Texas Instruments TLC5944RHBT
- Part No.:
- TLC5944RHBT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5944RHBT.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 60MA 32VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:424
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Product details
Overview
TLC5944RHBT from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel, 12-bit PWM constant-current LED sink driver with integrated 6-bit dot correction and pre-charge FET, operating from 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply and supporting up to 15 V LED power rails. It delivers ±1% channel-to-channel current accuracy, 30-MHz serial data rate, and real-time LED open detection across all 16 outputs - deployed in high-reliability multiplexed LED signboards and full-color video displays.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5944RHBT datasheet, TLC5944RHBT pinout, TLC5944RHBT application, or TLC5944RHBT equivalent, this page provides verified package mapping (QFN-32), confirmed thermal warning thresholds (+120 °C PTW), exact grayscale timing behavior (33-MHz GSCLK), and validated alternative part selection guidance for LED driver migration paths.
Technical Context
The TLC5944RHBT implements dual-stage serial control: grayscale (12-bit) and dot correction (6-bit) data are loaded via shared SIN/SCLK/DCSEL/XLAT lines into separate shift registers and latched simultaneously. Its internal pre-charge FET activates during BLANK low to suppress ghosting in multiplexed LED arrays by discharging output node capacitance before current sink activation.
Error handling is hardware-automated: LED open detection (LOD) operates continuously during display periods with auto-output-off on fault; thermal error flag (TEF) triggers at +162 °C junction with +10 °C hysteresis, forcing all outputs off; pre-thermal warning (PTW) asserts at +120 °C while maintaining output operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 16 independent constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15), each adjustable via 12-bit PWM and 6-bit dot correction. |
| Current Accuracy | ±1% channel-to-channel matching ensures uniform brightness across LED strings without external calibration. |
| Max Sink Current | 60 mA per channel (typical), set by single external IREF resistor (810 Ω–24.3 kΩ range). |
| Grayscale Clock | 33-MHz GSCLK supports 4096-step PWM with ≤10 ns propagation delay to OUT0/4/8/12 outputs. |
| Operating Temp | –40 °C to +85 °C ambient, with thermal shutdown at +162 °C junction temperature and +10 °C hysteresis. |
| LED Supply Range | VUP supports up to 15 V, enabling direct drive of multi-LED series strings without external boost circuitry. |
| Data Rate | 30-MHz SCLK enables full 16-channel grayscale + dot correction load in <1.1 µs, minimizing display update latency. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 5 mm × 5 mm QFN-32 with exposed thermal pad (RHB suffix). Pin 1 marked by top-side dot; thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance (27.86 mW/°C dissipation rating).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SIN (Pin 2) | Serial input data line | Accepts grayscale or dot correction bits depending on DCSEL state; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity. |
| SCLK (Pin 1) | Serial clock input | Rising edge shifts data into selected register (GS or DC); must precede XLAT rising edge for valid latch. |
| DCSEL (Pin 3) | Shift register select | Low = grayscale mode; high = dot correction mode; must remain stable during SCLK high period. |
| XLAT (Pin 32) | Latch strobe | Low-to-high transition transfers data from shift register to respective latch (GS or DC) for immediate use. |
| BLANK (Pin 31) | Global output disable | High forces all outputs OFF, resets grayscale counter, and initializes PWM timing controller. |
| GSCLK (Pin 24) | PWM timing reference | Rising edge increments grayscale counter; active only when BLANK is low; max 33 MHz. |
| IREF (Pin 26) | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to GND to set maximum sink current (VIREF = 1.20 V typical). |
| XERR (Pin 22) | Open-drain error flag | Asserts low on LED open (LOD), thermal error (TEF), or pre-thermal warning (PTW); requires pull-up. |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 4–21) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each drives LED cathode; supports parallel connection to increase total current capability. |
| VUP (Pin 25) | Pre-charge FET supply | Provides voltage source for internal pre-charge switch; supports up to 15 V for high-Vf LED strings. |
| VCC (Pin 27) | Digital supply | 3.0 V to 5.5 V logic supply; powers internal logic, shift registers, and control circuitry. |
| GND (Pin 30) | Power ground | Common return for VCC, VUP, and IREF; must be low-impedance connection to thermal pad. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated pre-charge FET | Eliminates ghosting in multiplexed LED systems by actively discharging output nodes before current sink activation. |
| Continuous LED open detection | Detects open-circuit and short-to-GND faults on all 16 channels during active display, triggering XERR and auto-shutdown. |
| Two-level thermal monitoring | Separate flags for pre-thermal warning (+120 °C) and thermal shutdown (+162 °C), enabling graceful system response. |
| 4-channel grouped output delay | Staggered turn-on of output groups reduces inrush current and EMI during simultaneous channel activation. |
| Readable status information | SOUT returns saved LOD, TEF, and PTW status bits after XLAT pulse, enabling host-controller diagnostics without interrupt. |
Applications
| LED Signboard Multiplexing | Full-Color Video Display |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor LED signboards using 1/8 or 1/16 scan architecture with high-brightness RGB LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver providing synchronized grayscale PWM and dot correction per LED segment across 16 rows/columns. Use Value: Pre-charge FET prevents ghosting artifacts; 6-bit dot correction compensates for binning variations across thousands of LEDs. |
Use Scenario: Indoor rental LED video walls requiring seamless color uniformity and fast refresh rates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale engine delivering 12-bit PWM timing with 33-MHz GSCLK for >3840 Hz subframe rates. Use Value: ±1% channel matching ensures pixel-level color fidelity; continuous LOD detection maintains uptime during live events. |
| Monochrome Information Display | Multicolor Industrial Panel |
Use Scenario: Factory floor status boards using high-intensity monochrome (amber/red) LED arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current sink driver (60 mA/channel) powering long LED strings from 12 V or 15 V supplies via VUP rail. Use Value: VUP support up to 15 V enables direct drive of 3–4 series LEDs without external DC-DC; thermal warning allows predictive maintenance. |
Use Scenario: Medical or industrial HMI panels with multicolor status indicators requiring precise intensity grading. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current source applying 6-bit dot correction to match luminance across red/green/blue indicator LEDs. Use Value: Independent per-channel current tuning eliminates manual resistor trimming; XERR flag enables centralized fault logging. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947RTQT | 24-channel version in 40-pin QFN; identical 12-bit PWM, 6-bit DC, and pre-charge architecture; higher ICC4 (60 mA vs 35 mA). | Supports larger LED matrices without daisy-chaining; requires revised PCB layout and firmware addressing. | Select when expanding from 16- to 24-channel density is needed and board space allows larger package. |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-digit/64-LED display driver with built-in BCD decode; no dot correction; lower current (40 mA max); SPI interface only. | Targeted at numeric/segment displays, not full grayscale video; lacks LOD, PTW, and VUP flexibility. | Choose for cost-sensitive 7-segment or bar-graph applications where grayscale depth and fault reporting are secondary. |
Compared with TLC5944RHBT, TLC5947RTQT offers scalable channel count for larger displays but increases power and layout complexity, while MAX7219CWG+ simplifies design for fixed-segment use cases at the expense of programmable grayscale and diagnostic capability.
Availability
TLC5944RHBT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signboard manufacturing, full-color video wall production, and industrial HMI panel assembly requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for TLC5944RHBT 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 digital signal technologies with over 50 years of innovation in precision power and signal chain solutions.
The TLC5944RHBT belongs to TI's high-performance LED driver product line, engineered specifically for demanding multiplexed LED display systems requiring flicker-free grayscale, binning compensation, and robust fault resilience.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED supply voltage supported by the TLC5944RHBT?
The TLC5944RHBT supports LED supply voltages up to 15 V on the VUP pin, enabling direct drive of multi-LED series strings (e.g., three 3.2-V white LEDs) without external boost converters. This specification is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table (VUP = –0.3 V to +16 V) and Recommended Operating Conditions (VUP = 3.0 V to 15 V).
How does the TLC5944RHBT handle LED open-circuit faults during operation?
The TLC5944RHBT performs continuous LED open detection (LOD) on all 16 channels during active display periods. When an open or short-to-GND condition is detected, it asserts the XERR pin low and automatically disables the affected output. This behavior is documented in the Functional Block Diagram and Electrical Characteristics section under "LED Open Detection" and "XERR" parameters.
What external component sets the maximum output current for the TLC5944RHBT?
A single external resistor (RIREF) connected between the IREF pin and GND sets the maximum sink current per channel. With VIREF = 1.20 V (typical), RIREF values from 810 Ω to 24.3 kΩ yield IOLCMax from 60 mA down to 2 mA. This relationship is defined in Equation 1 of the Datasheet Section "Detailed Description" and verified in Table 1.
Does the TLC5944RHBT require separate clock sources for grayscale and dot correction?
No - the TLC5944RHBT uses a single GSCLK input for grayscale PWM timing and shares the SCLK input for serial data shifting of both grayscale and dot correction data. The DCSEL pin selects which register (GS or DC) receives data on each SCLK rising edge, eliminating need for dual clock domains.
What thermal protection features are implemented in the TLC5944RHBT?
The TLC5944RHBT implements two-tier thermal protection: a pre-thermal warning (PTW) flag asserts at +120 °C junction temperature (with +10 °C hysteresis), and a thermal error flag (TEF) triggers at +162 °C, forcing all outputs off. Both thresholds and hysteresis values are specified in the Switching Characteristics table under "T(PTW)" and "T(TEF)".
TLC5944RHBT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- 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:
- 3V ~ 15V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 60mA
- Frequency:
- 30MHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-VQFN (5x5)
TLC5944RHBT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5944RHBT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5944RHBT 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 TLC5944RHBT reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5944RHBT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5944RHBT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5944RHBT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5944RHBT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5944RHBT?
TLC5944RHBT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5944RHBT 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 TLC5944RHBT?
For technical support, including TLC5944RHBT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5944RHBT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5944RHBT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5944RHBT 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 TLC5944RHBT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5944RHBT?
All TLC5944RHBT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5944RHBT, 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 TLC5944RHBT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5944RHBT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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