Texas Instruments TLC5916IN
- Part No.:
- TLC5916IN
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5916IN.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 120MA 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:12,044
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Product details
Overview
TLC5916IN from Texas Instruments is an 8-channel constant-current LED sink driver IC designed for precise current control in LED display and lighting systems. It delivers 3–120 mA per channel with ±3% inter-channel current matching, supports 3.0–5.5 V supply, and features open-load and overtemperature detection. It is used in 7-segment displays, video billboards, and white goods where uniform LED brightness and fault monitoring are critical.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5916IN datasheet, TLC5916IN pinout, TLC5916IN application, or TLC5916IN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 30-MHz serial interface, single R-EXT current setting, error-detection capability via SDO, and compatibility with cascaded LED driver architectures.
Technical Context
The TLC5916IN integrates an 8-bit shift register, output latches, and eight independent constant-current sinks with internal regulation. Its operation supports two modes: Normal Mode for serial data loading and latching, and Special Mode for reading error status (open-load/overtemperature) or programming global current gain (256-step, 1/12 to 127/128).
It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs on CLK, LE(ED1), and OE(ED2) for noise immunity, and implements thermal shutdown at 150–200°C with 15°C hysteresis. Unlike the TLC5917IN, it lacks short-circuit detection - confirmed by Device Comparison Table and Feature Description sections.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output channels | 8 independent constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT7) |
| Output current range | 3 mA to 120 mA per channel, set by single external R-EXT resistor |
| Current accuracy | ±3% max between channels; ±6% max between ICs - enables consistent LED brightness across multi-device arrays |
| Supply voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic and power domains |
| Max output voltage | 20 V - supports driving multiple LEDs in series per channel |
| Serial clock frequency | Up to 30 MHz - enables fast refresh rates for high-resolution LED panels |
| Error detection | Open-load and overtemperature detection only (no short-circuit detection - differs from TLC5917IN) |
Pinout & Package
Package: PDIP-16 (19.30 mm × 6.35 mm), leaded through-hole package suitable for prototyping and industrial PCBs with robust thermal and mechanical reliability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Common return path for logic and current-sink circuits; must be low-impedance for stable current regulation |
| SDI (Pin 2) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit LED on/off data synchronized to CLK rising edge; feeds shift register |
| CLK (Pin 3) | Clock input | Rising-edge-triggered; controls data shift into internal 8-bit shift register |
| LE(ED1) (Pin 4) | Latch enable / mode control | High → transfers shift register data to output latch; low pulse initiates Special Mode (error read or gain config) |
| OUT0–OUT7 (Pins 5–12) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each drives LED cathode to GND; current set by R-EXT; supports up to 20 V LED string voltage |
| VDD (Pin 16) | Power supply | 3.0–5.5 V supply for logic and internal regulators; decoupling capacitor required near pin |
| R-EXT (Pin 15) | Current-setting reference | Connects external resistor to GND; sets all 8 output currents identically (e.g., 720 Ω → ~26 mA) |
| SDO (Pin 14) | Serial data output | Shifts out error status code (8 bits) or configuration data in Special Mode; daisy-chainable to next TLC5916IN |
| OE(ED2) (Pin 13) | Output enable / mode select | Low → enables outputs; one-clock pulse triggers mode switch; low-level duration determines Special Mode function |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single-resistor current tuning | One external R-EXT sets identical 3–120 mA current across all 8 channels - simplifies BOM and eliminates per-channel calibration |
| 256-step global current gain | Runtime-programmable gain (1/12 to 127/128) compensates inter-IC current variation to <1% - critical for white-balanced RGB LED panels |
| Open-load detection | Monitors each channel's current vs. 0.5× target; reports open LED as error bit - enables real-time panel health monitoring without external circuitry |
| Overtemperature protection | Global shutdown at 150–200°C + per-channel thermal cutoff - prevents damage during sustained overdrive or poor heatsinking |
| 30-MHz serial interface | Supports rapid update of 8-channel state in ≤267 ns - essential for flicker-free animation in video billboards and gaming machines |
Applications
| 7-Segment Displays | Video Billboards |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving individual segments of multi-digit numeric displays in industrial HMIs and point-of-sale terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink for each segment anode/cathode pair; replaces discrete transistor arrays with matched current and integrated fault reporting. Use Value: Eliminates segment brightness variance across digits; open-load detection flags failed segments before end-user visibility loss. |
Use Scenario: Controlling dense LED pixel arrays in outdoor advertising displays requiring high refresh rate and long-term reliability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary current sink driver per 8-pixel group; cascaded via SDO→SDI to minimize microcontroller GPIO usage and routing complexity. Use Value: 30-MHz clock enables full-panel updates at >1 kHz; thermal shutdown prevents localized hot-spot failure in sealed enclosures. |
| Gaming Machines | White Goods UI Panels |
Use Scenario: Illuminating dynamic button backlights and prize indicator strips in slot machines and arcade cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED driver with programmable current gain to maintain consistent color intensity across RGB LEDs under varying ambient temperatures. Use Value: 256-step gain adjustment enables factory-set white balance compensation; open-load detection alerts maintenance before gameplay interruption. |
Use Scenario: Powering status and function indicator LEDs on refrigerator control panels and washing machine interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power, robust sink driver operating from 3.3-V MCU rail; leverages internal pulldown/pullup on LE/OE for simplified control wiring. Use Value: ±3% inter-channel matching ensures uniform LED appearance; 3–120 mA range supports both dim status lights and bright alert indicators. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED sink driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5917IN | Includes short-circuit detection (TLC5916IN lacks this); otherwise identical pinout, timing, and current specs | Suitable where LED string shorting risk exists (e.g., exposed signage wiring); adds diagnostic coverage but no performance gain in open-load-only environments | Select TLC5917IN only if short-circuit detection is required; TLC5916IN offers lower cost and same functionality for basic open-load monitoring |
| TPS65562AIPWPR | 16-channel, higher max current (150 mA), I²C interface instead of SPI; no open-load detection; different package (TSSOP-24) | Better suited for space-constrained, high-channel-count designs with I²C infrastructure; lacks built-in fault diagnostics | Choose TPS65562AIPWPR when scaling beyond 8 channels or integrating into I²C-based lighting controllers; not a drop-in replacement |
Compared with TLC5917IN, TLC5916IN trades short-circuit detection for lower system cost and identical open-load/thermal monitoring - ideal for cost-sensitive, enclosed LED applications. Versus TPS65562AIPWPR, it provides simpler SPI control and integrated diagnostics but fewer channels and no I²C support.
Availability
TLC5916IN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 7-segment displays, video billboards, and gaming machine lighting requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5916IN 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision power management and signal chain solutions.
The TLC5916IN belongs to TI's constant-current LED driver product line, engineered specifically for reliable, high-accuracy LED current control in industrial displays and lighting where thermal resilience and fault visibility are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED forward voltage supported by the TLC5916IN?
The TLC5916IN supports up to 20 V at its OUT0–OUT7 pins, enabling direct drive of multi-LED strings in series without external boost circuitry. This rating is specified in Absolute Maximum Ratings and confirmed in Recommended Operating Conditions - ensuring safe operation with common white or blue LED configurations requiring 3–4 V per device.
Does the TLC5916IN support short-circuit detection like the TLC5917IN?
No, the TLC5916IN does not support short-circuit detection. The Device Comparison Table explicitly marks short-to-VLED detection as "-" for TLC5916IN and "X" for TLC5917IN. Only open-load and overtemperature detection are implemented in the TLC5916IN - a deliberate functional distinction verified across datasheet sections 5 and 9.3.2.
How is output current set on the TLC5916IN?
Output current on the TLC5916IN is set by a single external resistor (R-EXT) connected between Pin 15 (R-EXT) and GND. The value determines nominal current per channel (e.g., 720 Ω yields ~26 mA at VDD = 3 V). This is documented in Features, Section 9.1, and Electrical Characteristics tables - providing scalable, matched current without per-channel components.
Can multiple TLC5916IN devices be cascaded, and how does data flow work?
Yes, TLC5916IN devices support daisy-chaining: SDI of the first receives controller data; SDO of each connects to SDI of the next. Serial data shifts through all devices synchronously on CLK, and LE(ED1) latches the full chain simultaneously. This is confirmed in the Functional Block Diagram, Figure 1 (Single Implementation), and Section 9.1 - enabling scalable LED channel expansion with minimal MCU pins.
What thermal protection mechanisms does the TLC5916IN include?
The TLC5916IN includes both global and per-channel overtemperature protection. Global shutdown activates at 150–200°C (with 15°C hysteresis), disabling all outputs; individual channel shutdown occurs if local junction temperature exceeds threshold. Both conditions store error status readable in Special Mode - detailed in Section 9.3.3 and Thermal Information tables.
TLC5916IN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Shift Register
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 8
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 20V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 120mA
- Frequency:
- 30MHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-PDIP
TLC5916IN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5916IN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5916IN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TLC5916IN reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5916IN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5916IN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5916IN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5916IN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5916IN?
TLC5916IN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5916IN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TLC5916IN?
For technical support, including TLC5916IN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5916IN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5916IN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5916IN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TLC5916IN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5916IN?
All TLC5916IN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5916IN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TLC5916IN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5916IN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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