STMicroelectronics STP16CPC26MTR

Overview

STP16CPC26MTR from STMicroelectronics is a 16-channel constant-current LED sink driver IC with serial interface, ±1% channel-to-channel current accuracy, 5–90 mA programmable output per channel via external R_EXT, and 20 V output voltage rating for driving long LED strings. It operates from 3–5.5 V supply and supports 30 MHz clock frequency for high-speed display refresh in video panels.

For engineers reviewing the STP16CPC26MTR datasheet, STP16CPC26MTR pinout, STP16CPC26MTR application, or STP16CPC26MTR equivalent, key selection criteria include sink-current precision, thermal shutdown behavior (170 °C), serial cascade capability (SDI/SDO), OE-controlled PWM dimming, and package-dependent thermal resistance (e.g., 37.5 °C/W for TSSOP-24 with exposed pad).

Technical Context

The STP16CPC26MTR integrates a 16-bit shift register, parallel latch, and sixteen matched current-sink generators-all controlled by level-sensitive LE and OE inputs independent of CLK timing. Its analog stage uses an external resistor at R-EXT to set all 16 outputs identically, with current regulation maintained across V_DS up to 20 V and supply voltage variations (±1%/V).

Internal thermal shutdown disables all outputs at 170 °C junction temperature with ~15 °C hysteresis, and propagation delays (t_PLH/t_PHL) remain under 100 ns for CLK→OUT, LE→OUT, and OE→OUT paths at both 3.3 V and 5 V supply, enabling tight timing control in cascaded LED systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The STP16CPC26MTR is available in SO-24, TSSOP-24, QSOP-24, and TSSOP-24 with exposed thermal pad packages. The exposed pad (in TSSOP-24 variant) must be soldered to PCB copper for optimal thermal performance (R_thJA = 37.5 °C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-channel constant-current LED sink driver applications.

Compared with TLC59283RTJR and MAX7219CWG+, the STP16CPC26MTR uniquely combines 20 V output capability, ±1% matching, and autonomous thermal shutdown-making it optimal for high-reliability, high-string-count LED systems where precision and safety are co-prioritized.

Availability

STP16CPC26MTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video display panels, architectural LED lighting, and industrial HMI displays requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation (-40 °C to +125 °C), and AEC-Q100-aligned reliability.

Supply support for STP16CPC26MTR 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, designing and manufacturing analog, power, microcontroller, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STP16CPC26MTR belongs to ST's LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-precision, high-density LED array control in professional display and architectural lighting systems where current uniformity and thermal resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended R_EXT value for stable 90 mA operation?

The datasheet specifies 217 Ω for 90 mA nominal output, with 220 Ω as the closest E24 standard value. Using 220 Ω yields ~89 mA per channel at 25 °C, and this value remains stable across the full -40 °C to +125 °C operating range due to the device's ±1%/V supply regulation and low temperature coefficient.

Can STP16CPC26MTR drive LEDs with forward voltages exceeding 5 V per diode?

Yes-the 20 V maximum output voltage rating allows up to six 3.2 V white LEDs (19.2 V total) or seven 2.8 V red LEDs (19.6 V) in series per channel. Dropout voltage remains below 0.82 V at 90 mA, ensuring regulation headroom even at high currents and elevated temperatures.

How does the thermal shutdown interact with OE and LE control signals?

Thermal shutdown overrides all logic inputs: when junction temperature reaches 170 °C, all outputs turn OFF immediately regardless of OE or LE state. Outputs automatically re-enable once temperature falls by ~15 °C hysteresis-no reset or command is needed, preserving latch data and serial state.

Is daisy-chaining multiple STP16CPC26MTRs supported, and what timing constraints apply?

Yes-SDO connects to SDI of the next device. Clock rise/fall times must stay ≤5000 ns to meet setup/hold requirements between cascaded units. At 30 MHz, propagation delay from CLK to SDO is ≤30 ns (VDD = 5 V), allowing reliable 16-bit-per-device chaining with minimal inter-device skew.