Texas Instruments TLC59108FIPWR

Overview

TLC59108FIPWR from Texas Instruments is an I²C-controlled 8-channel open-drain LED driver optimized for RGBA color-mixing applications, featuring individual 256-step (8-bit) PWM brightness control per channel at 97 kHz, group dimming/blinking via 256-step 190 Hz–10.73 s programmable PWM, and 17-V tolerant outputs operating from 3 V to 5.5 V supply. It enables precise LED intensity and timing control in compact signage and industrial HMI panels.

For engineers reviewing the TLC59108FIPWR datasheet, TLC59108FIPWR pinout, TLC59108FIPWR application, or TLC59108FIPWR equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C Fast-Mode Plus (1 MHz) compatibility with 30 mA SDA drive strength, hardware address pins (A0–A3) supporting up to 14 devices on one bus, active-low RESET input, and VQFN-20 (4.5 × 3.5 mm) thermal performance with R_θJA = 39.1 °C/W.

Technical Context

The TLC59108FIPWR integrates dual PWM architectures: eight independent 97-kHz, 256-step controllers for per-channel brightness, and one shared 256-step group controller with fixed 190-Hz or programmable 24-Hz–10.73-s frequency for synchronized dimming or blinking. Its I²C interface supports four software-configurable addresses (one ALLCALL, three SUBCALL) and a dedicated SWRST call (0x96 + 0xA5/0x5A) for bus-wide reset.

Each open-drain output delivers up to 120 mA with 17-V tolerance and 200–450 mV low-level voltage at full load; internal 25-MHz oscillator eliminates external timing components; noise filters on SCL/SDA and hot-insertion support ensure robust operation in noisy industrial environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-20 package (4.50 mm × 3.50 mm, exposed thermal pad) with wettable flank leads for automated optical inspection and reliable solder joint formation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with TLC59108FIPWR, TLC59116IRHBR offers channel scalability at the cost of larger footprint and higher BOM cost, while PCA9635D,118 sacrifices drive strength and group timing features for lower unit price - making TLC59108FIPWR the optimal balance of density, drive capability, and synchronized control in space-constrained industrial UIs.

Availability

TLC59108FIPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for gaming control panels, small signage displays, industrial HMI interfaces, test equipment indicators, and RGB color-mixing applications requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TLC59108FIPWR 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with over 50 years of innovation in precision analog and industrial-grade ICs.

The TLC59108FIPWR belongs to TI's LED driver product line, designed specifically for high-fidelity color-mixing and synchronized visual feedback in industrial, commercial, and interactive electronic systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of TLC59108FIPWR devices supported on a single I²C bus?

The TLC59108FIPWR supports up to 14 devices on one I²C bus using its four hardware address pins (A0–A3), which provide 16 possible combinations minus two reserved addresses. This configuration enables scalable LED control across multi-segment displays without bus contention or address conflicts in the TLC59108FIPWR implementation.

Does the TLC59108FIPWR require an external crystal or RC network for timing?

No, the TLC59108FIPWR integrates a 25-MHz internal oscillator that drives both its 97-kHz individual PWM and 190-Hz group PWM engines. This eliminates external timing components, reduces BOM count, and ensures consistent PWM frequency stability across voltage and temperature for the TLC59108FIPWR across its full operating range.

Can the TLC59108FIPWR drive 12 V LEDs directly?

Yes, the TLC59108FIPWR outputs are rated for 17 V maximum voltage and 120 mA continuous current per channel, allowing direct connection to common-anode 12 V LED strings without external MOSFETs or boost circuitry - a key design advantage confirmed in the absolute maximum ratings and electrical characteristics sections of the TLC59108FIPWR datasheet.

How does the group blinking function interact with individual brightness settings in the TLC59108FIPWR?

In the TLC59108FIPWR, group blinking (via GRPPWM register) modulates the duty cycle of the individual 97-kHz PWM signals - effectively multiplying the per-channel brightness value by the group blink envelope. This layered PWM architecture preserves fine brightness resolution while adding synchronized on/off timing, enabling effects like pulsing indicators without firmware intervention.

What is the thermal performance difference between the VQFN and TSSOP packages for the TLC59108FIPWR?

The TLC59108FIPWR VQFN-20 package has R_θJA = 39.1 °C/W versus 98.9 °C/W for the TSSOP-20 variant. This 2.5× improvement enables the TLC59108FIPWR in VQFN to sustain full 120 mA per channel at ambient temperatures up to 85 °C with standard 2-layer PCBs, whereas the TSSOP requires significant copper area or forced air cooling under identical loads.