This topic evaluates charge-pump and inductive boost topologies for several critical factors in backlighting with white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) in mobile applications. First, pros and cons of each method and guidelines for selecting the right one are introduced. Next, ways to improve the efficiency of WLED drivers are analyzed with respect to mode transition voltage, output impedance, current-sink threshold voltage, and typical sources of circuit losses. Finally, analog, digital, and pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming methods for optimal brightness control are compared.