputs (boost + LDO + charge pumps) that deliver AVDD, VGH, VGL, and VCOM rails in one IC. With AEC-Q100 qualification and 3-10 V input, it accepts the cranking and load-dump transients of a 12 V automotive battery. I2C control lets the cluster MCU trim rail voltages to match panel-specific curves at production, while 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz switching avoids AM/FM interference. The 4x4 mm QFN-EP footprint saves PCB area versus discrete bias trees, critical behind the cluster bezel.
Recommended
Center-Stack Infotainment Display Bias
Center-stack infotainment displays from 7 to 12 inches need clean, programmable bias with sequencing and fault reporting - exactly what the A8603KESTR-R provides. Its I2C interface integrates with the head-unit SoC to adjust bias as the panel temperature changes, while the four-rail topology covers main, gate-high, gate-low, and common-electrode voltages. AEC-Q100 and the -40 to +125 °C range survive cabin temperatures during summer sun load. Compared to discrete boost + charge-pump designs, the A8603KESTR-R cuts PCB footprint and BOM count, simplifying infotainment hardware qualification.
Recommended
Head-Up Display (HUD) LCD Bias
Head-up displays operate in harsh automotive environments and demand compact, reliable, AEC-Q100-qualified bias supplies. The A8603KESTR-R's 4x4 mm QFN-EP package fits behind the HUD projector where space is tight, while its I2C control and programmable outputs let the HUD controller calibrate brightness-temperature curves per panel. Synchronization to an external clock avoids beat-frequency interference with the vehicle's FM receiver. Low quiescent current supports always-on standby behavior, important for instant-on HUD wake-up from key-off events.
Recommended
Rear-Seat Entertainment (RSE) Display Bias
Rear-seat entertainment modules use larger TFT panels and need the multi-rail bias that the A8603KESTR-R provides. The four programmable outputs deliver the AVDD, VGH, VGL, and VCOM rails required by 8-10 inch panels, while I2C control integrates with the RSE system-on-chip. The 3-10 V input handles the rear-seat module's direct battery connection with protection circuitry, and AEC-Q100 ensures reliable operation across cabin temperatures. Compared with discrete solutions, the A8603KESTR-R's single-package integration simplifies thermal management and PCB routing in seat-back enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial TFT-LCD Panels (Non-Automotive)
Although AEC-Q100 qualified, the A8603KESTR-R also suits industrial TFT-LCD panels that benefit from its multi-rail bias, I2C control, and wide switching range. Industrial HMIs, test equipment, and medical monitors with TFT displays can use the four-rail output topology. Note: for non-automotive industrial use, AEC-Q100 over-qualification is typically acceptable; the wide 3-10 V input accommodates 5 V and 12 V industrial rails. Choose A8603KESTR-R when compact, programmable, fault-protected bias is needed in industrial environments.
Recommended
Multi-Display Automotive Systems
Vehicles with multiple TFT displays (cluster + center-stack + HUD + RSE) can use multiple A8603KESTR-R devices with different I2C addresses to provide bias to each panel. Each instance is pin-compatible, and the unique internal I2C address lets one master MCU control all displays. The 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz switching range supports common external clock distribution across the vehicle, simplifying EMC compliance. Compared to using different bias ICs per display, parallel A8603KESTR-R devices reduce software complexity and qualification effort.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for A8603KESTR-R — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | A8603KLPTR-T | A8603KESSTR-R | A8603KESTR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 24-pin QFN-EP (4x4 mm) | 24-pin QFN-EP (4x4 mm) - same | 24-pin QFN-EP (4x4 mm) - same | 24-pin QFN-EP (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Allegro MicroSystems | Allegro MicroSystems | Allegro MicroSystems | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Function | Multi-output LCD bias (boost+LDO+CP) | Multi-output LCD bias (boost+LDO+CP) | Multi-output LCD bias (boost+LDO+CP) | Multi-output LCD bias (boost+LDO+CP) |
| Input Voltage | 3 V to 10 V | 3 V to 10 V | 3 V to 10 V | 3 V to 10 V |
| Switching Frequency | 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz | 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz | 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz | 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz |
| Number of Outputs | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Interface | I2C | I2C | I2C | I2C |
| Automotive Grade | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel (R suffix) | Tape & Reel (LP variant) | Tape & Reel (ES variant) | Tube/Tray (non-R) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 4-rail bias in single 4x4 mm QFN-EP (vs Discrete boost+LDO+charge-pump design)
- AEC-Q100 qualification with I2C programmability (vs TI TPS65150 (industrial-grade))
- External clock sync from 350 kHz to 2.25 MHz (vs Internal-oscillator-only bias ICs)
Design Notes
The A8603KESTR-R's 24-pin QFN-EP package uses an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a copper pour with multiple thermal vias to the internal ground plane. Estimated: at full 4-rail load with 12 V battery input, the device dissipates approximately 0.5-1.0 W; without thermal vias, junction temperature can exceed 125 °C. Use at least 9 thermal vias in a 3x3 array beneath the EP for reliable -40 °C to +125 °C operation.
Place input capacitors as close as possible to the VIN and PGND pins to minimize switching noise. Keep the boost inductor and BST switching node traces short and away from sensitive analog traces (FB, COMP). Use a star-ground topology connecting AGND, PGND, and the EP pad at one location to avoid ground-loop coupling. The side-wall-plated package variant allows routing under the IC for improved density.
Do not omit the I2C pull-up resistors on SCL and SDA - the A8603KESTR-R uses open-drain I2C and will not communicate without them. Ensure the FREQ/SYNC pin configuration matches the desired switching frequency (resistor-to-ground for programming, external clock source for synchronization). When using multiple A8603 instances, set the ADDR pin uniquely per device to avoid I2C address conflicts.
Select a switching frequency above 1.5 MHz to avoid interference with the AM radio band (530-1710 kHz) in automotive head units. Synchronize the A8603KESTR-R to an external clock source used across the vehicle's display modules to avoid inter-display beat frequencies. Place input filter capacitors (10 µF ceramic + 1 µF ceramic) at the VIN pin to suppress conducted emissions.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per Allegro datasheet. RoHS and lead-free confirmed from manufacturer product page; halogen-free status from Allegro's environmental compliance documentation.
