STMicroelectronics STP16CPC26TTR

Overview

STP16CPC26TTR from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic 16-bit constant-current LED sink driver IC with serial-in/parallel-out shift register architecture, ±1% typical channel-to-channel current accuracy, 5–90 mA programmable output per channel via external R-EXT resistor, and 30 MHz max clock frequency. It operates from 3–5.5 V supply and delivers up to 20 V output voltage headroom for driving multiple LEDs in series - used in high-density video display panels and architectural lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the STP16CPC26TTR datasheet, STP16CPC26TTR pinout, STP16CPC26TTR application, or STP16CPC26TTR equivalent, key selection criteria include output current adjustability, thermal shutdown behavior at 170 °C, bit-to-bit current matching, OE-controlled PWM dimming capability, and compatibility with cascaded serial LED driver topologies.

Technical Context

The device integrates a 16-bit shift register, latch circuitry, and sixteen independent current-regulated sink stages controlled by a single external resistor (R-EXT). Data is loaded serially via SDI on CLK rising edges and latched into output drivers using LE, while OE enables/disables all outputs synchronously.

Each current generator features a minimum dropout voltage of 44 mV at 5 mA (rising to 820 mV at 90 mA), supports 3.3 V or 5 V logic-level inputs, and includes internal thermal shutdown with 15 °C hysteresis. The analog stage is decoupled from digital control logic to maintain current stability across temperature and supply variations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The STP16CPC26TTR is supplied in TSSOP-24 package with exposed thermal pad (ECOPACK® compliant), requiring soldering of the pad to PCB ground plane 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 STP16CPC26TTR provides superior current accuracy (±1% vs. ±3%), built-in thermal protection, and open-channel flexibility - making it optimal for high-fidelity lighting and display systems where consistency and safety are prioritized over raw current output or integrated decoding.

Availability

STP16CPC26TTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video display panels, architectural lighting systems, and industrial HMI displays requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for STP16CPC26TTR 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, mixed-signal, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STP16CPC26TTR belongs to ST's LED driver portfolio targeting high-precision, thermally robust constant-current control for professional lighting and display applications - emphasizing accuracy, cascade scalability, and system-level reliability.

FAQ

What is the function of the R-EXT pin?

The R-EXT pin connects to an external resistor that sets the reference current for all 16 output channels. Using the relationship shown in Figure 15 and Table 7 of DS7104, a 1 kΩ resistor yields ~20 mA per channel, while 220 Ω gives ~90 mA. This single-point calibration eliminates per-channel current variation and simplifies design.

Can STP16CPC26TTR drive LEDs directly from a 24 V rail?

No - the device is a sink driver with 20 V maximum output voltage rating, meaning the anode-side LED string must be supplied from ≤20 V. To use with a 24 V rail, either reduce the rail with a DC-DC converter or place the STP16CPC26TTR on the low side of a properly rated LED string where cathodes connect to OUT pins and anodes tie to ≤20 V.

How does the thermal shutdown behave during operation?

When junction temperature reaches 170 °C, all outputs disable immediately regardless of OE or latch state. Outputs remain off until temperature falls below ~155 °C (170 °C − 15 °C hysteresis), then resume normal operation. No reset or reinitialization is required - the device self-recovers once thermally stabilized.

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

Yes - SDO outputs the 16th bit shifted out of the register, allowing direct connection to SDI of the next device. Critical timing constraints include CLK rise/fall times ≤5000 ns and setup/hold times ≥5 ns for SDI and LE. Cascaded systems require careful PCB layout to minimize skew between CLK and data lines across devices.