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Texas Instruments TLC5940PWP
- Part No.:
- TLC5940PWP
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 28-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5940PWP.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN 120MA 28HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,873
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Product details
Overview
TLC5940PWP from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel constant-current sink LED driver with 12-bit (4096-step) grayscale PWM control, 6-bit dot correction stored in integrated EEPROM, and LED open/thermal error detection. It supports up to 120 mA per channel (VCC > 3.6 V), operates from 3 V to 5.5 V, and drives LEDs with up to 17 V anode supply - used in full-color LED displays and signage requiring precise brightness uniformity.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5940PWP datasheet, TLC5940PWP pinout, TLC5940PWP application, or TLC5940PWP equivalent, key selection criteria include its serial 3-wire interface (SIN/SCLK/XLAT), 30 MHz data rate, thermal error flag (TEF), LED open detection (LOD), and external IREF resistor-based current programming - all critical for high-density LED matrix control.
Technical Context
The TLC5940PWP implements dual-register architecture: a 96-bit grayscale (GS) register controlling 4096-step PWM timing per channel, and a 96-bit dot correction (DC) register applying 64-step per-channel current scaling. Both registers are loaded via a MSB-first serial interface synchronized to SCLK, latched by XLAT, and optionally cascaded using SOUT→SIN.
It integrates hardware-level fault monitoring: LOD detects open-circuit LEDs when OUTn voltage falls below 0.3 V during active drive, while TEF triggers at ~160°C junction temperature. Both assert XERR (open-drain) and can be read back via status bits in the serial shift register after XLAT pulse.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output channels | 16 constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15), each independently controllable |
| Grayscale resolution | 12-bit (4096 steps) PWM per channel - enables smooth brightness gradation in video-rate LED displays |
| Dot correction | 6-bit (64 steps) per-channel current adjustment stored in on-chip EEPROM - corrects LED-to-LED and board-level luminance variance |
| Max output current | 120 mA per channel (at VCC > 3.6 V); set globally by single external IREF resistor - simplifies BOM and layout |
| Supply voltage | VCC = 3 V to 5.5 V; LED anode supply up to 17 V - supports common 3.3 V/5 V logic and high-Vf LED strings |
| Error detection | Dual hardware flags: LED Open Detection (LOD) and Thermal Error Flag (TEF), both reported via open-drain XERR - enables system-level fault isolation without software polling |
| Data interface | 3-wire serial (SIN/SCLK/XLAT); 30 MHz max SCLK; 96-bit or 192-bit frame - compatible with low-pin-count microcontrollers and scalable via daisy-chain |
Pinout & Package
Package: HTSSOP-28 (PWP), 9.70 mm × 4.40 mm, exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD™).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OUT0–OUT15 | Constant-current sink outputs | 16 individually controlled current sinks; each drives LED cathode to GND - supports multiplexed or static LED arrays |
| SIN | Serial data input | MSB-first data entry point for GS/DC registers; accepts 96-bit (GS only) or 192-bit (GS + DC) frames |
| SCLK | Serial clock input | Edge-triggered shift clock (max 30 MHz); rising edge loads SIN bit into internal shift register |
| XLAT | Latch control input | Level-triggered; HIGH transfers shift register contents to GS or DC register (mode selected by VPRG) |
| GSCLK | Grayscale PWM clock | Drives internal 12-bit counter; frequency determines PWM period (e.g., 24 MHz → 170 Hz refresh @ 4096 steps) |
| BLANK | Global output disable | HIGH forces all OUTn OFF and resets GS counter - enables flicker-free blanking and strobe synchronization |
| IREF | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to set full-scale current: IOUT = 31.5 × V(IREF)/R(IREF), where V(IREF) ≈ 1.24 V |
| VPRG | Mode select / EEPROM programming | GND = GS mode; VCC = DC mode; 20–23 V = EEPROM write enable (with DCPRG HIGH) - configures data path and memory access |
| DCPRG | DC register/EEPROM control | HIGH connects DC register to EEPROM for programming; LOW connects to shift register - enables field calibration updates |
| XERR | Open-drain error output | Asserts LOW on LOD or TEF; supports wired-OR of multiple TLC5940PWP devices - reduces system interrupt lines |
| SOUT | Serial data output | Shifts out status bits (LOD/TEF/DC data) after XLAT pulse - enables readback of fault conditions and calibration values |
| GND / VCC | Power terminals | Separate analog/digital ground not required; VCC powers logic and output drivers - simplifies power routing |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Graduated output delay | 20 ns step between consecutive OUTn (0–300 ns total); reduces inrush current and eases bypass capacitor sizing |
| Integrated EEPROM | Nonvolatile storage for 96-bit dot correction data - retains calibration across power cycles without external memory |
| LED open detection | Hardware-level monitoring per channel; asserts XERR when OUTn voltage < 0.3 V during active drive - detects failed LEDs in real time |
| Thermal error flag | Junction temperature threshold ~160°C; triggers XERR and halts output drive - prevents thermal runaway in high-density layouts |
| Controlled in-rush current | Delay circuitry and BLANK-synchronized turn-on minimize peak supply current - avoids brownout in multi-device systems |
Applications
| LED Signage | Full-Color Video Displays |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Outdoor LED billboards with 16×N pixel modules driven by row/column scanning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink for column drivers; provides per-pixel grayscale and dot correction to maintain color fidelity across temperature and aging. Use Value: 4096-step PWM ensures smooth motion rendering; 6-bit dot correction compensates for binning variance across 10,000+ LEDs per display. |
Use Scenario: Indoor rental LED video walls with tight pixel pitch (≤2.5 mm) and high refresh rate requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale controller for RGB subpixels; synchronizes GSCLK and BLANK for flicker-free 3840 Hz subframe rates. Use Value: 30 MHz SCLK and daisy-chain capability support >1 million pixels per controller; thermal flag prevents hot-spot failure during sustained white-field operation. |
| Monochrome Display Backlighting | Industrial Status Panels |
|
Use Scenario: High-brightness LCD backlight using white LED strings with local dimming zones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zone-level current driver; uses dot correction to equalize luminance across 16 independent backlight segments. Use Value: Single IREF resistor sets uniform max current; EEPROM storage allows factory calibration per panel batch - eliminates per-unit trim. |
Use Scenario: Factory HMIs with 16-channel indicator banks (e.g., machine status, safety interlocks, fault codes). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reliable current sink for high-reliability LEDs; leverages LOD to auto-detect burnt-out indicators during startup self-test. Use Value: XERR wired-OR across multiple TLC5940PWP devices reports any open-LED condition on a single MCU interrupt line - reduces firmware complexity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5941PWP | Pin-compatible upgrade with extended 16-bit grayscale (65536 steps), same 6-bit dot correction and EEPROM | Required for ultra-high-dynamic-range displays needing >4096 brightness levels; higher data bandwidth needed | Select TLC5941PWP when 12-bit grayscale causes visible contouring in gradient content; retains identical layout and firmware interface |
| MAX6966AUG+ | 16-channel constant-current driver with I²C interface, no integrated EEPROM, 8-bit grayscale + 6-bit current gain | Better suited for low-pin-count MCU designs with I²C availability; lacks hardware LOD/TEF - requires software polling | Choose MAX6966AUG+ for space-constrained boards where serial interface pins are limited and EEPROM calibration is managed externally |
Compared with TLC5941PWP, the TLC5940PWP offers lower cost and simpler timing for standard-definition signage, while MAX6966AUG+ trades off fault detection robustness for protocol flexibility - making TLC5940PWP optimal for reliability-critical, high-luminance LED systems with serial interface headroom.
Availability
TLC5940PWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signage, full-color video displays, and industrial status panels requiring stable component supply, long-term production continuity, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5940PWP 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 TLC5940PWP belongs to TI's precision LED driver product line, engineered for high-channel-count, high-accuracy LED current control in commercial signage and professional display systems - emphasizing grayscale fidelity, thermal resilience, and system-level fault visibility.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current per channel for the TLC5940PWP?
The TLC5940PWP supports up to 120 mA per channel when VCC exceeds 3.6 V, and up to 60 mA when VCC is below 3.6 V. This maximum current is set globally by a single external resistor connected to the IREF pin, where IOUT = 31.5 × V(IREF)/R(IREF) and V(IREF) ≈ 1.24 V. The TLC5940PWP maintains ±4% channel-to-channel current matching across temperature and supply variations.
How does the TLC5940PWP implement LED open detection (LOD)?
The TLC5940PWP monitors each OUTn pin during active drive and asserts LOD when the output voltage drops below 0.3 V (typical), indicating an open-circuit LED. This condition pulls the open-drain XERR pin LOW and latches the fault bit into the status register upon the next XLAT pulse. The TLC5940PWP does not require external sensing components - LOD is fully hardware-implemented and operates independently of microcontroller intervention.
Can multiple TLC5940PWP devices be connected in series?
Yes, the TLC5940PWP supports daisy-chaining via its SOUT and SIN pins: the SOUT of one device connects to the SIN of the next, enabling cascaded 16-channel expansion without additional MCU pins. Each device shifts its 96-bit or 192-bit frame in sequence, with XLAT latching all registers simultaneously. Up to 16 TLC5940PWP devices can be cascaded for 256-channel control, maintaining full grayscale and dot correction resolution per channel.
What is the role of the VPRG and DCPRG pins on the TLC5940PWP?
VPRG selects operational mode: GND for grayscale (GS) data loading, VCC for dot correction (DC) data loading, or 20–23 V for EEPROM programming. DCPRG enables EEPROM write access when HIGH and VPRG is at programming voltage. Together, they allow in-system calibration updates - for example, writing new dot correction values to EEPROM during factory test or field maintenance - without requiring device replacement or reprogramming tools.
Does the TLC5940PWP include thermal protection?
Yes, the TLC5940PWP integrates a thermal error flag (TEF) that activates when junction temperature exceeds ~160°C. Upon TEF assertion, the XERR pin goes LOW and all OUTn channels are disabled to prevent damage. The TEF status is also readable via the serial interface's status register. This hardware-level protection operates autonomously - no firmware or external sensor is needed - making the TLC5940PWP suitable for enclosed, high-power-density LED driver applications.
TLC5940PWP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Last Time Buy
- 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
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-HTSSOP
TLC5940PWP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5940PWP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5940PWP 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 TLC5940PWP reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5940PWP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5940PWP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5940PWP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5940PWP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5940PWP?
TLC5940PWP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5940PWP 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 TLC5940PWP?
For technical support, including TLC5940PWP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5940PWP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5940PWP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5940PWP 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 TLC5940PWP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5940PWP?
All TLC5940PWP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5940PWP, 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 TLC5940PWP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5940PWP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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