The Infineon LINLED driver IC combines both the driver functionality, and a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) interface that is a serial network that's widely used in the auto industry to link various cabin systems. LIN can carry commands to the Infineon driver IC for settings such as color and light level. Meanwhile, the driver IC integrates a three-channel current source designed to drive RGB LEDs.

The LINLED drivers include local memory as well that can store 16 predefined colors. And the IC handles the required blending and dimming with independent control on each channel. Infineon sees the color ambient light as a differentiating feature for auto makers.

"LEDs are replacing traditional bulbs," said Andreas Doll, vice president and general manager of body power automotive at Infineon Technologies. "Driving this transition, Infineon offers automotive-optimized LED products to enable flicker-free ambient lighting and help car manufactures to produce differentiated products."

There are four versions of the LINLED driver IC in the TLD73xxEK family that vary by current output, ranging from 48 mA to 2A. The drivers can be used globally and the LIN implementation meets the LIN 2.1 and SAE J2602 industry standards.