Texas Instruments TLC59213AIN

Overview

TLC59213AIN from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit parallel-input Darlington source driver IC with latch, designed for high-current LED, relay, and solenoid driving in industrial and printer applications. It delivers up to –500 mA per channel, features TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs (CLK, CLR, D1–D8), and operates from 4.5 V to 13.2 V supply voltage.

For engineers reviewing the TLC59213AIN datasheet, TLC59213AIN pinout, TLC59213AIN application, or TLC59213AIN equivalent, key selection considerations include output saturation voltage (VCE(sus) = 13.2 V), Darlington clamp diode integration, 1 MHz max clock frequency, and PDIP-20 package thermal and layout constraints.

Technical Context

The TLC59213AIN implements eight independent positive-edge-triggered D-type flip-flops, each controlling a Darlington transistor output stage with collector tied to VCC and emitter connected to load. Input data (D1–D8) is latched on CLK rising edge; CLR asynchronously forces all outputs OFF regardless of CLK state.

Each output includes an integrated clamp diode to ground for inductive load switching protection. The device supports simultaneous conduction of multiple channels, with maximum output current dependent on duty cycle and number of active outputs - e.g., 350 mA per channel at ≤10% duty cycle with all 8 outputs active in PDIP package at TA = 85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PDIP-20 (N package), body size 24.33 mm × 6.35 mm, through-hole mounting, RoHS-compliant NIPDAU lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Darlington source driver applications.

Compared with TLC59213AIN, TLC59213IN offers identical functionality in the same PDIP-20 package but lacks the enhanced hold time spec; TLC59213AIPWR trades through-hole reliability for smaller footprint and improved timing, requiring layout adaptation but enabling higher board density.

Availability

TLC59213AIN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial printer subsystems, LED signage controllers, and relay-based automation equipment requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for TLC59213AIN 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and digital signal processing technologies, with decades of leadership in industrial and automotive IC design.

The TLC59213 series belongs to TI's high-current driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, high-reliability switching of LEDs, relays, and solenoids in demanding electromechanical systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel for TLC59213AIN at 85°C?

The TLC59213AIN supports up to –350 mA per channel when all eight outputs are active simultaneously at ≤10% duty cycle and TA = 85°C, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This value decreases with increasing duty cycle or number of concurrently active channels due to thermal limitations in the PDIP-20 package.

Does TLC59213AIN include internal protection diodes for inductive loads?

Yes, the TLC59213AIN integrates a clamp diode between each output (Y1–Y8) and ground. This eliminates the need for external flyback diodes when driving relays, solenoids, or other inductive loads, simplifying circuit design and improving reliability during turn-off transients.

Can TLC59213AIN be directly interfaced with a 3.3 V microcontroller?

No - the TLC59213AIN inputs require VIH ≥ 2.0 V and VIL ≤ 0.8 V, but its minimum VCC is 4.5 V, and it is not 3.3 V tolerant. A level-shifter or buffer is required to interface with 3.3 V MCUs; however, it works natively with 5 V logic families like SN74LV594 or standard 5 V microcontrollers.

What is the function of the CLR pin on TLC59213AIN?

The CLR (Clear) pin on TLC59213AIN is an active-low asynchronous input that forces all eight outputs (Y1–Y8) into a high-impedance OFF state immediately, overriding any data present at D1–D8 or CLK activity. This provides deterministic, fail-safe shutdown for safety-critical applications like printer head emergency stop or relay bank isolation.

How does the TLC59213AIN differ from the TLC59213A variant?

The TLC59213AIN corresponds to the standard TLC59213 (non-A) variant, differing from TLC59213A primarily in data hold time (th): TLC59213AIN has th = 25–50 ns, while TLC59213A guarantees th = 15–19 ns under specified conditions. All other electrical, thermal, and functional specifications - including pinout, V_CE(sus), I_OUT, and package - are identical.