Texas Instruments TLC59116FIPWR

Overview

TLC59116FIPWR from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel I²C-bus LED driver optimized for RGBA color mixing, featuring individual 256-step (8-bit) 97-kHz PWM per channel, group 256-step 190-Hz/24-Hz–10.73-s PWM control, 120-mA per-channel sink capability, 17-V output tolerance, and operation from 3 V to 5.5 V supply - used in gaming LED arrays and industrial status indicators.

For engineers reviewing the TLC59116FIPWR datasheet, TLC59116FIPWR pinout, TLC59116FIPWR application, or TLC59116FIPWR equivalent, key selection considerations include open-drain output configuration, hardware address pin mapping (A0–A3), I²C Fast-Mode Plus (1 MHz) timing compliance, thermal derating at 78°C/W junction-to-ambient (TSSOP), and software reset (SWRST) command sequence validation.

Technical Context

The TLC59116FIPWR integrates dual PWM architectures: per-channel 97-kHz fixed-frequency controllers with 0–99.6% duty cycle adjustment (256 steps), and a shared group controller supporting either 190-Hz dimming or programmable blink frequency (24 Hz to 10.73 s period). All outputs are open-drain N-channel MOSFETs with 1.46–3.75 Ω on-resistance and 17-V voltage tolerance.

It supports up to 14 devices on one I²C bus via four hardware address pins (A0–A3), implements noise-filtered SCL/SDA inputs, includes internal 25-MHz oscillator (no external crystal), and provides three software-programmable sub-call addresses plus one all-call address for synchronized multi-device control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 28-pin TSSOP (PW), 9.70 mm × 4.40 mm body, exposed thermal pad (must be connected to GND for thermal performance).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLC59116IPWR, the TLC59116FIPWR offers identical functionality at lower cost and qualification level, while PCA9685PW trades off drive strength, voltage tolerance, and group control for reduced price and simpler I²C timing - making TLC59116FIPWR optimal for industrial RGB signage requiring robust 120-mA sinks and synchronized blink/dim.

Availability

TLC59116FIPWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for gaming peripherals, industrial HMIs, and small signage systems requiring stable component supply, long-term production continuity, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TLC59116FIPWR 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and digital signal technologies, with leadership in precision analog and power management ICs.

The TLC59116FIPWR belongs to TI's LED driver product line, designed specifically for high-fidelity RGB/RGBA color mixing and synchronized multi-LED control in industrial and consumer human-interface applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum output voltage rating of the TLC59116FIPWR?

The TLC59116FIPWR features 17-V tolerant open-drain outputs, allowing direct connection to LED strings with forward voltages up to 17 V - eliminating need for external level-shifting or high-side drivers when driving common 12-V LED configurations. This rating is specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and confirmed across all operating conditions.

Does the TLC59116FIPWR support hot insertion into a live I²C bus?

Yes, the TLC59116FIPWR supports hot insertion due to its internal power-on reset circuitry, noise-filtered SCL/SDA inputs, and glitch-free power-up behavior. The device enters a known state upon VCC ramp and does not assert spurious ACKs or disturb bus timing - verified in TI's application note SLVA672 and confirmed by ESD-rated I/O structure (±1500-V HBM).

How many unique I²C addresses can be configured on a single bus using the TLC59116FIPWR?

The TLC59116FIPWR supports up to 14 unique hardware-configurable I²C slave addresses via A0–A3 pins, plus one all-call address (D0h) and three sub-call addresses (D2h/D4h/D8h) - enabling coordinated control of up to 14 devices individually, or grouped in any combination. This is documented in Section 8.5.2 and Figure 8 of the datasheet SCLS714C.

What is the function of the exposed thermal pad on the TLC59116FIPWR TSSOP package?

On the TLC59116FIPWR's 28-pin TSSOP (PW) package, the exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to achieve specified thermal performance: it reduces junction-to-board thermal resistance to 36°C/W and improves power dissipation capability. Leaving it unconnected degrades thermal metrics and risks exceeding maximum junction temperature under full 16-channel load.

Can the TLC59116FIPWR perform both individual brightness control and group blinking simultaneously?

Yes, the TLC59116FIPWR applies group PWM (blinking or dimming) as a multiplicative envelope over individual 97-kHz PWM signals - enabling simultaneous per-LED brightness tuning and synchronized blink effects. This dual-layer PWM architecture is explicitly described in Section 8.3.4 and Figure 7 of the datasheet, with group blink frequency programmable from 24 Hz to 10.73 s period.