Texas Instruments TLC5921DAPR
- Part No.:
- TLC5921DAPR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 32-PowerTSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5921DAPR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 80MA 32HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TLC5921DAPR 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-reliability LED signage and industrial panel displays.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5921DAPR datasheet, TLC5921DAPR pinout, TLC5921DAPR application, or TLC5921DAPR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-bit serial interface timing control (SOMODE-selectable SOUT edge), IREF-based current programming, open-collector XDOWN fault reporting, and HTSSOP-32 PowerPAD thermal management for sustained 80 mA/channel operation.
Technical Context
The TLC5921DAPR integrates a 16-bit serial-in/serial-out shift register with level-sensitive XLAT latch, enabling cascaded daisy-chain configuration. Its constant-current drivers use external IREF resistor programming with 38× current gain, supporting precise per-channel current setting across all 16 outputs.
LOD detects LED disconnection by monitoring OUTn voltage drop below 0.3 V during active drive; TSD disables all outputs when junction temperature exceeds 150–170°C. XDOWN provides open-collector fault signaling for both conditions, allowing wired-OR fault bus implementation in multi-driver systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 16 independent constant-current sinks (OUT0–OUT15) |
| Max Sink Current | 80 mA per channel - supports high-brightness LEDs without external current-limiting resistors |
| Current Accuracy | ±4% max mismatch between channels - ensures uniform LED brightness across display segments |
| Data Rate | 20 MHz max SCLK - enables fast refresh of large LED arrays (e.g., 16×16 matrix in <1.3 ms) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard 5 V logic and industrial power rails |
| Max Output Voltage | 17 V - allows driving series-connected LED strings up to ~5 white LEDs (3.2 V each) |
| Operating Temp | –20°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial indoor/outdoor signage and control panels |
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 and noise performance.
| 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 instantly for PWM dimming or safety shutdown |
| XLAT (Pin 3) | Latch control | Level-sensitive latch - transfers shift register data to output latches on HIGH; data stable during LOW |
| SCLK (Pin 4) | Serial clock input | Rising-edge synchronized data shift; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity |
| SIN (Pin 5) | Serial data input | CMOS-level input accepting 1-bit serial stream for 16-bit shift register |
| PGND (Pins 6,9,14,19,24,27) | Power ground | Dedicated low-impedance return path for LED current; 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 sink terminals; each drives LED cathode with programmable 1–80 mA |
| 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 × IREF) |
| SOMODE (Pin 30) | SOUT timing select | LOW = SOUT updates on SCLK rising edge; HIGH = updates on falling edge - prevents timing errors in buffered cascades |
| XDOWN (Pin 29) | Fault output | Open-collector output pulled LOW during TSD or LOD event; supports wired-OR fault bus |
| SOUT (Pin 28) | Serial data output | CMOS-level output for daisy-chaining multiple TLC5921DAPR devices |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LOD detection | Monitors each OUTn voltage during drive; asserts XDOWN if <0.3 V - eliminates need for external open-wire sensing circuitry |
| Thermal shutdown (TSD) | Disables all outputs and pulls XDOWN LOW when junction temp exceeds 150–170°C - prevents thermal runaway in enclosed fixtures |
| Programmable current via IREF | Single external resistor sets identical current for all 16 channels (1–80 mA range) - simplifies BOM and calibration |
| SOMODE-configurable SOUT timing | Selects SCLK edge (rising/falling) for SOUT data valid window - enables robust cascading even with clock buffer delays |
| PowerPAD™ thermal package | Exposed copper thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane - achieves 3.9 W total dissipation at 25°C ambient |
Applications
| LED Signage Control | Industrial Panel Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving segmented alphanumeric characters and status indicators on outdoor advertising signs requiring consistent brightness and long-term reliability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver managing 16 parallel LED segments per device; BLANK pin used for global PWM dimming at 1–2 kHz. Use Value: ±4% current matching ensures uniform segment luminance; LOD detects broken LED traces before field failure; TSD protects against enclosure overheating. | Use Scenario: Backlighting and indicator LEDs on factory HMIs, PLC operator panels, and test equipment where EMI resilience and fault visibility are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serially controlled LED driver interfacing with microcontroller SPI port; XDOWN wired-OR'd across multiple drivers for centralized fault reporting. Use Value: 20 MHz SCLK supports rapid UI updates; open-collector XDOWN enables single interrupt line for 8+ drivers; HTSSOP-32 fits dense industrial PCB layouts. |
| Automated Test Equipment | Architectural Lighting Controllers |
Use Scenario: Driving status LEDs and test-point indicators in ATE racks where precise current control and real-time fault feedback improve diagnostic accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shift-register-based LED controller receiving commands over isolated UART-to-SPI bridge; SOMODE set to HIGH to tolerate clock skew in backplane routing. Use Value: IREF programming allows calibrated current per LED type (red/green/blue); XDOWN pulse duration confirms LOD vs TSD via BLANK strobe sequence. | Use Scenario: Controlling addressable LED strips and accent lighting in commercial buildings using centralized DMX-to-serial conversion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cascaded LED driver node in distributed lighting system; SOUT of upstream device feeds SIN of downstream for 128+ channel expansion. Use Value: 17 V max output voltage supports longer LED strings (e.g., 5× white LEDs); PowerPAD™ enables convection-cooled mounting on metal chassis. |
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, 12-bit PWM + 6-bit current control; no LOD/TSD; requires external Vref; 28-pin QFN | Superior grayscale depth (4096 levels) but lacks fault detection; suited for video-grade displays, not safety-critical signage | Choose TLC5940RHBR only when high-resolution PWM dimming outweighs need for open-circuit protection and thermal safety. |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-digit/64-LED multiplexed driver; internal scan controller; 24-pin SOIC; no current programming via resistor | Integrated multiplexing reduces MCU overhead but limits per-segment current to 40 mA; no LOD/TSD; fixed 5.5 V max output | Choose MAX7219CWG+ for simple 7-segment displays where cost and integration trump channel count and fault diagnostics. |
Compared with TLC5921DAPR, TLC5940RHBR offers finer intensity control but requires more complex calibration and external fault monitoring, while MAX7219CWG+ simplifies design for numeric displays but sacrifices per-channel current capability and failsafe features essential for industrial LED arrays.
Availability
TLC5921DAPR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signage control, industrial panel displays, automated test equipment, and architectural lighting controllers requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5921DAPR 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 ICs, with decades of expertise in high-reliability industrial and automotive solutions.
The TLC5921 product line delivers robust, thermally managed constant-current LED drivers for applications demanding fault visibility, uniform brightness, and cascade scalability - designed specifically for industrial signage and control panel markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current per channel for the TLC5921DAPR?
The TLC5921DAPR supports up to 80 mA continuous sink current per output channel (OUT0–OUT15) under recommended operating conditions (VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, TA ≤ 85°C, proper thermal pad soldering). Absolute maximum rating is 90 mA, but sustained operation above 80 mA risks exceeding thermal limits and triggering TSD.
How does the IREF pin set output current on the TLC5921DAPR?
The TLC5921DAPR uses an external resistor between IREF (Pin 31) and GND to set output current: IOUT = 38 × IREF. For example, a 640 Ω resistor yields ~1.3 V at IREF and ~80 mA per channel. The device's internal reference ensures this ratio holds across temperature and supply variations, enabling precise, matched current across all 16 outputs.
What is the function of the XDOWN pin on the TLC5921DAPR?
The XDOWN pin on the TLC5921DAPR is an open-collector fault output that goes LOW during either thermal shutdown (TSD) or LED open detection (LOD). It supports wired-OR connection across multiple TLC5921DAPR devices, allowing a single microcontroller interrupt to detect faults anywhere in a daisy-chained LED driver array without additional sensing components.
Can the TLC5921DAPR be used in cascaded configurations, and how is timing managed?
Yes, the TLC5921DAPR supports cascading via SIN/SOUT daisy-chaining. Timing is managed using the SOMODE pin: when LOW, SOUT updates on the SCLK rising edge (20 MHz max); when HIGH, it updates on the falling edge (15 MHz max). This flexibility accommodates clock buffer delays in multi-device chains while maintaining data integrity across the entire cascade.
What thermal management is required for reliable operation of the TLC5921DAPR at full load?
Reliable full-load operation of the TLC5921DAPR (16 × 80 mA) requires soldering the exposed PowerPAD™ thermal pad (package bottom) directly to a large PCB copper area connected to GND. At TA = 25°C, this enables the rated 3.9 W dissipation; above 25°C, derate linearly at 31.4 mW/°C. Without proper thermal pad connection, junction temperature rise will trigger TSD well below rated current.
TLC5921DAPR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-PowerTSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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
TLC5921DAPR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5921DAPR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5921DAPR 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 TLC5921DAPR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5921DAPR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5921DAPR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5921DAPR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5921DAPR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5921DAPR?
TLC5921DAPR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5921DAPR 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 TLC5921DAPR?
For technical support, including TLC5921DAPR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5921DAPR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5921DAPR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5921DAPR 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 TLC5921DAPR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5921DAPR?
All TLC5921DAPR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5921DAPR, 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 TLC5921DAPR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5921DAPR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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