Edge-lit topologies are the most popular backlight architectures in current LCD television applications because they are less expensive (requiring fewer LEDs) compared to direct-backlight topologies. Edge-lit designs are also capable of offering zone (regional) dimming, but are limited to larger tiles (coarse zones) and require expensive diffusers which use light guides to distribute light to desired zones. Edge-lit applications require an external DC-to-DC supply to boost the supply up to 250V to allow seventy-two LEDs per string. Television manufactures also implement LED string phase shift to reduce the overall RMS power requirements and minimize EMI noise by effectively driving one LED string at a time within a frame time period. Edge-lit configurations use external power supplies and NFETs to allow voltage power supplies to drive a larger number of LEDs (seventy-two LEDs) per string and can sink up 1A (determined by NFET ratings). Microchip LED drivers can drive up to sixteen parallel strings of LEDs and offer fault detection and management of open circuit and short circuit LEDs. These devices address the edge-lit and high-brightness LEDs, which require higher power while enabling dimming via external PWM signals or analog current control with an internal DAC. The picture on this slide shows an edge-lit TV design based on the MSL2041 LED driver.