Texas Instruments TLC5921DAPG4
- Part No.:
- TLC5921DAPG4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 32-PowerTSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5921DAPG4.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 80MA 32HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TLC5921DAPG4 from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel constant-current LED sink driver with integrated shift register, latch, thermal shutdown (TSD), and LED open detection (LOD). It delivers up to 80 mA per channel with ±4% max current matching, supports 20 MHz serial data transfer, operates from 4.5 V to 5.5 V, and targets high-density LED signage and industrial panel displays.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5921DAPG4 datasheet, TLC5921DAPG4 pinout, TLC5921DAPG4 application, or TLC5921DAPG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-bit serial-in/serial-out daisy-chain capability, IREF-based current programming, open-collector XDOWN fault reporting, and HTSSOP-32 PowerPAD thermal package for sustained 80 mA/channel operation.
Technical Context
The TLC5921DAPG4 integrates a 16-bit shift register and parallel latch to decouple data loading from output update via XLAT control. Its constant-current drivers use an external IREF resistor to set all 16 outputs simultaneously, with current accuracy maintained across temperature (–20°C to 85°C) and supply voltage (4.5–5.5 V).
LOD monitors each OUTn terminal for <0.3 V during active drive to detect LED disconnection, while TSD disables all outputs when junction temperature exceeds 150–170°C. XDOWN serves as a shared open-collector fault indicator for both conditions, requiring BLANK-level arbitration to distinguish LOD from TSD events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output channels | 16 independent constant-current sinks (OUT0–OUT15) |
| Max output current | 80 mA per channel - supports high-brightness LEDs without external current-setting resistors per channel |
| Current accuracy | ±4% max mismatch between channels - ensures uniform LED brightness in multi-channel arrays |
| Data rate | 20 MHz max SCLK - enables fast refresh of large LED matrices (e.g., 16×N panels) |
| Supply voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard 5 V logic and industrial power rails |
| Max output voltage | 17 V - drives strings of up to ~5 white LEDs (3.2 V each) in series |
| Thermal shutdown | 150–170°C junction threshold - protects against overtemperature failure during sustained 80 mA/channel operation |
| LED open detection | 0.3 V threshold per OUTn - identifies individual LED opens without external sensing circuitry |
Pinout & Package
Package: HTSSOP-32 (DAP) with exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD™); 8.1 mm × 11.0 mm footprint, 1.2 mm max height, 0.65 mm pitch. Thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal management and noise reduction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Primary digital ground; connects internally to PGND pins |
| BLANK (Pin 2) | Global output enable | Active-high blanking - forces all 16 outputs OFF regardless of latch state |
| XLAT (Pin 3) | Latch clock | Level-sensitive latch - transfers shift register contents to output latch on high level |
| SCLK (Pin 4) | Serial clock input | Rising-edge synchronized data shift; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity |
| SIN (Pin 5) | Serial data input | CMOS-level 1-bit input feeding MSB of 16-bit shift register |
| PGND (Pins 6,9,14,19,24,27) | Power ground | Dedicated ground returns for LED current paths; reduces ground bounce |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 7,8,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,23,25,26) | Constant-current outputs | 16 open-drain sink terminals; each delivers programmable current (1–80 mA) |
| VCC (Pin 32) | Power supply | 4.5–5.5 V supply for logic and driver circuitry |
| IREF (Pin 31) | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to GND to set all 16 output currents (IOUT = 38 × IREF) |
| SOMODE (Pin 30) | Serial output timing select | Configures SOUT edge alignment: low = rising-edge sync, high = falling-edge sync |
| XDOWN (Pin 29) | Fault output | Open-collector output pulled low on TSD or LOD event; supports wired-OR fault bus |
| SOUT (Pin 28) | Serial data output | 1-bit daisy-chain output; synchronized to SCLK per SOMODE setting |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-bit serial interface with daisy-chain support | Enables scalable LED matrix control using single MCU GPIO - no parallel bus required |
| Single-resistor current programming (IREF) | Eliminates 16 individual current-setting resistors - reduces BOM count and layout area |
| Integrated LED open detection (LOD) | Identifies failed LEDs at system level without external comparators or ADCs |
| Thermal shutdown with automatic recovery | Prevents damage during overload or poor heatsinking; requires power cycle to resume |
| PowerPAD™ thermal package (HTSSOP-32) | Supports 3.9 W dissipation at 25°C ambient - sustains full 80 mA/channel operation |
| CMOS-compatible I/O with Schmitt-trigger inputs | Robust noise immunity in electrically noisy industrial environments |
Applications
| LED Signage | Industrial HMI Panels |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor full-color LED video walls with pixel pitch ≤10 mm requiring uniform brightness across thousands of LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver controlling red/green/blue subpixels per module; synchronized via daisy-chained SCLK/SIN. Use Value: ±4% current matching ensures consistent color balance; 80 mA per channel drives high-efficiency LEDs at peak luminance. | Use Scenario: Factory-floor operator interfaces with status indicators, warning lights, and segmented displays subject to vibration and EMI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with LOD and TSD monitoring - reports failures via XDOWN to PLC controller. Use Value: Eliminates manual LED inspection; XDOWN wired-OR allows centralized fault detection across multiple TLC5921DAPG4 devices. |
| Automated Test Equipment | Medical Device Indicators |
Use Scenario: PCB test fixtures with dense LED arrays indicating pass/fail status for 100+ test points. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed serial-driven LED controller updating all indicators in <50 µs via 20 MHz SCLK. Use Value: Fast refresh enables real-time feedback during automated testing cycles; BLANK pin allows global reset without retransmitting data. | Use Scenario: Patient monitor front panels requiring certified reliability, low EMI, and visual status confirmation under strict EMC standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-critical LED driver with thermal protection and open-load detection to prevent false status indications. Use Value: TSD prevents overheating in sealed enclosures; LOD ensures "off" state is verifiable - critical for alarm integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5940RHBR | 16-channel, but adds dot-correction (6-bit per channel) and grayscale PWM (12-bit); requires external VREF and more complex initialization. | Better suited for high-fidelity grayscale displays; not drop-in due to different register map and timing. | Select TLC5921DAPG4 for cost-sensitive, binary-on/off LED arrays where uniform current matters more than grayscale precision. |
| STP16CP05PTR | 16-channel constant-current driver with similar 80 mA rating, but lacks LOD and uses SPI instead of serial-shift architecture. | No built-in open-detection; requires external fault monitoring; SPI interface needs more MCU pins or dedicated controller. | Choose TLC5921DAPG4 when daisy-chain scalability and autonomous fault reporting are required in space-constrained designs. |
Compared with TLC5940RHBR and STP16CP05PTR, the TLC5921DAPG4 offers the simplest serial interface for binary LED control, integrated fault detection without external components, and proven thermal performance in HTSSOP-32 - making it optimal for industrial signage and status-indicator systems where reliability and layout efficiency are prioritized over grayscale fidelity.
Availability
TLC5921DAPG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signage, industrial HMI panels, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for TLC5921DAPG4 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The TLC5921 product line was designed specifically for high-reliability, high-density LED array control in industrial and commercial signage - emphasizing thermal robustness, fault diagnostics, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current per channel for the TLC5921DAPG4?
The TLC5921DAPG4 supports up to 80 mA per output channel (OUT0–OUT15) under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, TA ≤ 85°C). This rating assumes proper PCB thermal design with the exposed PowerPAD™ soldered to a ground plane. Exceeding 80 mA risks triggering thermal shutdown or violating absolute maximum ratings.
How does the IREF pin set output current on the TLC5921DAPG4?
The TLC5921DAPG4 uses an external resistor between IREF (Pin 31) and GND to set all 16 output currents simultaneously. The relationship is IOUT = 38 × IREF, where IREF is the current through the external resistor. For example, a 1.3 V reference across a 640 Ω resistor yields ~2.03 mA IREF, resulting in ~77 mA per channel - within the specified 1–80 mA range.
Can the TLC5921DAPG4 be used in daisy-chain configurations?
Yes, the TLC5921DAPG4 supports daisy-chaining via its serial-in (SIN) and serial-out (SOUT) pins. Data propagates bit-by-bit through cascaded devices using a common SCLK signal. The SOMODE pin selects whether SOUT updates on the rising or falling edge of SCLK - enabling reliable chaining even with signal buffering delays.
What triggers the XDOWN pin on the TLC5921DAPG4, and how is it used?
XDOWN (Pin 29) is an open-collector fault output that goes low during either thermal shutdown (TSD) or LED open detection (LOD). To distinguish between causes, assert BLANK high: if XDOWN returns high, LOD occurred; if XDOWN remains low, TSD is active. Multiple TLC5921DAPG4 devices can share a single XDOWN bus via wired-OR connection.
Is the TLC5921DAPG4 compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers?
The TLC5921DAPG4's digital inputs (SIN, SCLK, XLAT, BLANK, SOMODE) accept CMOS-level signals and are specified for VIH ≥ 0.8 × VCC and VIL ≤ 0.2 × VCC. Since VCC must be 4.5–5.5 V, direct 3.3 V logic interfacing is not guaranteed. Level-shifting (e.g., TXB0104) or using a 5 V-tolerant MCU GPIO is required for reliable operation.
TLC5921DAPG4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-PowerTSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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
TLC5921DAPG4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5921DAPG4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5921DAPG4 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 TLC5921DAPG4 reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5921DAPG4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5921DAPG4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5921DAPG4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5921DAPG4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5921DAPG4?
TLC5921DAPG4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5921DAPG4 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 TLC5921DAPG4?
For technical support, including TLC5921DAPG4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5921DAPG4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5921DAPG4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5921DAPG4 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 TLC5921DAPG4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5921DAPG4?
All TLC5921DAPG4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5921DAPG4, 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 TLC5921DAPG4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5921DAPG4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TLC5921DAPG4 Tags

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