STMicroelectronics STP08C596TTR

Overview

STP08C596TTR from STMicroelectronics is an 8-channel constant-current LED sink driver in TSSOP-16 package, designed for serially controlled LED panel displays. It features 15–120 mA per channel output current adjustable via external R_EXT, 25 MHz clock support, 16 V output voltage capability, and ±3% channel-to-channel current accuracy at V_O ≥ 0.7 V.

For engineers reviewing the STP08C596TTR datasheet, STP08C596TTR pinout, STP08C596TTR application, or STP08C596TTR equivalent, key selection criteria include output current programmability, thermal performance of the exposed-pad TSSOP package, latch timing (t_SETUP(L) = 15 ns), /OE-controlled blanking, and cascade-compatible serial-out behavior on clock falling edges.

Technical Context

The device integrates an 8-bit serial-in/parallel-out shift register cascaded with an 8-bit D-type storage latch, enabling synchronous data loading and output latching. Its output stage uses sixteen regulated current sources - eight active channels plus internal redundancy - each delivering precise constant current under varying forward voltage loads up to 16 V.

Serial data propagation supports daisy-chaining: SDO changes state on CLK falling edges, allowing seamless multi-device cascading without additional synchronization logic. The /LE and /OE control signals operate independently - /LE transfers shift register contents to the latch, while /OE globally enables/disables all outputs with t_PLH3 = 145–200 ns propagation delay.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-16 package with exposed thermal pad (mechanical code: 0080338D); 5.0 mm × 4.4 mm footprint, 0.65 mm pitch, 1.2 mm max height. Exposed pad improves thermal resistance (R_thj-amb = 140 °C/W) for sustained 120 mA/channel operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED sink driver applications.

Compared with STPIC6C595MTR, STP08C596TTR adds programmable current and independent latch control for precise PWM dimming; versus TLC5916IDR, it offers lower system cost and simpler SPI interface but lacks thermal shutdown and tighter matching.

Availability

STP08C596TTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for indoor LED video walls, automotive interior lighting control, and industrial status display panels requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-volume production cycles.

Supply support for STP08C596TTR 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in power management, analog, MEMS, and microcontroller technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STP08C596 belongs to ST's LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, medium-voltage LED panel applications demanding precise current regulation, thermal resilience, and daisy-chain scalability.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended R_EXT value for 120 mA output per channel?

Per Figure 13 and Table 7, R_EXT = 250 Ω yields I_OUT ≈ 10.1–14.1 mA total supply current with all outputs ON, corresponding to ~120 mA per channel. Using R_EXT < 250 Ω risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings and is not characterized. ST recommends 250 Ω as the practical lower limit for full-scale operation.

Can STP08C596TTR drive LEDs with forward voltage above 5 V?

Yes - the device guarantees 16 V output voltage capability (V_O), enabling direct drive of LED strings totaling up to 16 V forward drop. This supports configurations such as five 3.2 V white LEDs (16 V total) or six 2.2 V red LEDs (13.2 V), provided the V_DD supply remains within 4.5–5.5 V and thermal limits are observed.

How does the /LE and /OE interaction affect output behavior during data loading?

When /OE is low, outputs remain active regardless of /LE state. Data shifted into the shift register via SDI/CLK is held there until /LE rises, at which point it transfers to the output latch and appears at OUT0–OUT7. If /OE is high during /LE assertion, outputs go high-impedance immediately after latching - enabling glitch-free updates.

Is the exposed thermal pad on the TSSOP-16 package electrically connected?

No - the exposed pad is internally connected only to GND (Pin 1) for thermal conduction, not for electrical signaling. ST's mechanical drawing (0080338D) specifies it as a thermal pad tied to substrate ground. For optimal thermal performance, it must be soldered to a large PCB copper pour connected to the system GND plane.