Texas Instruments TLC5916IPWRG4

Overview

TLC5916IPWRG4 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 accuracy, supports 3.0–5.5 V supply, and features open-load and overtemperature detection. It operates in cascaded configurations for large LED arrays such as video billboards and scrolling displays.

For engineers reviewing the TLC5916IPWRG4 datasheet, TLC5916IPWRG4 pinout, TLC5916IPWRG4 application, or TLC5916IPWRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include output current adjustability via R-EXT, error detection capability (open-load/overtemperature), serial shift-register interface timing at up to 30 MHz, and TSSOP-16 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The TLC5916IPWRG4 integrates an 8-bit shift register, parallel output latches, and eight independent constant-current sinks. Its operation supports two modes: Normal Mode for serial data loading and output control, and Special Mode for reading error status (open-load, overtemperature) or adjusting global current gain in 256 steps.

It uses Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity on CLK, LE(ED1), and OE(ED2); implements thermal shutdown with 150–200 °C trip range and 15 °C hysteresis; and maintains current regulation invariant to load voltage changes across 0.6–20 V output range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLC5916IPWRG4 is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP package (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm body size) with exposed thermal pad (PW suffix), optimized for thermal performance in LED driver applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLC5916IPWRG4, TLC5916IPW offers identical performance but lacks G4 environmental compliance, while TLC5917IPWR adds short-circuit detection at the cost of slightly higher complexity in error-handling firmware - making TLC5916IPWRG4 optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally monitored LED signage.

Availability

TLC5916IPWRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video billboards, gaming machine displays, and white goods status panels requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for TLC5916IPWRG4 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 TLC5916IPWRG4 belongs to TI's constant-current LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, brightness-consistent LED display and general lighting applications where thermal robustness and fault diagnostics are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum output voltage supported by the TLC5916IPWRG4?

The TLC5916IPWRG4 supports up to 20 V at its OUT0–OUT7 pins. This allows driving multiple LEDs in series per channel - for example, six white LEDs (VF ≈ 3.3 V each) or ten red LEDs (VF ≈ 2.0 V each) - without exceeding the device's voltage rating. The 20 V limit is absolute and applies regardless of current level or ambient temperature.

How does the TLC5916IPWRG4 implement open-load detection?

The TLC5916IPWRG4 detects open-load conditions by comparing actual output current against a threshold (IOUT,Th = 0.5 × target current). Detection only activates when the corresponding output channel is enabled (OE active and latch set). If current falls below threshold, the channel's error bit is set and readable via SDO in Special Mode - enabling system-level fault logging without external sensing components.

Can the TLC5916IPWRG4 be used in cascaded configurations?

Yes, the TLC5916IPWRG4 supports daisy-chained operation: SDI of the first device receives controller data, SDO feeds SDI of the next, and so on. All devices share CLK, LE(ED1), and OE(ED2). Cascading preserves timing integrity up to 30 MHz, and error status from all devices shifts out sequentially - enabling scalable LED array control with minimal GPIO usage on the host microcontroller.

What is the purpose of the R-EXT pin on the TLC5916IPWRG4?

The R-EXT pin on the TLC5916IPWRG4 connects to an external resistor tied to GND, setting the reference current for all eight output channels. The value determines full-scale current (e.g., 720 Ω yields ~26 mA per channel at VDD = 3 V). This single-point adjustment eliminates per-channel trimming, reduces BOM count, and ensures matched current across outputs - critical for uniform LED brightness in displays.

Does the TLC5916IPWRG4 support PWM dimming?

No, the TLC5916IPWRG4 does not support native PWM dimming on individual channels. It provides static on/off control per channel via the 8-bit latch. Brightness adjustment is achieved through analog current scaling (via R-EXT or 256-step global gain), not duty-cycle modulation. For true PWM dimming, external high-speed switching or a different driver family (e.g., TLC5940) is required.