Texas Instruments TLC59116IRHBR

Overview

TLC59116IRHBR from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel I²C-bus constant-current LED sink driver optimized for RGBA color mixing and backlight control. It delivers 256-step individual PWM brightness per channel at 97 kHz, group dimming/blinking with programmable frequency (24 Hz–10.73 s), and supports 3.3 V or 5 V supply with 17 V output tolerance. Used in gaming UIs and industrial signage where precise multi-LED intensity and synchronized effects are required.

For engineers reviewing the TLC59116IRHBR datasheet, TLC59116IRHBR pinout, TLC59116IRHBR application, or TLC59116IRHBR equivalent, key selection factors include its 32-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad, REXT-based current programming (5–120 mA/channel), open-load/overtemperature error detection, Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) I²C interface, and software reset capability via SWRST call.

Technical Context

The TLC59116IRHBR integrates a 25-MHz internal oscillator enabling 97-kHz fixed-frequency PWM per channel without external timing components. Its dual PWM architecture overlays individual 256-step brightness control with an independent 256-step group controller supporting either 190-Hz dimming or programmable blinking (24 Hz to 10.73 s period).

It implements hardware address pins (A0–A3) for up to 14 devices on one I²C bus and supports four software-programmable sub-call addresses for grouped command execution. Error detection includes per-channel open-load sensing (triggered when I_OUT < 0.5 × I_OUT,target) and dual overtemperature protection-global shutdown at ~170 °C and per-channel shutdown with automatic restart after cooling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN), 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm body with exposed thermal pad (RHB). Thermal pad must be connected to ground for optimal power dissipation and junction-to-board thermal resistance of 8.3 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLC59116IRHBR, TLC5947RTQT offers superior grayscale but requires external components and lacks integrated diagnostics, while PCA9685PW provides higher resolution at lower cost but omits critical reliability features like open-circuit detection and programmable blink timing.

Availability

TLC59116IRHBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for gaming UI lighting, small signage backlighting, industrial panel indicators, and RGB status lighting requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TLC59116IRHBR 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 and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management, signal chain, and interface solutions.

The TLC59116IRHBR belongs to TI's LED driver product line, designed specifically for high-reliability, multi-channel constant-current LED control in industrial and commercial human-machine interfaces where synchronized dimming, fault detection, and I²C scalability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current per channel for the TLC59116IRHBR?

The TLC59116IRHBR supports a constant output current range of 5 mA to 120 mA per channel, set by the external R_EXT resistor. At 120 mA, the typical output voltage compliance is up to 17 V, allowing direct drive of common LED configurations without external transistors. Current accuracy is ±8% across temperature and supply voltage variations, as verified in the SLDS157E datasheet Section 7.5.

Does the TLC59116IRHBR support both individual and group LED control?

Yes, the TLC59116IRHBR provides dual-layer PWM control: each of the 16 outputs has its own 256-step (8-bit) individual brightness register operating at 97 kHz, and a shared 256-step group register enabling either fixed 190-Hz dimming or programmable blinking (24 Hz to 10.73 s period). This architecture allows independent LED tuning while maintaining synchronized visual effects across all channels, as detailed in Section 9.3.6 of the datasheet.

How does the open-load detection work on the TLC59116IRHBR?

The TLC59116IRHBR detects open-circuit conditions by comparing actual output current against a threshold of 0.5 × I_OUT,target. Detection is active only when the channel is enabled (ON state) and PWM is disabled. The resulting error flag is stored in EFLAG1 or EFLAG2 registers and remains latched until cleared by host software, enabling reliable fault logging without continuous polling. This behavior is confirmed in Table 1 and Section 9.3.1 of the SLDS157E datasheet.

What package type is used for the TLC59116IRHBR?

The TLC59116IRHBR uses a 32-pin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) package with 5.0 mm × 5.0 mm body size and an exposed thermal pad (RHB designation). The thermal pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to achieve the specified junction-to-board thermal resistance of 8.3 °C/W. Pin numbering and layout are defined in the "RHB PACKAGE (TOP VIEW)" diagram on page 4 of the SLDS157E datasheet.

Can the TLC59116IRHBR operate from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the TLC59116IRHBR operates over a supply voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V, fully supporting 3.3 V nominal systems. All I²C interface pins (SCL, SDA, RESET, A0–A3) are 5.5-V tolerant, allowing direct connection to 5 V microcontrollers without level shifters. The internal 25-MHz oscillator and 97-kHz PWM generators function correctly across this range, as specified in Section 7.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions) of the datasheet.