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Texas Instruments TLC5917INE4
- Part No.:
- TLC5917INE4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5917INE4.pdf
- Description:
- 8-BIT CONSTANT-CURRENT LED SINK
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,726
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Product details
Overview
TLC5917INE4 from Texas Instruments is an 8-channel constant-current LED sink driver IC designed for precision LED current control in display and lighting systems. It delivers programmable per-channel sink current from 3 mA to 120 mA, supports 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply, features open-load/short-load/overtemperature detection, and operates up to 30 MHz clock frequency - enabling high-speed cascaded LED panel control in video billboards and industrial signage.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5917INE4 datasheet, TLC5917INE4 pinout, TLC5917INE4 application, or TLC5917INE4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated error detection (including short-circuit detection unique to TLC5917), 256-step global current gain adjustment for white balancing, Schmitt-trigger inputs for noise immunity, and compatibility with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems.
Technical Context
The TLC5917INE4 implements a serial-in/parallel-out architecture with an 8-bit shift register and independent output latches, enabling daisy-chain configuration without external logic. Its constant-current regulation uses a single R-EXT resistor to set all eight channels identically, while internal current mirrors maintain ±3% channel-to-channel accuracy and <±6% inter-device matching.
It supports two operational modes: Normal Mode for LED data loading and latching via CLK/SDI/LE, and Special Mode triggered by OE(ED2) pulses for reading error status (open/short/thermal) or programming 256-step current gain. Short-circuit detection - available only on TLC5917 (not TLC5916) - uses dual voltage thresholds (2.5–3.1 V trigger, 2.2 V return) on each OUTx pin to identify low-impedance faults.
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 globally via R-EXT resistor |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller interfaces |
| Max Output Voltage | 20 V - supports multi-LED strings or high-VF LEDs (e.g., blue/white) |
| Current Accuracy | ±3% max channel-to-channel mismatch at 25°C - ensures uniform LED brightness |
| Error Detection | Open-load, short-load (TLC5917 only), and overtemperature - reported via SDO in Special Mode |
| Max Clock Frequency | 30 MHz - enables fast refresh rates in high-resolution LED displays |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOIC-16 (9.90 mm × 3.91 mm, body size nominal). Pinout validated per TI SLVS695D Rev D (January 2015) datasheet Figure 1 (top view).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Common return for logic and current-sink paths; 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; Schmitt-trigger input for noise immunity |
| CLK (Pin 3) | Serial clock input | Rising-edge-triggered shift register clock; supports up to 30 MHz for high-throughput cascading |
| LE(ED1) (Pin 4) | Latch enable / mode control | Latches shift register data to output latch in Normal Mode; selects Special Mode function (error read or gain config) when pulsed with OE(ED2) |
| OUT0–OUT7 (Pins 5–12) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each drives one LED cathode; sinks programmed current up to 120 mA with thermal foldback |
| VDD (Pin 16) | Power supply | 3.0–5.5 V logic and bias supply; powers internal regulators and shift register |
| R-EXT (Pin 15) | Current-setting reference | Connects external resistor to GND to set full-scale output current (e.g., 720 Ω → 26 mA) |
| SDO (Pin 14) | Serial data output | Shifts out error status bits (Normal Mode) or configuration data (Special Mode); enables daisy-chaining |
| OE(ED2) (Pin 13) | Output enable / mode select | Active-low output enable; one-clock pulse triggers transition to Special Mode for diagnostics or gain programming |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 256-step programmable global current gain | Adjusts output current from 1/12 to 127/128 of base value - enables fine white-balance tuning across multi-color LED panels |
| Integrated short-circuit detection (TLC5917 only) | Dual-threshold (2.5–3.1 V trigger / 2.2 V return) sensing per channel - identifies failed LED shorts without external circuitry |
| Channel-specific overtemperature shutdown | Independent thermal sensors per OUTx pin - shuts down only affected channel during local overheating, preserving rest of display |
| Open-load detection with status reporting | Monitors current below 50% of target - reports open LED faults via SDO in Special Mode for system-level fault recovery |
| 30 MHz serial interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs | Ensures robust data transfer in electrically noisy environments (e.g., industrial signage) and supports high-refresh-rate video panels |
Applications
| LED Video Billboards | Industrial Control Panels |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor large-format displays requiring uniform brightness, thermal resilience, and real-time fault monitoring across thousands of LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5917INE4 acts as a channel-isolated current sink driver, receiving serialized pixel data via daisy-chained CLK/SDI and latching it synchronously to drive individual LED rows/columns. Use Value: Built-in short-circuit detection prevents cascading failure in high-density arrays; 256-step gain allows per-module calibration to compensate for LED binning and aging drift. |
Use Scenario: Factory HMIs with segmented LED indicators, status lights, and alphanumeric displays operating in wide temperature ranges and EMI-heavy environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5917INE4 serves as a fault-aware LED driver, using OE(ED2)/LE(ED1) Special Mode to periodically scan for open/short faults during idle cycles. Use Value: Eliminates need for external sense resistors or ADC monitoring; overtemperature shutdown protects against enclosure overheating without software intervention. |
| Gaming Machine Lighting | White Goods Status Displays |
Use Scenario: Dynamic RGB lighting in slot machines and arcade cabinets where rapid brightness changes, color consistency, and reliability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5917INE4 functions as a programmable current source for red/green/blue LED clusters, with global gain adjusted in real time for scene-based dimming. Use Value: ±3% channel matching ensures consistent hue across multi-LED zones; 30 MHz clock enables smooth PWM-free intensity transitions. |
Use Scenario: Appliance control panels (ovens, refrigerators) requiring long-life LED indicators that remain visible under ambient light and survive thermal cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5917INE4 provides regulated current to high-brightness indicator LEDs, leveraging its 20 V output capability to drive series-connected LEDs directly. Use Value: Open-load detection alerts MCU to failed LEDs before end-user notice; thermal shutdown prevents solder joint fatigue during repeated bake cycles. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5916INE4 | Lacks short-circuit detection; identical pinout, current range, and error reporting for open-load/overtemperature | Suitable where LED shorts are statistically unlikely or externally monitored | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for integrated short-circuit protection |
| MAX7219CWG+ | Includes integrated 400 kHz SPI interface, on-chip BCD decoding, and 10–30 V operation; no short/open detection | Better suited for 7-segment/matrix displays with minimal MCU overhead | Choose for simpler 7-segment applications requiring less firmware complexity, not for high-reliability fault-aware LED strings |
Compared with TLC5917INE4, TLC5916INE4 omits short-circuit detection but matches all other electrical and timing specs - making it a drop-in alternative where that feature is unnecessary. MAX7219CWG+ offers higher integration for numeric displays but lacks per-channel fault diagnostics and requires different layout and firmware architecture.
Availability
TLC5917INE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video billboards, industrial control panels, gaming machine lighting, and white goods status displays requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5917INE4 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 connectivity technologies, with decades of leadership in precision power and signal chain solutions.
The TLC591x product line was designed specifically for high-reliability LED current control in commercial and industrial displays - emphasizing fault resilience, thermal robustness, and scalable daisy-chain architecture.
FAQ
What is the key functional difference between TLC5917INE4 and TLC5916INE4?
The TLC5917INE4 includes short-circuit detection on all eight output channels - a feature absent in TLC5916INE4. Both share identical pinout, current range (3–120 mA), open-load/overtemperature detection, and 30 MHz clock capability. This makes TLC5917INE4 uniquely suited for applications where LED string shorts pose reliability risks, such as outdoor video panels exposed to moisture or vibration.
How does the R-EXT resistor set output current in TLC5917INE4?
In TLC5917INE4, the R-EXT resistor (connected between Pin 15 and GND) sets the reference current for all eight output channels. For example, a 720 Ω resistor yields ~26 mA per channel at 25°C; a 360 Ω resistor yields ~52 mA. The relationship is inverse and linear per TI's IOUT = (1.26 V / R-EXT) × CG, where CG is the 256-step global gain factor. This eliminates per-channel trimming components.
Can TLC5917INE4 drive multiple LEDs in series on a single channel?
No - TLC5917INE4 is a constant-current *sink* driver with a maximum output voltage of 20 V. It can drive multiple LEDs *in parallel* on one channel (to increase total current), or a single string of LEDs whose combined forward voltage stays ≤20 V. Driving series LEDs requires a high-side or boost-based solution; TLC5917INE4 assumes the anodes are supplied by an external rail ≤20 V above its OUTx pins.
How is error status read from TLC5917INE4 during operation?
Error status (open-load, short-circuit, or overtemperature) is read by entering Special Mode: apply a one-clock-width pulse to OE(ED2), then use LE(ED1) to select error-read function. Subsequent CLK pulses shift out an 8-bit error code via SDO - one bit per channel - allowing the host controller to identify exactly which outputs have faults without interrupting normal LED driving.
Does TLC5917INE4 require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on control pins?
No - TLC5917INE4 integrates internal pull-up on OE(ED2) and internal pulldown on LE(ED1), eliminating need for external biasing. This simplifies PCB layout and reduces BOM count. However, Schmitt-trigger inputs on CLK, SDI, LE(ED1), and OE(ED2) ensure noise immunity even with slow-rising signals or long traces in industrial environments.
TLC5917INE4 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:
- 0.5V ~ 20V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 120mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Lighting, Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-PDIP
TLC5917INE4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5917INE4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5917INE4 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 TLC5917INE4 reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5917INE4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5917INE4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5917INE4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5917INE4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5917INE4?
TLC5917INE4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5917INE4 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 TLC5917INE4?
For technical support, including TLC5917INE4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5917INE4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5917INE4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5917INE4 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 TLC5917INE4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5917INE4?
All TLC5917INE4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5917INE4, 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 TLC5917INE4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5917INE4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TLC5917INE4 Tags
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BCR402RE6327HTSA1
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BCR420UE6433HTMA1
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CL2N8-G
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BCR420UW6-7
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BCR420UFD-7
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BCR421UFD-7
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