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NXP Semiconductors PCU9956ATWY
- Part No.:
- PCU9956ATWY
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 38-TFSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PCU9956ATWY.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV LIN PWM 65MA 38HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,125
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Product details
Overview
PCU9956ATWY from NXP Semiconductors is a 24-channel Ultra Fast-mode (UFm) I²C-bus constant-current LED driver optimized for RGBA LED dimming and blinking in amusement products. It delivers 57 mA per channel, supports 31.25 kHz individual PWM (8-bit, 0–99.6% duty), 122 Hz group PWM with programmable blink frequency (15 Hz to 16.8 s), and operates from 3 V to 5.5 V supply with 20 V LED voltage tolerance.
For engineers reviewing the PCU9956ATWY datasheet, PCU9956ATWY pinout, PCU9956ATWY application, or PCU9956ATWY equivalent, this device enables high-speed synchronized LED control across large arrays using UFm I²C (5 MHz write-only interface), hardware OE blinking, and scalable multi-device addressing via three quinary address pins and four software-programmable I²C addresses.
Technical Context
The PCU9956ATWY integrates an 8 MHz internal oscillator (no external components required) and uses a write-only UFm I²C interface operating up to 5 MHz - significantly faster than Fast-mode Plus (e.g., PCA9956A). It implements dual PWM architecture: 24 independent 8-bit channels at 31.25 kHz and one shared 8-bit group controller with fixed 122 Hz dimming or programmable blink frequency (15 Hz to 16.8 s).
Each of the 24 constant-current sink outputs is adjustable from 225 µA to 57 mA via an external REXT resistor and 8-bit linear DAC, with ±4% channel-to-channel current matching and ±6% device-to-device accuracy. Thermal shutdown protection activates above the process junction temperature limit, and output state transitions are configurable to occur on I²C STOP or ACK for precise timing control.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| I²C Interface | Ultra Fast-mode (UFm), 5 MHz max write-only bus; no read capability; compatible with standard I²C masters via write commands only |
| LED Channels | 24 constant-current sink outputs; each programmable for off/on/individual PWM/group PWM/combined modes |
| Output Current Range | 225 µA to 57 mA per channel, set by external REXT and 8-bit DAC; ±4% matching between channels |
| PWM Resolution & Frequency | Individual: 8-bit (256 steps), 31.25 kHz fixed frequency; Group: 8-bit, 122 Hz fixed or 15 Hz–16.8 s programmable blink rate |
| Supply & Tolerance | VDD = 3 V to 5.5 V; non-LED pins tolerate 5.5 V; LED anode supply up to 20 V; operating temp: −40 °C to +85 °C |
| Addressing Capacity | Up to 125 devices on one bus via three quinary AD[2:0] pins; plus four software-configurable I²C addresses (All Call + three Sub Call) |
| Thermal Protection | Internal thermal shutdown activated when junction temperature exceeds safe process limit; automatic recovery on cooldown |
Pinout & Package
PCU9956ATWY is packaged in HTSSOP38 (SOT1331-1): thermally enhanced thin shrink small outline package with 38 leads, 0.5 mm pitch, 4.4 mm body width, and exposed thermal pad connected to VSS.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| REXT (1) | Current set resistor input | Connects external resistor to ground to configure full-scale output current (225 µA–57 mA) |
| AD0–AD2 (2–4) | Quinary hardware address inputs | Each accepts GND/PD/FLT/PU/VDD for 125 unique I²C slave addresses; sampled once at power-up |
| OE (5) | Active LOW output enable | Hardware blink/dim control for all 24 LEDs simultaneously; overrides individual/group PWM settings |
| LED0–LED23 (6–13, 15–20, 22–24, 26–33) | Constant-current LED sink outputs | 24 independent open-drain outputs; each tolerates up to 20 V when OFF; support individual brightness and delay programming |
| RESET (35) | Active LOW reset input | Hardware reset that forces register initialization identical to Power-On Reset (POR); resets all outputs to OFF |
| USCL / USDA (36–37) | UFm I²C clock/data lines | 5 MHz-capable serial interface; write-only operation; noise-filtered inputs; 5.5 V tolerant |
| VDD (38) | Power supply | 3 V to 5.5 V main supply; powers internal regulator, oscillator, and logic |
| VSS (14, 18, 21, 25, 34) + thermal pad | Ground reference | All VSS pins and exposed center pad must be connected to system ground; thermal pad requires soldering and thermal vias for optimal performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 256-step individual PWM per channel | Enables precise, flicker-free brightness control at 31.25 kHz - above human perception threshold and compatible with camera capture |
| Programmable group blink timing | Allows synchronized visual effects (e.g., marquee chasing, strobing) across all LEDs with user-defined period (15 Hz to 16.8 s) and duty cycle (0–99.6%) |
| Three quinary address pins (AD2–AD0) | Supports up to 125 uniquely addressable devices on a single I²C bus without address conflicts or external logic |
| Four software-programmable I²C addresses | Enables hierarchical control: All Call (E0h default) for global commands, plus three Sub Call addresses (EEh default) for grouped operations (e.g., red LEDs only) |
| Output state transition control | Configurable update timing (on STOP or ACK) ensures deterministic LED behavior during burst writes - critical for synchronized lighting sequences |
| Hardware OE pin + thermal shutdown | Provides fail-safe, real-time emergency blink/dim override and overtemperature protection without firmware intervention |
Applications
| Amusement Lighting Systems | RGB/RGBA LED Video Walls |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Controlling dynamic color-changing LED arrays in arcade cabinets, carnival rides, and interactive exhibits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 24-channel constant-current sink driver with synchronized individual and group PWM for real-time hue/saturation/brightness modulation. Use Value: Enables smooth, high-frequency dimming (31.25 kHz) and programmable blink patterns (15 Hz–16.8 s) to create responsive, low-flicker visual effects without MCU overhead. |
Use Scenario: Driving high-density RGB pixel modules in indoor/outdoor video displays requiring uniform brightness and color consistency. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current sink with ±4% channel matching and 57 mA per channel to maintain consistent luminance across thousands of LEDs. Use Value: Delivers stable current regulation up to 20 V LED supply voltage, supporting common-anode configurations and reducing thermal drift in large-scale installations. |
| Interactive Kiosks & Gaming Consoles | Industrial Status Indicators |
Use Scenario: Managing status, feedback, and ambient lighting in touch-enabled kiosks and gaming peripherals with multi-color LED rings or panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I²C-controlled LED driver with hardware OE pin for instant blink synchronization across multiple PCU9956ATWY devices. Use Value: Eliminates software polling delays via hardware-triggered blinking; supports up to 125 devices on one bus for modular, scalable UI lighting subsystems. |
Use Scenario: Providing reliable, long-life status indication in industrial HMIs, PLC panels, and test equipment where LED visibility and longevity are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current driver with thermal shutdown and −40 °C to +85 °C operation for harsh environments. Use Value: Ensures consistent LED brightness over temperature and lifetime; 5.5 V tolerant inputs simplify level-shifting in mixed-voltage control systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947 | 24-channel, 12-bit PWM (4096 steps), 30 MHz SPI interface; no built-in group PWM or UFm I²C; requires external VREF and clock | Better grayscale resolution but lacks integrated blink timing and multi-device addressing; suited for high-fidelity display calibration, not synchronized amusement effects | Choose TLC5947 when 12-bit grayscale precision and SPI timing control outweigh need for I²C simplicity and hardware blink features. |
| PCA9956B | 24-channel, Fast-mode Plus I²C (1 MHz), same pinout and register map; lacks UFm speed, group blink programmability, and quinary addressing; supports read-back | Compatible drop-in replacement for legacy designs needing basic dimming only; insufficient for high-speed or complex blink sequencing | Choose PCA9956B only for cost-sensitive upgrades of existing PCA9956A systems where 5 MHz bandwidth and advanced blink control are unnecessary. |
Compared with TLC5947 and PCA9956B, PCU9956ATWY uniquely combines 5 MHz UFm I²C write speed, hardware-synchronized blink via OE, and 125-device quinary addressing - making it optimal for large-scale, real-time LED entertainment systems where timing determinism and bus scalability are critical.
Availability
PCU9956ATWY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for amusement lighting systems, RGB/RGBA LED video walls, and industrial status indicators requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation (−40 °C to +85 °C), and high-volume I²C bus scalability.
Supply support for PCU9956ATWY includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
The PCU9956ATWY belongs to NXP's Ultra Fast-mode I²C LED driver product line, designed specifically for high-speed, synchronized control of large RGB/RGBA LED arrays in entertainment, signage, and interactive systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum I²C bus speed supported by PCU9956ATWY?
The PCU9956ATWY supports Ultra Fast-mode (UFm) I²C operation up to 5 MHz - more than five times faster than Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz). This enables rapid configuration of all 24 channels and group parameters in under 100 µs, critical for real-time lighting effects in amusement applications. The interface is write-only; no read capability is implemented.
How does the PCU9956ATWY achieve synchronized blinking across multiple devices?
The PCU9956ATWY provides hardware-level synchronization via its active LOW Output Enable (OE) pin: driving OE low blinks all 24 outputs simultaneously, regardless of individual or group PWM settings. When multiple PCU9956ATWY devices share a common OE signal, they blink in perfect unison - eliminating software timing jitter and enabling precise visual choreography.
Can PCU9956ATWY drive LEDs with different forward voltages on the same device?
Yes. Each of the 24 constant-current sink outputs on the PCU9956ATWY tolerates up to 20 V when OFF, allowing connection to LEDs with varying forward voltages (e.g., red ~2 V, blue ~3.4 V, amber ~2.2 V) in common-anode configurations. The current per channel is independently set via REXT and 8-bit DAC, ensuring consistent brightness regardless of VF mismatch.
What is the role of the REXT pin on PCU9956ATWY?
The REXT pin on PCU9956ATWY connects to an external resistor to ground, setting the full-scale output current for all 24 channels. With REXT = 10 kΩ, the device delivers 57 mA per channel; scaling REXT linearly adjusts current down to 225 µA. This analog current-setting method ensures tight ±4% channel-to-channel matching without requiring per-channel calibration.
Does PCU9956ATWY support reading back register values or LED status?
No. The PCU9956ATWY implements a write-only UFm I²C interface - only I²C write transactions are supported. There are no status registers, read commands, or register read-back capability. This design reduces silicon area and simplifies protocol handling, aligning with its target use case: high-speed, deterministic LED control where host MCU maintains full state awareness.
PCU9956ATWY Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 38-TFSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 24
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 65mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 38-HTSSOP
PCU9956ATWY FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCU9956ATWY through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCU9956ATWY on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PCU9956ATWY reliable?
The price and inventory of PCU9956ATWY are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCU9956ATWY is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCU9956ATWY?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCU9956ATWY transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCU9956ATWY?
PCU9956ATWY orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCU9956ATWY order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PCU9956ATWY?
For technical support, including PCU9956ATWY datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCU9956ATWY requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCU9956ATWY is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCU9956ATWY products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PCU9956ATWY meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCU9956ATWY?
All PCU9956ATWY units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCU9956ATWY, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PCU9956ATWY part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCU9956ATWY:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PCU9956ATWY Tags
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BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies
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BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations
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HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology
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CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology
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BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
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BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
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BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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