Texas Instruments TLC5917IPW
- Part No.:
- TLC5917IPW
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5917IPW.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 120MA 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,461
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Product details
Overview
TLC5917IPW 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 outdoor video panels and industrial LED arrays.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5917IPW datasheet, TLC5917IPW pinout, TLC5917IPW application, or TLC5917IPW equivalent, key selection considerations include its 30-MHz serial interface, R-EXT–based current programming, error-detection register readback via SDO, and compatibility with cascaded LED driver topologies requiring fault visibility and thermal resilience.
Technical Context
The TLC5917IPW integrates an 8-bit shift register, output latches, and eight independent constant-current sinks with programmable global gain (256-step, 1/12 to 127/128). Its dual-mode operation-Normal Mode for data loading and Special Mode for error status readback or current gain configuration-relies on pulse-triggered transitions via OE(ED2) and level-sensitive mode selection via LE(ED1).
Unlike the TLC5916, the TLC5917IPW adds short-circuit detection per channel using dual voltage thresholds (VOUT,TTh = 2.5–3.1 V trigger; VOUT,RTh = 2.2 V return), alongside open-load and overtemperature detection. All error flags are stored in a dedicated 8-bit register accessible only in Special Mode via serial readout on SDO synchronized to CLK.
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 R-EXT resistor |
| Current accuracy | ±3% max between channels; ±6% max between ICs at 25°C |
| Supply voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3-V and 5-V logic systems |
| Max output voltage | 20 V - supports multi-LED strings or high-VF LEDs (e.g., white/blue) |
| Serial clock frequency | Up to 30 MHz - enables fast refresh in high-resolution LED displays |
| Error detection | Open-load, short-load (TLC5917 only), and overtemperature per channel |
| Package | TSSOP-16 (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm) - surface-mount, thermally enhanced |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-16 package (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm), thermally optimized for LED driver applications with exposed pad not electrically connected.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Common return for logic and current-sink paths; must be low-impedance |
| SDI (Pin 2) | Serial data input | Accepts 3.3/5-V CMOS-level data; Schmitt-trigger input for noise immunity |
| CLK (Pin 3) | Serial clock input | Rising-edge triggered; 30-MHz max; controls shift-register timing |
| LE(ED1) (Pin 4) | Latch enable / mode control | Pulldown internal; latches shift register to output latch in Normal Mode; selects Special Mode function |
| OUT0–OUT7 (Pins 5–12) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each drives LED cathode; 20-V max compliance; thermal shutdown per channel |
| VDD (Pin 16) | Power supply | 3.0–5.5 V; powers logic and current-regulator circuitry |
| R-EXT (Pin 15) | Current-setting reference | Connects external resistor to GND; sets all 8 output currents simultaneously |
| SDO (Pin 14) | Serial data output | Drives next device's SDI in cascade; outputs error/status bits in Special Mode |
| OE(ED2) (Pin 13) | Output enable / mode select | Pullup internal; active-low enables outputs; one-clock pulse triggers Special Mode entry |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Per-channel thermal shutdown | Independent trip/restart per output (150–200°C); preserves functionality of unaffected channels |
| Short-circuit detection (TLC5917 only) | Dual-threshold sensing (2.5–3.1 V trigger, 2.2 V return) avoids false positives during transient LED turn-on |
| 256-step global current gain | Runtime-programmable gain (1/12 to 127/128) compensates inter-IC current mismatch for white-balanced displays |
| Cascadable serial interface | SDI/SDO daisy-chain supports unlimited channel expansion without additional MCU GPIOs |
| Open-load detection with status readback | Valid only when channel is enabled; error bit returned in Special Mode via SDO for system-level diagnostics |
Applications
| Outdoor Video Billboards | Industrial Control Panels |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-brightness RGB LED modules operating in wide temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C ambient) with continuous PWM dimming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver providing precise per-pixel current control and real-time open-circuit fault reporting across thousands of cascaded channels. Use Value: Eliminates LED dropout failures via per-channel open-load detection and enables predictive maintenance through serial-read error status codes. |
Use Scenario: Status indicator arrays on factory HMIs with mixed-color LEDs requiring consistent luminance under variable power rail conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-regulated LED driver with 256-step gain tuning to compensate for batch-to-batch LED forward-voltage variation and aging drift. Use Value: Achieves <±5% luminance uniformity across 100+ indicators without per-LED calibration, reducing BOM and assembly cost. |
| Automotive Interior Lighting | Gaming Machine Displays |
Use Scenario: Ambient lighting strips and logo illumination in vehicles where EMI robustness and thermal safety are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-aware LED driver with overtemperature shutdown and short-circuit detection to prevent thermal runaway in enclosed fixtures. Use Value: Meets automotive ASIL-B–aligned functional safety requirements via hardware-enforced per-channel thermal protection and diagnostic coverage. |
Use Scenario: Dynamic scoring displays and animated reels in casino gaming cabinets requiring rapid brightness updates and failure visibility. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed (30-MHz) serial-controlled sink driver enabling sub-millisecond frame updates and real-time LED health monitoring. Use Value: Enables "fail-safe" game operation - if any LED string opens, the controller detects it within one frame and disables affected zones without system reset. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5916IPW | Omits short-circuit detection; identical pinout, current range, and interface | Suitable for cost-sensitive applications where only open-load and thermal faults require monitoring | Select TLC5916IPW when short-circuit detection is unnecessary and BOM cost reduction is prioritized. |
| MAX7219CWG+ | Integrated SPI interface, on-chip decoding, 8×8 matrix support; no R-EXT current setting | Designed for 7-segment/LED matrix displays, not linear LED strings; lacks per-channel fault detection | Choose MAX7219CWG+ for fixed-format alphanumeric displays with minimal MCU overhead, not for general-purpose LED string control. |
Compared with TLC5916IPW, the TLC5917IPW adds short-circuit detection capability without sacrificing speed or accuracy - making it preferable for mission-critical LED systems where wiring faults must be distinguished from open LEDs. Versus MAX7219CWG+, the TLC5917IPW offers superior current precision, higher output voltage headroom, and true per-channel diagnostics essential for custom LED layouts.
Availability
TLC5917IPW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for outdoor signage, industrial HMI, automotive interior lighting, and gaming machine displays requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5917IPW 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 over 50 years of innovation in industrial and automotive electronics.
The TLC591x product line was engineered specifically for high-reliability LED current control in demanding visual applications - emphasizing fault resilience, thermal robustness, and scalable serial architecture for large-format displays.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by the TLC5917IPW?
The TLC5917IPW supports up to 20 V at each OUTx pin, allowing direct drive of multi-LED series strings - including high-forward-voltage white or blue LEDs - without external boost circuitry. This 20-V rating is absolute maximum and applies independently to each output channel under all operating conditions specified in the datasheet.
How does the TLC5917IPW detect short-circuit faults, and is this feature shared with the TLC5916IPW?
The TLC5917IPW detects short-circuit faults by monitoring output voltage against dual thresholds: a trigger threshold of 2.5–3.1 V and a return threshold of 2.2 V. This feature is exclusive to the TLC5917IPW; the TLC5916IPW lacks short-circuit detection entirely and reports only open-load and overtemperature faults.
Can the TLC5917IPW be used in cascaded configurations, and how is error status read from multiple devices?
Yes, the TLC5917IPW supports daisy-chain cascading via SDI-to-SDO connections. In Special Mode, error status bits from all cascaded devices are shifted out sequentially on SDO, starting from the last device in the chain - enabling full-system fault visibility with a single MCU data line and clock signal.
What is the purpose of the R-EXT pin, and how does it affect output current accuracy?
The R-EXT pin connects an external resistor to GND to set the reference current for all eight output channels. Output current scales inversely with R-EXT value (IOUT ≈ 12.5 V / R-EXT). Accuracy depends on resistor tolerance and temperature coefficient; ±0.1% metal-film resistors yield best inter-channel matching, while the IC guarantees ±3% max channel-to-channel deviation at 25°C.
Does the TLC5917IPW require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on control pins?
No external biasing is required: LE(ED1) has an internal pulldown (500 kΩ), and OE(ED2) has an internal pullup (500 kΩ). These ensure defined logic states during power-up and idle periods, simplifying PCB layout and eliminating need for discrete resistors on those pins.
TLC5917IPW Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
TLC5917IPW FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5917IPW through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5917IPW 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 TLC5917IPW reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5917IPW are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5917IPW is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5917IPW?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5917IPW?
TLC5917IPW orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5917IPW 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 TLC5917IPW?
For technical support, including TLC5917IPW datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5917IPW requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5917IPW is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5917IPW 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 TLC5917IPW meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5917IPW?
All TLC5917IPW units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5917IPW, 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 TLC5917IPW part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5917IPW:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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