Texas Instruments TLC5941RHBR

Overview

TLC5941RHBR 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), LED open detection (LOD), and thermal error flag (TEF). It operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply, supports up to 80 mA per channel, and drives LEDs with output voltage capability up to 17 V - used in high-precision full-color LED signage and display back-lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the TLC5941RHBR datasheet, TLC5941RHBR pinout, TLC5941RHBR application, or TLC5941RHBR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 32-pin QFN (RHB) package, serial interface timing (30 MHz SCLK/GSCLK), IREF-based current programming, BLANK/ XLAT/ MODE control logic, and dual-error reporting via open-drain XERR.

Technical Context

The TLC5941RHBR implements two independent register sets: a 192-bit grayscale (GS) register for per-channel 12-bit PWM brightness control and a 96-bit dot correction (DC) register for per-channel 6-bit current trimming. Grayscale operation uses a synchronous counter driven by GSCLK, while dot correction adjusts sink current linearly from 0% to 100% of Imax using Equation IOUTn = Imax × DCn / 63.

It features cascaded serial interface architecture: SIN/SCLK shift data into an internal register, XLAT latches it to either GS or DC registers depending on MODE pin state (GND = GS mode, VCC = DC mode), and SOUT enables daisy-chaining multiple devices. Error status (LOD/TEF) is reported via open-drain XERR and readable through SOUT during status readback cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin QFN (5 mm × 5 mm, RHB), exposed thermal pad, RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with TLC5941RHBR, TLC5947RGER offers direct scalability to 24 channels with identical feature set and pinout compatibility, whereas MAX7219CWG+ serves fundamentally different multiplexed display architectures and cannot replace TLC5941RHBR in static grayscale-critical applications.

Availability

TLC5941RHBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for monochrome signage, full-color video walls, automotive interior lighting, medical display backlighting, and industrial HMI applications requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for TLC5941RHBR 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management solutions, with leadership in high-reliability industrial and automotive ICs.

The TLC5941RHBR belongs to TI's LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-fidelity, high-channel-count static LED displays requiring simultaneous per-pixel grayscale control and hardware-level fault detection.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current per channel for the TLC5941RHBR?

The TLC5941RHBR supports a maximum output current of 80 mA per channel (OUT0–OUT15), adjustable via an external resistor connected between IREF and GND. The relationship is defined as Imax = 31.5 × (1.24 V / R_IREF). For example, a 640 Ω resistor yields ~61 mA typical. Operation below 5 mA is not recommended due to instability.

How does the TLC5941RHBR implement dot correction and grayscale control?

The TLC5941RHBR uses two separate 6-bit dot correction (DC) registers and one 12-bit grayscale (GS) register per channel. Dot correction scales the channel current linearly (0–100% of Imax) to compensate for LED variance, while grayscale applies time-based PWM dimming. Both are loaded via serial interface - MODE = VCC selects DC mode (96-bit), MODE = GND selects GS mode (192-bit).

What package type is used for the TLC5941RHBR and what are its thermal characteristics?

The TLC5941RHBR uses a 32-pin QFN package (5 mm × 5 mm, RHB) with an exposed thermal pad. Its junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) is 35.9°C/W when soldered to a 2-oz copper PCB per TI application report SLMA002. This enables continuous 80 mA operation across all 16 channels at +85°C ambient if board layout follows thermal guidelines.

How does the XERR pin report errors on the TLC5941RHBR?

The XERR pin on the TLC5941RHBR is an open-drain output that pulls low when either LED Open Detection (LOD) or Thermal Error Flag (TEF) is asserted. LOD triggers when an output voltage drops below ~0.35 V while active; TEF activates above ~150°C junction temperature. Both flags can be masked or distinguished using BLANK and serial status readback via SOUT.

Can multiple TLC5941RHBR devices be connected in series, and how is data routed?

Yes - the TLC5941RHBR supports daisy-chaining via its SOUT and SIN pins. Data shifted into the first device's SIN propagates through SOUT to the next device's SIN. Each device consumes 96 bits (DC mode) or 192 bits (GS mode); total bit count equals N × register width. XLAT must be shared across all devices to simultaneously latch data into their respective registers.