Texas Instruments TLC5940PWPR
- Part No.:
- TLC5940PWPR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 28-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5940PWPR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN 120MA 28HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TLC5940PWPR from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel constant-current sink LED driver with 12-bit grayscale PWM control (4096 steps), 6-bit dot correction (64 steps), integrated EEPROM for DC data storage, LED open detection (LOD), and thermal error flag (TEF). 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 requiring precise brightness uniformity and fault monitoring.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5940PWPR datasheet, TLC5940PWPR pinout, TLC5940PWPR application, or TLC5940PWPR equivalent, key selection criteria include its serial interface timing (30 MHz SCLK/GSCLK), IREF-based current programming, cascading capability via SOUT→SIN, and dual-error reporting through open-drain XERR - all critical for high-density LED signage and backlighting systems.
Technical Context
The TLC5940PWPR implements two independent 96-bit serial data paths: one for 12-bit grayscale (GS) PWM values and another for 6-bit dot correction (DC) values stored in on-chip EEPROM. GS data controls per-channel ON-time within a 4096-clock cycle; DC data adjusts per-channel current gain to compensate for LED and PCB trace variations.
Its functional architecture includes a 16-channel constant-current sink array with graduated 20-ns inter-channel delay (0–300 ns total), BLANK-synchronized grayscale counter reset, and level-triggered XLAT latch for simultaneous register update. Error status (LOD/TEF) is reported via open-drain XERR and readable through SOUT during status output mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channel count | 16 independent constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15) |
| Grayscale resolution | 12-bit (4096-step) PWM control per channel - enables smooth dimming across 0–100% intensity |
| Dot correction resolution | 6-bit (64-step) per-channel current adjustment - corrects LED-to-LED brightness variance |
| Max output current | 120 mA per channel at VCC > 3.6 V - set by external IREF resistor (e.g., 640 Ω → ~60 mA) |
| Supply voltage range | VCC = 3 V to 5.5 V - compatible with standard logic-level microcontrollers |
| LED anode voltage support | Up to 17 V - allows direct drive of multi-LED strings without external high-side switches |
| Serial interface speed | 30 MHz SCLK and GSCLK - supports fast frame updates for video-rate LED displays |
Pinout & Package
Package: HTSSOP-28 (PWP), body size 9.70 mm × 4.40 mm, exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OUT0–OUT15 | Constant-current sink output | 16 individually controlled current sinks - connect LED cathodes; anodes to up to 17 V supply |
| SIN | Serial data input | MSB-first 96-bit or 192-bit data stream for GS/DC registers - driven by MCU GPIO or SPI |
| SOUT | Serial data output | Shifts out status bits (LOD/TEF flags) or cascades to next TLC5940 - enables daisy-chain configuration |
| SCLK | Serial clock input | Edge-triggered clock (≤30 MHz) - advances SIN data into internal shift register |
| XLAT | Latch control input | Level-triggered signal - transfers shift register contents to GS or DC register on HIGH pulse |
| BLANK | Global output disable | Asynchronous reset: forces all OUTn OFF and resets GS counter - used for flicker-free blanking |
| GSCLK | Grayscale PWM clock | Drives 4096-step counter - frequency determines PWM period (e.g., 1 MHz → 4.096 ms frame) |
| IREF | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to set max channel current - V(IREF) = 1.24 V (±3%) |
| XERR | Open-drain error output | Active-low indicator for LOD or TEF - requires external pull-up; multiple devices can share one line |
| VPRG / DCPRG | Mode and EEPROM control | VPRG selects GS/DC mode; DCPRG enables EEPROM write when VPRG = V(VPRG) (20–23 V) |
| GND / VCC | Power terminals | Separate analog/digital ground not required; VCC powers logic and output drivers (3–5.5 V) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated EEPROM for dot correction | Stores 64-step DC data per channel - eliminates need for external nonvolatile memory and simplifies factory calibration |
| Graduated output delay | 20-ns step between adjacent channels (0–300 ns total) - reduces peak inrush current and eases bypass capacitor sizing |
| LED open detection (LOD) | Detects open-circuit LEDs by monitoring OUTn voltage < 0.3 V during active drive - prevents false brightness errors in signage |
| Thermal error flag (TEF) | Triggers at junction temperature > 150°C - protects against thermal runaway in high-density LED arrays |
| Cascadable serial interface | SOUT-to-SIN daisy-chaining supports arbitrary channel counts - enables scalable display designs without additional controllers |
Applications
| LED Signage Pixel Control | Full-Color Video Wall Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving RGB LED modules in outdoor advertising signs with variable ambient lighting and long operational hours. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 16-channel constant-current sink providing synchronized grayscale PWM and per-pixel dot correction to maintain color fidelity across thousands of pixels. Use Value: Integrated LOD detects failed LEDs before visible pixel dropout; EEPROM-stored DC data ensures consistent brightness after firmware updates or power cycles. |
Use Scenario: High-resolution indoor video walls requiring flicker-free motion rendering and uniform luminance across tiled panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial-cascaded TLC5940PWPR arrays generate precise 4096-step grayscale timing under 30-MHz SCLK, synchronized via shared GSCLK/BLANK. Use Value: Graduated 20-ns output delays suppress simultaneous switching noise; TEF monitoring prevents thermal derating during sustained white-field operation. |
| Industrial Display Backlighting | Automotive Interior Lighting |
Use Scenario: Edge-lit LCD backlights in medical or industrial HMIs where dimming linearity and long-term stability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driving parallel LED strings with programmable 6-bit dot correction to compensate for binning and aging drift. Use Value: IREF-based current setting enables precise luminance calibration; BLANK-controlled global dimming achieves deep black levels without PWM artifacts. |
Use Scenario: Ambient lighting zones in vehicle cabins requiring smooth dimming, fault diagnostics, and ASIL-compatible monitoring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED driver with dual-error reporting (XERR) and status-readback via SOUT - supports diagnostic logging per UNECE R128. Use Value: LOD detection identifies open circuits in vibration-prone environments; TEF threshold (150°C) exceeds automotive under-hood limits, ensuring robustness. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5941IPWPR | Same pinout and core functionality; adds auto-retriggerable BLANK and improved ESD (±4 kV HBM) | Better suited for high-noise industrial environments requiring enhanced latch immunity | Select when system-level ESD robustness exceeds ±2 kV HBM requirement |
| MAX6966AUG+T | 16-channel, 12-bit PWM, but no integrated EEPROM; dot correction requires external memory or host refresh | Lacks nonvolatile DC storage - increases firmware complexity for field calibration | Choose if cost sensitivity outweighs calibration convenience and EEPROM retention is unnecessary |
Compared with TLC5940PWPR, TLC5941IPWPR offers higher ESD tolerance without layout changes, while MAX6966AUG+T trades EEPROM integration for lower unit cost - making TLC5940PWPR optimal for applications demanding factory-programmed uniformity and long-term calibration retention.
Availability
TLC5940PWPR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signage, video wall controllers, and industrial display backlighting requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5940PWPR 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 precision LED control ICs.
The TLC5940 product line was designed for high-accuracy, high-channel-count LED systems requiring both grayscale PWM and per-channel current trimming - targeting signage, architectural lighting, and instrumentation displays.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current per channel for TLC5940PWPR?
The TLC5940PWPR supports up to 120 mA per channel when VCC > 3.6 V, set by the external IREF resistor. With VCC < 3.6 V, the limit is 60 mA. The actual current is calculated as IOUT = 31.5 × V(IREF)/R(IREF), where V(IREF) = 1.24 V (typical). This value is confirmed in Section 6.3 and Figure 1 of the SLVS515D datasheet.
How does dot correction work in TLC5940PWPR, and where is the data stored?
TLC5940PWPR uses 6-bit dot correction (DC) data to adjust per-channel current gain and compensate for LED forward-voltage variation and PCB trace resistance differences. DC data is written to and retained in the device's integrated EEPROM - eliminating need for external nonvolatile memory. Programming requires VPRG = 20–23 V and DCPRG = HIGH, as specified in Section 8.3.6.
Can multiple TLC5940PWPR devices be connected together, and how?
Yes - TLC5940PWPR supports daisy-chain configuration via SOUT-to-SIN connection. Up to 16 devices can be cascaded using a single SCLK, XLAT, and GSCLK bus, with data shifted sequentially. Status information (LOD/TEF) can also be read back through the chain. This is detailed in Figures 12–13 and Section 8.3.1 of the datasheet.
What triggers the XERR pin on TLC5940PWPR, and how can errors be distinguished?
XERR goes low for either LED open detection (LOD) or thermal error flag (TEF). LOD activates when an output voltage drops below 0.3 V during active drive; TEF triggers above 150°C junction temperature. To distinguish them: LOD is masked when BLANK = HIGH, while TEF remains active; status bits can also be read via SOUT during status output mode (Section 8.3.2).
What is the purpose of the graduated delay between OUT0–OUT15 in TLC5940PWPR?
The 20-ns incremental delay (0 ns on OUT0, 300 ns on OUT15) staggers channel turn-on/turn-off transitions to reduce peak inrush current and minimize supply rail droop. This relaxes requirements for bulk capacitance and improves EMI performance in high-density LED arrays - a design feature confirmed in Section 8.3.5 and Figure 11 timing diagrams.
TLC5940PWPR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-HTSSOP
TLC5940PWPR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5940PWPR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5940PWPR 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 TLC5940PWPR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5940PWPR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5940PWPR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5940PWPR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5940PWPR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5940PWPR?
TLC5940PWPR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5940PWPR 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 TLC5940PWPR?
For technical support, including TLC5940PWPR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5940PWPR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5940PWPR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5940PWPR 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 TLC5940PWPR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5940PWPR?
All TLC5940PWPR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5940PWPR, 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 TLC5940PWPR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5940PWPR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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