Texas Instruments TLC5948ADBQ
- Part No.:
- TLC5948ADBQ
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5948ADBQ.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 60MA 24SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,841
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Product details
Overview
TLC5948ADBQ from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel, 16-bit enhanced-spectrum PWM LED driver with integrated dot correction (7-bit DC), global brightness control (7-bit BC), and full self-diagnosis. It delivers precise constant-current sink outputs (2–60 mA per channel), supports up to 10 V LED supply, operates from 3.0–5.5 V VCC, and features 33 MHz serial data and grayscale clocks for high-speed LED video display driving.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5948ADBQ datasheet, TLC5948ADBQ pinout, TLC5948ADBQ application, or TLC5948ADBQ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world application use cases, and confirmed alternative parts - all grounded in TI's SBVS192A datasheet and official package documentation for the SSOP-24 DBQ variant.
Technical Context
The TLC5948ADBQ implements an enhanced-spectrum (ES-PWM) grayscale engine with 16-bit resolution (65,536 steps), enabling flicker-free, high-fidelity LED intensity control. Its architecture integrates independent per-channel 7-bit dot correction and synchronized 7-bit global brightness scaling, both accessible via a 257-bit serial shift register.
It embeds six diagnostic flags - LED open (LOD), LED short (LSD), output leakage (OLD), IREF short (ISF), pre-thermal warning (PTW), and thermal error (TEF) - all readable through SOUT after LAT strobe. Four-channel grouped delay switching mitigates inrush current during power-up or display transitions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCC Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - powers logic and internal reference; enables compatibility with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller systems. |
| Output Sink Current | 2 mA to 60 mA per channel - set by external RIREF resistor; supports wide LED forward voltage and brightness range. |
| Grayscale Resolution | 16-bit (65,536 steps) ES-PWM - eliminates visible PWM flicker in high-refresh-rate video displays. |
| Dot Correction | 7-bit (128 steps), 0%–100% range - corrects per-channel LED luminance variance without firmware overhead. |
| Global Brightness Control | 7-bit (128 steps), 25%–100% range - scales all 16 channels simultaneously for system-level dimming. |
| Data Transfer Rate | 33 MHz SCLK - enables full 257-bit frame load in ≤7.8 µs, supporting >120 Hz refresh on multi-chip daisy chains. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for outdoor signage, industrial HMI, and automotive cabin displays. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SSOP-24 (DBQ), 0.154-inch body width, 0.635 mm pitch, PowerPAD® not present (PWP variant only).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Power ground reference | Primary return path for all sink currents and internal logic; must be low-impedance to minimize voltage offset errors. |
| SIN (Pin 2) | Serial data input | Accepts 257-bit command/data stream (GS/DC/BC/SID); LSB-first, synchronous to SCLK rising edge. |
| SCLK (Pin 3) | Serial clock input | Drives data shift into internal 257-bit register; supports up to 33 MHz for high-throughput LED updates. |
| LAT (Pin 4) | Latch control input | Strobes data from shift register into GS/DC/BC latches or initiates display timing reset when TMGRST = 1. |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 5–20) | Constant-current sink outputs | 16 independent channels; each sinks up to 60 mA; supports parallel connection for higher current per LED string. |
| GSCLK (Pin 21) | Grayscale PWM clock | Controls ES-PWM counter timing; rising edge increments grayscale counter; disabled during BLANK = 1. |
| SOUT (Pin 22) | Serial status output | Shifts out 257-bit status information (LOD/LSD/OLD/ISF/TEF/PTW) after LAT; MSB-aligned with shift register. |
| IREF (Pin 23) | Reference current terminal | Connects to GND via RIREF (0.846–25.4 kΩ) to set max sink current; shorting triggers ISF flag and disables outputs. |
| VCC (Pin 24) | Positive supply | Supplies internal logic, reference, and output drivers; decoupling capacitor required near pin for noise immunity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 16-bit ES-PWM grayscale control | Enables flicker-free, high-dynamic-range LED intensity modulation at standard video frame rates. |
| Per-channel 7-bit dot correction | Compensates for LED binning and PCB trace resistance mismatch without host CPU intervention. |
| Four-channel grouped delay switching | Reduces peak inrush current by staggering turn-on of output groups, easing power supply design. |
| Full self-diagnostic suite | Provides real-time fault detection (LOD, LSD, OLD, ISF, PTW, TEF) readable over same serial interface. |
| Invisible detection mode (IDM) | Performs LED open/short tests without visible flash or display interruption during active operation. |
| Power-save mode (≤40 µA ICC) | Halts GSCLK and internal counters while retaining latch data, minimizing standby power in battery systems. |
Applications
| LED Video Displays | LED Signboards |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-resolution indoor/outdoor video walls using RGB LED modules with tight brightness uniformity requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale driver controlling 16 LEDs per IC; synchronizes GSCLK across daisy-chained devices for frame-aligned PWM. Use Value: 16-bit ES-PWM eliminates temporal color breakup; 7-bit DC ensures pixel-to-pixel luminance matching within ±0.6% channel error. |
Use Scenario: Large-format static/dynamic advertising signboards requiring long-term reliability and thermal resilience. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver for monochrome or tri-color LED segments; uses PTW/TEF flags for predictive thermal management. Use Value: Pre-thermal warning (PTW) at 125°C enables fan speed ramp-up before thermal shutdown; 85°C operating range sustains outdoor deployment. |
| Industrial HMI Panels | Automotive Cabin Displays |
|
Use Scenario: Operator interface panels in factory automation with variable ambient light and EMI-heavy environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED backlight and status indicator driver; leverages invisible detection mode (IDM) for continuous health monitoring. Use Value: IDM performs LOD/LSD checks without visual artifacts - critical for uninterrupted operator feedback in safety-critical systems. |
Use Scenario: Dashboard and infotainment backlighting where EMC compliance, temperature stability, and low standby current are mandatory. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power LED driver supporting AEC-Q100-graded MCU host; enters ≤40 µA power-save mode during vehicle sleep. Use Value: 40 µA ICC5 in power-save mode meets automotive "off-mode" current budgets; –40°C to +85°C rating covers cold crank to hot soak. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947DBQ | 16-channel, 12-bit PWM, no dot correction or BC; lacks self-diagnostic flags and ES-PWM. | Suitable for cost-sensitive, lower-resolution signage where per-channel trimming and fault reporting are unnecessary. | Select when grayscale depth and diagnostics are secondary to BOM cost and layout simplicity. |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-channel, 10-bit PWM, SPI interface; includes built-in BCD decode and scan limit; no DC/BC or thermal flags. | Optimized for 7-segment/matrix LED displays with integrated decoding; not suited for high-fidelity RGB video. | Choose for alphanumeric or fixed-pattern displays where host MCU offload and compact footprint outweigh grayscale fidelity. |
Compared with TLC5948ADBQ, TLC5947DBQ trades 16-bit ES-PWM and full diagnostics for lower cost and simpler control, while MAX7219CWG+ prioritizes segment-matrix integration over per-LED precision - making TLC5948ADBQ the sole choice for high-end, self-monitoring LED video systems.
Availability
TLC5948ADBQ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video displays, outdoor signboards, and industrial HMI panels requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5948ADBQ 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with emphasis on reliability, precision, and industrial-grade qualification.
The TLC5948A belongs to TI's high-performance LED driver product line, engineered specifically for demanding video-grade LED applications requiring flicker-free grayscale, per-channel calibration, and real-time fault awareness.
FAQ
What is the maximum sink current per channel for the TLC5948ADBQ?
The TLC5948ADBQ supports 2 mA to 60 mA per channel, determined by the external RIREF resistor value and VCC voltage. At VCC > 3.6 V, the upper limit reaches 60 mA (typical); at VCC ≤ 3.6 V, it is capped at 45 mA. The exact current is calculated as IOLCMax ≈ 42.3 × (1.20 V / RIREF), with RIREF ranging from 0.846 kΩ to 25.4 kΩ. This allows precise tuning for diverse LED forward voltages and brightness targets in the TLC5948ADBQ design.
How does the TLC5948ADBQ implement dot correction and global brightness control?
The TLC5948ADBQ applies 7-bit dot correction (DC) independently to each of its 16 output channels, adjusting current from 0% to 100% of IOLCMax to compensate for LED and PCB variations. Global brightness control (BC) uses another 7-bit field to scale all channels uniformly from 25% to 100%. Both are programmed via the 257-bit serial interface and applied multiplicatively: IOUTn = (DCn/127) × (BC/127) × IOLCMax. This dual-stage control is fully implemented in hardware, requiring no host CPU computation in the TLC5948ADBQ operation.
What diagnostic functions does the TLC5948ADBQ provide, and how are they accessed?
The TLC5948ADBQ integrates six real-time diagnostic flags: LED open detection (LOD), LED short detection (LSD), output leakage detection (OLD), IREF short flag (ISF), pre-thermal warning (PTW), and thermal error flag (TEF). These are latched internally and read back as part of a 257-bit status information data (SID) word shifted out on SOUT after each LAT strobe. No additional pins or protocols are needed - diagnostics coexist with normal data transfer, enabling seamless health monitoring in the TLC5948ADBQ system.
Can multiple TLC5948ADBQ devices be daisy-chained, and what is the impact on timing?
Yes, TLC5948ADBQ devices support robust daisy-chaining via SIN → SOUT cascading. Each device shifts its 257-bit data frame to the next; total latency scales linearly with chain length. At 33 MHz SCLK, one TLC5948ADBQ loads in ~7.8 µs; a chain of four requires ~31.2 µs for full frame update. LAT synchronization ensures simultaneous latching across the chain, preserving display coherence. The TLC5948ADBQ's auto-display-repeat and display-timing-reset features further simplify multi-device timing alignment without external controllers.
What is the purpose of the four-channel grouped delay switching feature in the TLC5948ADBQ?
The four-channel grouped delay switching staggers the turn-on timing of output groups (e.g., OUT0–3, OUT4–7, etc.) to reduce instantaneous inrush current during display initialization or brightness transitions. This prevents voltage droop on shared LED supplies and eases input capacitor and regulator sizing. The delay is programmable and occurs automatically during LAT-triggered latch events or power-up, making it transparent to the host system - a key design advantage in high-density LED arrays driven by the TLC5948ADBQ.
TLC5948ADBQ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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:
- 10V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 60mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-SSOP
TLC5948ADBQ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5948ADBQ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5948ADBQ 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 TLC5948ADBQ reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5948ADBQ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5948ADBQ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5948ADBQ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5948ADBQ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5948ADBQ?
TLC5948ADBQ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5948ADBQ 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 TLC5948ADBQ?
For technical support, including TLC5948ADBQ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5948ADBQ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5948ADBQ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5948ADBQ 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 TLC5948ADBQ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5948ADBQ?
All TLC5948ADBQ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5948ADBQ, 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 TLC5948ADBQ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5948ADBQ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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