Texas Instruments TLC5921DAP
- Part No.:
- TLC5921DAP
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 32-PowerTSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5921DAP.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 80MA 32HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:568
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Product details
Overview
TLC5921DAP from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel constant-current LED sink driver in HTSSOP-32 (DAP) package, delivering up to 80 mA per channel with ±4% max current matching across outputs, integrated thermal shutdown (TSD) and LED open detection (LOD), used in industrial signage, LED matrix displays, and programmable lighting systems.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5921DAP datasheet, TLC5921DAP pinout, TLC5921DAP application, or TLC5921DAP equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20 MHz serial data rate, IREF-based current setting (1–80 mA), 17 V max output voltage, open-collector XDOWN error reporting, and thermal pad–enabled power dissipation of 3.9 W at 25°C.
Technical Context
The TLC5921DAP integrates a 16-bit shift register and latch with synchronous serial interface (SIN/SOUT), level-sensitive XLAT control, and configurable SOUT timing via SOMODE pin. It operates as a current-sink driver where each OUT0–OUT15 channel delivers precisely set constant current determined by an external resistor on IREF.
It implements two fault-detection functions: LOD monitors individual output terminals for <0.3 V under ON condition to detect LED disconnection, while TSD disables all outputs when junction temperature exceeds 150–170°C. Both assert low on open-collector XDOWN, requiring BLANK manipulation to distinguish fault sources.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 16 independent constant-current sinks (OUT0–OUT15) |
| Max Output Current | 80 mA per channel, set externally via IREF–GND resistor |
| Current Accuracy | ±4% max mismatch between channels (all bits on) |
| Data Rate | 20 MHz max SCLK frequency for single-device operation |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard 5 V logic and LED supply rails |
| Max Output Voltage | 17 V - supports high-Vf LED strings or multiplexed displays |
| Operating Temp | –20°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial ambient environments |
| Thermal Dissipation | 3.9 W at TA = 25°C, derated linearly at 31.4 mW/°C above 25°C |
Pinout & Package
Package: 32-pin HTSSOP (DAP) with exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD™), 0.65 mm pitch, 8.1 × 11.0 mm footprint, 1.2 mm max height. Thermal pad must be soldered to GND plane for thermal and noise performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Primary digital ground; internal connection point for all logic and shift register circuitry |
| BLANK (Pin 2) | Global output enable | Active-high blanking: forces all 16 outputs OFF regardless of latch state |
| XLAT (Pin 3) | Latch control | Level-sensitive input: transfers shift register contents to output latch on high level |
| SCLK (Pin 4) | Serial clock input | Rising-edge–triggered clock for SIN data sampling and shift register advancement |
| SIN (Pin 5) | Serial data input | CMOS-level 1-bit serial input synchronized to SCLK rising edge |
| PGND (Pins 6,9,14,19,24,27) | Power ground | Dedicated low-impedance ground return paths for LED current sinks; internally tied to GND |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 7,8,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,23,25,26) | Constant-current outputs | 16 independent current-sink terminals; each delivers programmed current when enabled |
| VCC (Pin 32) | Power supply | 4.5–5.5 V supply for logic and driver circuitry; decoupling required near pin |
| IREF (Pin 31) | Current reference input | Connect external resistor to GND to set output current: IOUT ≈ 38 × IIREF |
| SOMODE (Pin 30) | SOUT timing select | Configures SOUT edge alignment: low = rising-edge sync, high = falling-edge sync |
| XDOWN (Pin 29) | Error output | Open-collector output asserted low on TSD or LOD fault; requires external pullup |
| SOUT (Pin 28) | Serial data output | CMOS-level 1-bit cascaded output; timing selectable via SOMODE |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LED open detection (LOD) | Monitors each OUTn individually for <0.3 V during ON state; reports via XDOWN |
| Thermal shutdown (TSD) | Disables all outputs when junction temperature exceeds 150–170°C; recovers only after power cycle |
| Configurable SOUT timing | SOMODE pin selects rising- or falling-edge synchronization to avoid data skew in daisy-chained systems |
| Noise-reduced output switching | ~150 ns turn-on / ~250 ns turn-off at 80 mA minimizes simultaneous switching noise |
| High-voltage output capability | 17 V max output voltage enables driving multi-LED strings without external boost circuitry |
| Thermal pad (PowerPAD™) | Exposed copper pad on package bottom improves thermal resistance and EMI grounding when soldered to PCB GND |
Applications
| Industrial LED Signage | Automotive Interior Lighting |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving segmented alphanumeric displays and dot-matrix panels in factory HMIs and control cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver managing 16 independent LED segments with precise brightness control and fault monitoring. Use Value: ±4% current matching ensures uniform segment luminance; LOD detects failed LEDs before panel malfunction escalates. |
Use Scenario: Controlling backlighting and status indicators in instrument clusters and center consoles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serially configured LED driver enabling compact layout and dynamic dimming via microcontroller SPI interface. Use Value: 20 MHz data rate allows rapid refresh of multiple zones; thermal shutdown prevents overheating in enclosed enclosures. |
| Programmable Architectural Lighting | Test & Measurement Equipment Displays |
|
Use Scenario: Powering addressable LED strips and accent lighting modules in commercial buildings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cascadable current sink node in distributed lighting networks using daisy-chained SOUT/SIN topology. Use Value: SOMODE-selectable SOUT timing eliminates clock skew across long chains; 17 V output supports longer LED strings per channel. |
Use Scenario: Driving front-panel status LEDs and measurement readout indicators in benchtop instruments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-aware LED driver providing visual feedback with built-in diagnostics for field serviceability. Use Value: XDOWN pin enables centralized fault logging; BLANK pin allows synchronized display blanking during self-test sequences. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5940PWPR | 16-channel, but uses PWM grayscale control (12-bit) instead of constant-current analog setting; no LOD/TSD; 25 MHz max clock | Better suited for high-resolution dimming; lacks fault detection and thermal protection | Select when precise grayscale intensity matters more than LED health monitoring or thermal safety |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-digit/64-LED driver with internal scan controller and SPI interface; fixed 40 mA per segment; includes BCD decode and brightness control | Targeted at numeric displays; not configurable for arbitrary LED arrays or current tuning | Choose for simple 7-segment or 8×8 matrix use cases where integrated decoding reduces MCU overhead |
Compared with TLC5921DAP, TLC5940PWPR offers higher resolution dimming but no fault reporting, while MAX7219CWG+ simplifies numeric display design but lacks programmable current and diagnostic features essential for reliability-critical LED systems.
Availability
TLC5921DAP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial signage, automotive interior lighting, and programmable architectural lighting requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5921DAP 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 experience in high-reliability industrial and automotive ICs.
The TLC5921DAP belongs to TI's LED driver product line designed specifically for robust, fault-aware constant-current control in demanding display and illumination applications - emphasizing thermal resilience, LED health monitoring, and noise-immune serial interfacing.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current per channel for the TLC5921DAP?
The TLC5921DAP supports up to 80 mA per output channel (OUT0–OUT15) under recommended operating conditions. This value is set by an external resistor connected between IREF and GND, with typical accuracy of ±1% (typ) and ±4% (max) mismatch across all 16 channels when fully enabled. Absolute maximum rating is 90 mA, but sustained operation above 80 mA is not recommended.
How does the LED open detection (LOD) function work on the TLC5921DAP?
The TLC5921DAP's LOD function monitors each output terminal (OUT0–OUT15) individually: when a channel is enabled (latch = 1 and BLANK = low), if the voltage at that OUTn pin falls below ~0.3 V, the device asserts XDOWN low to indicate LED disconnection. To isolate the faulty channel, software must sequentially enable one output at a time and check XDOWN status - a process requiring ≥1 µs per test pulse.
Can the TLC5921DAP be used in cascaded configurations, and how is timing managed?
Yes, the TLC5921DAP supports daisy-chained operation via SIN → SOUT connections. Its SOMODE pin selects SOUT edge alignment: low configures rising-edge synchronization (20 MHz max), while high uses falling-edge sync (15 MHz max in cascade). This flexibility prevents data skew when multiple TLC5921DAP devices share a common SCLK, especially with buffered clock distribution.
What is the role of the thermal pad on the TLC5921DAP package, and how should it be connected?
The exposed thermal pad on the TLC5921DAP (HTSSOP-DAP) serves dual purposes: thermal dissipation and noise reduction. It must be soldered directly to a PCB GND plane using multiple thermal vias. Doing so achieves the rated 3.9 W power dissipation at 25°C and lowers EMI by providing a low-impedance path for high-frequency return currents from the 16 output drivers.
How does thermal shutdown (TSD) behave on the TLC5921DAP, and what is required for recovery?
When the TLC5921DAP junction temperature exceeds 150–170°C, TSD activates and forces all 16 outputs OFF while pulling XDOWN low. Recovery is not automatic: the device remains latched in shutdown until power is cycled - VCC must be removed and reapplied after several seconds. This hard reset prevents premature re-enabling before thermal stabilization.
TLC5921DAP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-PowerTSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Shift Register
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 16
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 17V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 80mA
- Frequency:
- 20MHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-HTSSOP
TLC5921DAP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5921DAP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5921DAP 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 TLC5921DAP reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5921DAP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5921DAP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5921DAP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5921DAP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5921DAP?
TLC5921DAP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5921DAP 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 TLC5921DAP?
For technical support, including TLC5921DAP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5921DAP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5921DAP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5921DAP 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 TLC5921DAP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5921DAP?
All TLC5921DAP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5921DAP, 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 TLC5921DAP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5921DAP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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