Texas Instruments TLC59401PWP
- Part No.:
- TLC59401PWP
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 28-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC59401PWP.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN 120MA 28HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,151
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Product details
Overview
TLC59401PWP from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel constant-current LED driver IC with integrated 12-bit grayscale PWM control (4096 steps), 6-bit dot correction (64 steps), and LED open detection. It sinks up to 120 mA per channel at VCC > 3.6 V and supports LED power supply voltages up to 17 V. It is used in high-precision full-color LED displays requiring uniform brightness calibration.
For engineers reviewing the TLC59401PWP datasheet, TLC59401PWP pinout, TLC59401PWP application, or TLC59401PWP equivalent, key selection criteria include its 28-pin HTSSOP PowerPAD™ package, serial interface timing (30 MHz SCLK/GSCLK), thermal error flag (TEF), and single-resistor IREF-based current programming.
Technical Context
The TLC59401PWP implements dual-register architecture: 192-bit grayscale (GS) register for PWM brightness control and 96-bit dot correction (DC) register for per-channel current trimming. Grayscale counter operates synchronously with GSCLK, while DC data is latched via XLAT in MODE = VCC configuration.
Its constant-current sink outputs feature graduated 20 ns inter-channel delay (0–300 ns across OUT0–OUT15) to suppress inrush current. Error reporting uses open-drain XERR output for combined LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF), with LOD maskable via BLANK high.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | 16 independent constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15) |
| Grayscale resolution | 12-bit (4096-step) PWM control per channel - enables smooth brightness transitions in video-grade LED displays |
| Dot correction | 6-bit (64-step) per-channel current trim - corrects LED-to-LED and board-level luminance variation |
| Max output current | 120 mA per channel at VCC > 3.6 V - supports high-brightness LEDs without external drivers |
| Output voltage range | –0.3 V to 18 V - accommodates common anode LED strings with up to 17 V forward voltage |
| Data rate | 30 MHz SCLK/GSCLK - enables fast frame updates for dynamic signage and video walls |
| Supply voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard logic-level microcontrollers and industrial 3.3/5 V rails |
Pinout & Package
Package: 28-pin HTSSOP PowerPAD™ (PWP) with exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for enhanced thermal dissipation (θJA = 31.58°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Primary return path for all output currents and internal logic; must be low-impedance connection to thermal pad |
| VCC (Pin 28) | Power supply input | Supplies core logic and internal references; requires local 0.1 µF + 10 µF decoupling near pin |
| IREF (Pin 27) | Current reference terminal | Sets max channel current via external resistor (Imax = 31.5 × VIREF/RIREF, VIREF = 1.24 V) |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 7–22) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each drives one LED cathode; supports parallel connection for higher current per segment |
| BLANK (Pin 2) | Global output enable | High = all outputs forced OFF and GS counter reset; critical for flicker-free frame blanking |
| XLAT (Pin 3) | Data latch control | Level-triggered; rising edge not required - high level transfers shift register to GS/DC register |
| MODE (Pin 6) | Operating mode select | GND = GS mode (192-bit data); VCC = DC mode (96-bit data); must be stable before XLAT assertion |
| SIN (Pin 5), SCLK (Pin 4) | Serial data input | CMOS-compatible; MSB-first; supports daisy-chaining multiple TLC59401PWP devices via SOUT |
| SOUT (Pin 24) | Serial data output | Open-drain; outputs status bits (LOD/TEF) and cascaded data; requires external pull-up |
| XERR (Pin 23) | Error flag output | Open-drain; pulled low on LOD or TEF detection; supports wired-OR of multiple ICs |
| GSCLK (Pin 25) | Grayscale clock input | Drives internal PWM counter; frequency determines grayscale refresh rate (e.g., 11 MHz → ~2.7 kHz frame rate) |
| TEST (Pin 26) | Internal test node | Must be tied to VCC for proper dot correction operation; no user functionality |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Graduated output delay | 20 ns step between adjacent channels (0–300 ns total) - reduces peak inrush current by >70% vs. simultaneous switching |
| Integrated error detection | Dual LOD/TEF reporting via single XERR pin - enables system-level fault monitoring without additional GPIO |
| Single-resistor current setting | RIREF from 0.32 kΩ to 7.68 kΩ sets Imax from 5 mA to 120 mA - eliminates per-channel trimming components |
| Thermal protection | Junction temperature threshold at +150°C to +170°C - prevents damage during sustained high-current operation |
| LED open detection threshold | 0.3 V to 0.4 V at OUTn - reliably identifies open-circuit LEDs even under low-duty-cycle PWM |
Applications
| Monochrome LED Signboards | Full-Color Video Walls |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor alphanumeric message boards using discrete red/green/blue LED modules with varying aging characteristics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver with per-channel dot correction to maintain uniform brightness across 16×N pixel arrays. Use Value: Compensates for LED binning and thermal drift over time, extending display lifetime and reducing maintenance cycles. | Use Scenario: Indoor high-resolution RGB LED panels where grayscale fidelity and color accuracy are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 12-bit PWM grayscale controller synchronized to GSCLK for precise 4096-level intensity control per subpixel. Use Value: Enables true 24-bit color depth (8-bit per channel) without visible contouring or banding in gradient content. |
| Automotive Interior Lighting | Industrial Status Indicators |
Use Scenario: Dashboard backlighting and ambient lighting with strict EMI and thermal constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-regulated LED driver with controlled inrush and thermal shutdown for ASIL-B–compatible systems. Use Value: Eliminates need for external current-limiting resistors and discrete thermal sensors, reducing BOM count and layout area. | Use Scenario: Factory HMIs and control panels requiring long-term reliability under continuous operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with real-time open-LED detection reported via XERR to PLC or MCU. Use Value: Enables predictive maintenance by identifying failed LEDs before complete panel outage, minimizing downtime. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947PWR | 24-channel version in 32-pin TSSOP; identical grayscale/dot correction architecture but higher channel count | Better suited for larger displays requiring >16 outputs per IC; same 30 MHz interface and IREF programming | Select when scaling channel density without changing firmware interface logic |
| MAX7219CNG+ | 8-digit/64-LED multiplexed driver; no dot correction; 7–10 bit intensity control; SPI interface only | Targeted at numeric/segment displays; lacks per-channel current trim and open-LED detection | Choose for cost-sensitive 7-segment or matrix applications where grayscale precision and fault reporting are secondary |
Compared with TLC5947PWR, the TLC59401PWP offers lower channel count but superior thermal management via PowerPAD™ and tighter current matching (±1% typical). Versus MAX7219CNG+, it provides true per-channel analog current control instead of multiplexed digital intensity, enabling higher static brightness and reduced EMI.
Availability
TLC59401PWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signboards, full-color video walls, and automotive interior lighting requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC59401PWP 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 high-reliability ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.
The TLC59401PWP belongs to TI's high-precision LED driver product line, designed specifically for applications demanding uniform luminance, fine-grained grayscale control, and robust fault diagnostics in commercial and industrial signage.
FAQ
What is the maximum safe operating current per channel for TLC59401PWP?
The TLC59401PWP supports up to 120 mA per channel when VCC exceeds 3.6 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and confirmed in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This rating assumes proper thermal management via the PowerPAD™ soldered to a 2-oz copper plane. At VCC ≤ 3.6 V, the limit is 80 mA. Exceeding these values risks thermal shutdown or permanent damage.
How does the TLC59401PWP implement dot correction, and what is its effective range?
The TLC59401PWP implements 6-bit dot correction (DC) with 64 discrete steps (0–63), allowing per-channel current adjustment from 0% to 100% of the maximum set by RIREF. Each output's actual current is calculated as IOUTn = Imax × DCn/63. The TEST pin must be tied to VCC for correct DC circuit operation, and DC data is loaded in 96-bit packets when MODE = VCC.
Can multiple TLC59401PWP ICs be cascaded, and how is data routed between them?
Yes, multiple TLC59401PWP ICs can be cascaded using the SOUT-to-SIN daisy-chain topology. Serial data enters the first device via SIN, propagates through its 192-bit (GS) or 96-bit (DC) shift register, and exits via SOUT to the next device's SIN. The same SCLK and XLAT signals drive all devices, enabling synchronized grayscale or dot correction updates across large LED arrays without additional control lines.
What conditions trigger the XERR output on the TLC59401PWP, and how can they be distinguished?
XERR goes low on either LED Open Detection (LOD) or Thermal Error Flag (TEF) activation. LOD triggers when an output is enabled (BLANK low) and its voltage falls below 0.3–0.4 V, indicating an open LED. TEF activates when junction temperature exceeds +150°C to +170°C. To distinguish them: hold BLANK high to mask LOD - if XERR remains low, TEF is active; if XERR goes high, LOD was the cause.
What is the purpose of the graduated delay between OUT0 and OUT15 outputs on the TLC59401PWP?
The graduated 20 ns delay between consecutive outputs (0 ns for OUT0, 20 ns for OUT1, ..., 300 ns for OUT15) staggers turn-on/turn-off transitions to suppress simultaneous switching noise and reduce peak inrush current. This allows smaller bulk capacitance on the LED supply rail and lowers conducted EMI - critical for meeting CISPR-25 Class 5 requirements in automotive lighting designs using the TLC59401PWP.
TLC59401PWP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Shift Register
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 16
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 17V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 120mA
- Frequency:
- 30MHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Backlight, Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-HTSSOP
TLC59401PWP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC59401PWP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC59401PWP 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 TLC59401PWP reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC59401PWP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC59401PWP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC59401PWP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC59401PWP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC59401PWP?
TLC59401PWP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC59401PWP 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 TLC59401PWP?
For technical support, including TLC59401PWP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC59401PWP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC59401PWP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC59401PWP 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 TLC59401PWP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC59401PWP?
All TLC59401PWP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC59401PWP, 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 TLC59401PWP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC59401PWP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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