Texas Instruments TLC5917IDR
- Part No.:
- TLC5917IDR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5917IDR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 120MA 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:11,994
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Product details
Overview
TLC5917IDR from Texas Instruments is an 8-channel constant-current LED sink driver IC designed for precision LED current control in display and signage 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, short-load (TLC5917 only), and overtemperature detection - enabling reliable operation in 7-segment displays and video billboards.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5917IDR datasheet, TLC5917IDR pinout, TLC5917IDR application, or TLC5917IDR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 30-MHz serial interface, R-EXT–based global current programming, error status readback via SDO, and SOIC-16 package compatibility with cascaded LED driver architectures.
Technical Context
The TLC5917IDR integrates an 8-bit shift register, output latches, and eight independent current-regulated sink channels controlled by a single external resistor (R-EXT). Its dual-mode operation-Normal Mode for data loading and Special Mode for error detection or current gain adjustment-relies on edge-triggered LE(ED1) and pulse-width–sensitive OE(ED2) pins.
Unlike the TLC5916, the TLC5917IDR adds short-circuit detection per channel using voltage thresholds (VOUT,TTh = 2.5–3.1 V, VOUT,RTh = 2.2 V), alongside open-load and overtemperature detection. All error statuses are stored in an 8-bit register and serially shifted out via SDO synchronized to CLK.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output channels | 8 independent constant-current sinks, each programmable 3–120 mA via R-EXT |
| Supply voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic systems |
| Max LED voltage | 20 V - supports multi-LED strings or high-VF LEDs without external boost |
| Current accuracy | ±3% max between channels, ±6% max between ICs - enables uniform brightness across displays |
| Serial clock frequency | Up to 30 MHz - enables fast refresh rates for dynamic LED panels and video billboards |
| Error detection | Open-load, short-load (TLC5917-specific), and overtemperature - each with dedicated status bit readable via SDO |
| Global current gain | 256-step programmable (1/12 to 127/128) - allows fine white-balancing in RGB LED arrays |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOIC-16 (9.90 mm × 3.91 mm), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND | Ground reference | Common return for logic and sink current paths; must be low-impedance for stable current regulation |
| SDI | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit LED on/off data on rising CLK edges; feeds internal 8-bit shift register |
| CLK | Clock input | Rising-edge–triggered; controls data shift into shift register and propagation to output latches |
| LE(ED1) | Latch enable / mode control | High→low transition latches shift register to output latch; also selects Special Mode when pulsed with OE(ED2) |
| OUT0–OUT7 | Constant-current sink outputs | Eight independent N-channel MOSFET sinks; each drives LED cathode to GND with regulated current |
| VDD | Power supply | 3.0–5.5 V input powering logic and internal regulators; decoupling capacitor required at pin |
| R-EXT | Current-setting reference | Connects external resistor to GND; sets all 8 channel currents simultaneously (IOUT = 12.5 V / REXT) |
| SDO | Serial data output | Shifts out error status bits (Special Mode) or cascaded data (Normal Mode); compatible with daisy-chaining |
| OE(ED2) | Output enable / mode select | Active-low enables outputs; one-clock pulse initiates Special Mode entry; timing-critical for error readback |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 8-channel constant-current sink | Each channel independently controllable with 3–120 mA range and ±3% inter-channel matching |
| Short-circuit detection | TLC5917IDR–exclusive per-channel voltage threshold sensing (2.5–3.1 V trigger, 2.2 V reset) |
| 256-step global current gain | Runtime-programmable gain (1/12 to 127/128) via SDI/LE(ED1) for precise white balancing |
| Dual-mode operation | Normal Mode (data load) and Special Mode (error readback or gain setting) selected via OE(ED2)/LE(ED1) timing |
| Thermal protection | Global shutdown at 150–200°C + per-channel thermal limiting - preserves reliability in enclosed signage |
Applications
| 7-Segment Displays | Video Billboards |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving individual segments of alphanumeric LED displays in industrial HMIs and point-of-sale terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink for each segment anode/cathode configuration; serial interface enables microcontroller-driven multiplexing. Use Value: Eliminates segment brightness variation due to VF mismatch; ±3% current matching ensures consistent digit luminance. |
Use Scenario: Pixel-level current control in large-format outdoor LED video panels requiring high refresh rates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sink driver per LED pixel column; 30-MHz CLK supports >1 kHz frame rates with minimal ghosting. Use Value: Short-circuit detection prevents full-panel failure from single LED shorts; cascaded SDO/SDI simplifies routing across modules. |
| Gaming Machine Lighting | White Goods Indicator Panels |
|
Use Scenario: Dynamic backlighting and effect lighting in slot machines and arcade cabinets with rapid state changes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed serial-controlled current sink enabling strobe, fade, and chase effects via microcontroller PWM overlay. Use Value: Fast 40–95 ns propagation delays ensure tight timing alignment across dozens of TLC5917IDR devices in daisy-chain topology. |
Use Scenario: Status indicator illumination on refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers operating in thermally variable environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust LED driver with overtemperature shutdown and open-load detection for unattended long-term operation. Use Value: Per-channel thermal shutdown prevents localized overheating damage; error status reporting enables field-service diagnostics. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED sink driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5916IDR | Lacks short-circuit detection; identical pinout, current range, and interface timing | Suitable where only open-load and thermal faults require monitoring (e.g., simple signage) | Select TLC5916IDR when cost sensitivity outweighs need for short-circuit fault coverage |
| MAX7219CWG+ | Integrated SPI interface, on-chip decoding, 8×8 matrix support; higher integration but fixed 20-mA max per segment | Better suited for 7-segment or dot-matrix displays with built-in digit mapping | Choose MAX7219CWG+ for simplified firmware and compact 24-pin SOIC footprint in non-cascaded designs |
Compared with TLC5917IDR, TLC5916IDR omits short-circuit detection but retains identical current accuracy and cascade capability, while MAX7219CWG+ trades programmable current flexibility for integrated display control - making TLC5917IDR optimal for high-reliability, high-current, cascaded LED systems requiring per-channel fault visibility.
Availability
TLC5917IDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 7-segment displays, video billboards, and gaming machine lighting requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5917IDR 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 power management technologies, with decades of expertise in LED driver innovation.
The TLC591x product line was engineered specifically for high-reliability LED display and signage applications demanding precise current regulation, fault resilience, and scalable serial architecture.
FAQ
What is the maximum output voltage rating for TLC5917IDR?
The TLC5917IDR supports up to 20 V at its OUT0–OUT7 pins, enabling direct drive of multi-LED strings or high-forward-voltage LEDs without external voltage boosting circuitry. This rating is specified under absolute maximum conditions and remains valid across the full –40°C to +125°C operating temperature range. The 20-V capability is intrinsic to the internal sink transistor design and does not require derating at nominal supply voltages.
How does short-circuit detection work in TLC5917IDR?
The TLC5917IDR implements per-channel short-circuit detection by monitoring output voltage (VOUT) against two thresholds: a trigger level of 2.5–3.1 V and a return level of 2.2 V. When VOUT exceeds the trigger threshold during active sinking, the channel flags a short-fault bit in the error register. That bit persists until cleared by returning to Normal Mode or reading the status. This function is exclusive to TLC5917IDR and absent in TLC5916IDR.
Can TLC5917IDR be used in cascaded configurations?
Yes, TLC5917IDR supports seamless daisy-chaining via its SDO (serial data out) and SDI (serial data in) pins. In Normal Mode, data shifted into one device's SDI appears at its SDO after 8 clocks, allowing multiple TLC5917IDR units to share a single microcontroller SPI bus. The 30-MHz maximum clock frequency ensures low latency even across 10+ devices, and the SOIC-16 package facilitates compact PCB layout for cascaded LED modules.
What is the purpose of the R-EXT pin on TLC5917IDR?
The R-EXT pin on TLC5917IDR connects to an external resistor tied to GND, setting the reference current for all eight output channels using the formula IOUT = 12.5 V / REXT. For example, a 720 Ω resistor yields ~17.4 mA per channel. This single-point adjustment enables consistent current scaling across multiple TLC5917IDR devices on the same board, supporting color-matching in multi-IC LED arrays without per-channel trimming.
Does TLC5917IDR support programmable current gain?
Yes, TLC5917IDR supports 256-step programmable global current gain (1/12 to 127/128) via its Special Mode. A configuration code is sent serially through SDI and latched into an internal 8-bit configuration register using LE(ED1). This gain adjusts the effective R-EXT reference voltage, enabling fine-tuning of output current for white balancing in RGB LED panels - reducing inter-IC current variation to under 1%.
TLC5917IDR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
TLC5917IDR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5917IDR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5917IDR 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 TLC5917IDR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5917IDR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5917IDR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5917IDR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5917IDR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5917IDR?
TLC5917IDR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5917IDR 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 TLC5917IDR?
For technical support, including TLC5917IDR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5917IDR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5917IDR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5917IDR 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 TLC5917IDR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5917IDR?
All TLC5917IDR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5917IDR, 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 TLC5917IDR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5917IDR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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