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Texas Instruments TLC5946PWPR
- Part No.:
- TLC5946PWPR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 28-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5946PWPR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 40MA 28HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,013
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Product details
Overview
TLC5946PWPR from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel, 12-bit PWM LED driver with integrated 6-bit dot correction, operating as a constant-current sink for monochrome/multicolor LED displays. It delivers up to 40 mA per channel, supports 30-MHz serial data transfer and 33-MHz grayscale PWM clocking, and features LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF) for system reliability in outdoor signage and backlighting.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5946PWPR datasheet, TLC5946PWPR pinout, TLC5946PWPR application, or TLC5946PWPR equivalent, key selection criteria include its TSSOP-28 package, 4096-step grayscale resolution, ±1% channel-to-channel current accuracy, and dual-mode serial interface (dot correction vs. grayscale data loading via MODE pin).
Technical Context
The TLC5946PWPR implements a 12-bit grayscale counter synchronized to GSCLK (up to 33 MHz), with BLANK-triggered reset and per-channel on-time control via 192-bit grayscale latches. Its 6-bit dot correction uses 96-bit latches to scale each channel's output current from 0% to 100% of IOLCMax, set by a single external resistor on IREF.
It integrates LOD circuitry that monitors voltage drop across each OUTx during active drive (threshold: 0.2–0.4 V), and a thermal sensor triggering XERR at +150°C to +175°C junction temperature. Serial communication uses daisy-chainable SIN/SOUT with Schmitt-triggered SCLK, XLAT, MODE, and XHALF for extended interface mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | 16 independent constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15) |
| Grayscale resolution | 12-bit (4096 steps); defines precise LED on-time duration per cycle |
| Dot correction resolution | 6-bit (64 steps); enables per-channel brightness/color matching across LEDs |
| Max output current | 40 mA per channel (dc), adjustable via external IREF resistor (1.275–12.75 kΩ) |
| Current accuracy | ±1% (channel-to-channel typ), ±2% (device-to-device typ) at VCC = 3.0–5.5 V |
| Supply voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V; compatible with standard logic-level microcontrollers |
| Operating temperature | –40°C to +85°C ambient; junction limit +125°C continuous, +175°C thermal shutdown |
Pinout & Package
TLC5946PWPR is packaged in a 28-pin TSSOP (PW) with exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD™). Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation; pins 1–28 are electrically defined per TI SLVS824B.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Ground reference | Common return for all internal circuits and IREF resistor; must connect to low-impedance PCB ground plane |
| BLANK (Pin 2) | Global output disable | Active-high signal forcing all 16 outputs OFF and resetting grayscale counter; used for blanking intervals and error recovery |
| XLAT (Pin 3) | Data latch strobe | Rising-edge triggered; transfers serial data from shift register into either dot correction (MODE=H) or grayscale (MODE=L) latches |
| SCLK (Pin 4) | Serial clock input | CMOS-level clock (≤30 MHz) controlling bit-shift timing for SIN data; edge-sensitive (XHALF determines rising/falling edge capture) |
| SIN (Pin 5) | Serial data input | MSB-first 96-bit (DC) or 192-bit (GS) data stream; accepts daisy-chained input from upstream device or MCU |
| MODE (Pin 6) | Function select | High = dot correction data mode; Low = grayscale PWM data mode; determines which register receives XLAT-latched data |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 7–22) | Constant-current sinks | 16 individually controllable outputs; each sinks up to 40 mA with programmable dot correction and PWM duty cycle |
| VCC (Pin 28) | Power supply | 3.0–5.5 V digital/analog supply; decoupling capacitor (≥0.1 µF) required near pin |
| IREF (Pin 27) | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to GND to set full-scale output current (IOLCMax = 42.5 × IIREF) |
| XHALF (Pin 26) | Extended interface enable | High = normal operation; Low = activates extended serial protocol for higher data throughput or diagnostics |
| GSCLK (Pin 25) | Grayscale clock input | Drives 12-bit PWM counter (≤33 MHz); determines LED on-time resolution and maximum refresh rate |
| SOUT (Pin 24) | Serial data output | Open-drain output forwarding shifted-out data to next device in daisy chain; requires pull-up resistor |
| XERR (Pin 23) | Error flag output | Open-drain signal pulled low on LED open detection (LOD) or thermal error (TEF); shared interrupt line for system monitoring |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-mode serial interface | Single SIN/SOUT bus supports both 96-bit dot correction and 192-bit grayscale data loading via MODE pin selection |
| Per-channel dot correction | 6-bit (64-step) scaling of each output's current to compensate for LED binning, aging, and thermal drift |
| Integrated fault detection | Real-time LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF) reduce need for external monitoring circuitry |
| Four-grouped output delay | Staggered turn-on timing across four output groups minimizes peak current draw and reduces EMI during PWM transitions |
| Wide LED supply range | Output voltage tolerance up to +18 V allows direct connection to high-Vf LED strings without external boost converters |
Applications
| LED Signboards | Full-Color Video Displays |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Outdoor alphanumeric and graphic signboards requiring uniform brightness across hundreds of discrete LEDs under varying ambient temperatures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver providing per-pixel grayscale PWM dimming and dot correction for color consistency across red/green/blue LED modules. Use Value: Enables 4096-step grayscale depth and ±1% channel matching to eliminate visible banding and color shifts in large-format signage. |
Use Scenario: Indoor video walls using surface-mount RGB LED packages where pixel-level brightness and chromaticity must be calibrated across thousands of nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LED current controller implementing synchronized 12-bit PWM across 16 channels per IC, with daisy-chained configuration for scalable tile-based architecture. Use Value: Reduces system calibration overhead via on-chip 6-bit dot correction, allowing factory or field adjustment of individual LED luminance without hardware modification. |
| Display Backlighting | Industrial Control Panels |
|
Use Scenario: High-brightness LCD backlights for medical imaging and industrial HMIs where flicker-free dimming and thermal stability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-regulated backlight driver supporting smooth 0–100% dimming via 12-bit PWM while maintaining consistent white point across CCFL/LED arrays. Use Value: Achieves <1% current variation over –40°C to +85°C ambient, eliminating backlight non-uniformity caused by temperature gradients. |
Use Scenario: Operator interface panels in factory automation systems requiring status indicators with long-term reliability and failure visibility. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-aware LED driver with built-in LOD and TEF detection, feeding diagnostic alerts to PLC or microcontroller via XERR pin. Use Value: Eliminates need for external open-circuit sensing, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing mean time to repair (MTTR) for indicator LED failures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947PWPR | 24-channel version with identical 12-bit PWM, 6-bit dot correction, and TSSOP-32 package; shares same serial protocol and pin-compatible footprint extension | Supports larger LED arrays without additional daisy-chaining; requires PCB layout revision for 32-pin footprint | Select when >16 channels per IC are needed and board space allows TSSOP-32; retains software compatibility |
| MAX6966AUG+T | 16-channel LED driver with 8-bit PWM only (256 steps), no dot correction, but includes I²C interface and built-in current DACs; 24-pin QFN package | Better suited for low-complexity indicator applications; lacks LOD/TEF and grayscale precision for display-grade use | Choose for cost-sensitive, non-display HMI designs where I²C simplifies MCU integration and 8-bit dimming suffices |
Compared with TLC5946PWPR, TLC5947PWPR scales channel count while preserving grayscale fidelity and diagnostics, whereas MAX6966AUG+T trades resolution and fault detection for interface simplicity and lower BOM count in basic indicator systems.
Availability
TLC5946PWPR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED signboards, full-color video displays, and display backlighting requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and automotive-grade thermal resilience.
Supply support for TLC5946PWPR 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 expertise in precision LED control and industrial interface solutions.
The TLC5946 product line was designed for high-reliability LED display systems demanding per-channel current accuracy, integrated diagnostics, and scalable daisy-chain architecture - targeting signage, broadcast, and medical visualization markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current capability of the TLC5946PWPR?
The TLC5946PWPR supports up to 40 mA per channel (dc) as a constant-current sink. This value is set by an external resistor connected between the IREF pin and GND, with typical values ranging from 1.275 kΩ to 12.75 kΩ. The actual current delivered to each OUTx pin is scaled by its programmed dot correction value (0–63) and grayscale PWM duty cycle. At full scale (DC=63, GS=4095), TLC5946PWPR delivers 40 mA with ±1% channel-to-channel matching.
How does the TLC5946PWPR handle LED open-circuit faults?
The TLC5946PWPR implements continuous LED open detection (LOD) by monitoring the voltage drop across each OUTx pin during active drive. If the voltage falls below 0.2 V (typical threshold), the device asserts the open-drain XERR pin low. This occurs independently per channel and remains active until cleared by a BLANK pulse or power cycle. LOD operates without interrupting grayscale PWM timing, ensuring real-time fault visibility in TLC5946PWPR-based displays.
Can the TLC5946PWPR be daisy-chained with other devices?
Yes, the TLC5946PWPR supports seamless daisy-chaining via its SIN and SOUT pins. Serial data is shifted in MSB-first at up to 30 MHz, with SOUT forwarding the overflow bits to the next device's SIN. Each TLC5946PWPR in the chain retains independent control of its 16 outputs, and XLAT latching synchronizes data across all devices when driven by a common clock. This architecture enables scalable LED matrix control with minimal MCU GPIO usage.
What is the role of the MODE and XLAT pins in TLC5946PWPR operation?
The MODE pin selects between dot correction (MODE=H) and grayscale (MODE=L) data modes, determining how serial data is interpreted. The XLAT pin acts as a synchronous latch: its rising edge transfers data from the internal shift register into either the 96-bit dot correction latch (MODE=H) or 192-bit grayscale latch (MODE=L). Both functions are essential for configuring TLC5946PWPR - dot correction sets per-channel current scaling, while grayscale defines PWM on-time - and must be sequenced correctly before enabling outputs.
Does the TLC5946PWPR require external components for basic operation?
Yes, the TLC5946PWPR requires three mandatory external components: (1) a resistor between IREF and GND to set maximum output current, (2) a 0.1-µF ceramic capacitor between VCC and GND for power supply decoupling, and (3) a pull-up resistor on SOUT for daisy-chained configurations. Optional components include series resistors on control inputs for ESD protection and a pull-up on XERR for active-low interrupt interfacing. No external clock or memory is needed for core TLC5946PWPR functionality.
TLC5946PWPR 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:
- 40mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Backlight, Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-HTSSOP
TLC5946PWPR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5946PWPR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5946PWPR 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 TLC5946PWPR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5946PWPR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5946PWPR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5946PWPR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5946PWPR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5946PWPR?
TLC5946PWPR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5946PWPR 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 TLC5946PWPR?
For technical support, including TLC5946PWPR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5946PWPR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5946PWPR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5946PWPR 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 TLC5946PWPR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5946PWPR?
All TLC5946PWPR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5946PWPR, 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 TLC5946PWPR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5946PWPR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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