Texas Instruments TLC5948APWP
- Part No.:
- TLC5948APWP
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5948APWP.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR 60MA 24HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:820
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Product details
Overview
TLC5948APWP 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 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 real-time error detection including LED open/short, thermal shutdown, and IREF short flag. It is designed for high-fidelity grayscale control in outdoor LED video displays.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5948APWP datasheet, TLC5948APWP pinout, TLC5948APWP application, or TLC5948APWP equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-bit grayscale resolution, ±0.6% typical channel-to-channel current matching, HTSSOP-24 PowerPAD™ package with 39.9°C/W θJA, invisible LOD/LSD detection mode, and support for daisy-chained configurations in large-scale signage systems.
Technical Context
The TLC5948APWP implements an enhanced-spectrum (ES-PWM) timing architecture that eliminates sub-frame flicker by distributing PWM on-times across multiple GSCLK cycles while maintaining 65,536 grayscale steps. Its 257-bit serial interface supports cascaded operation via SIN→SOUT chaining, with LAT-controlled latching of GS/DC/BC data into dual internal latches for synchronized display timing reset.
It integrates six independent fault monitors-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)-all readable via SOUT after LAT assertion. Four-channel grouped delay switching mitigates inrush current during power-up or blank transitions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output channels | 16 constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15), each independently programmable |
| Grayscale resolution | 16-bit (65,536 steps) ES-PWM with auto-display repeat and timing reset |
| Dot correction | 7-bit (128 steps, 0%–100% range) per channel for LED binning compensation |
| Global brightness | 7-bit (128 steps, 25%–100% range) for system-level luminance calibration |
| Sink current range | 2 mA to 45 mA (VCC ≤3.6 V); 2 mA to 60 mA (VCC >3.6 V), set by RIREF resistor |
| Data rate | 33 MHz SCLK and GSCLK - enables full 16-bit GS data load in <1.6 µs |
| Operating temperature | –40°C to +85°C ambient; junction limit +125°C with thermal shutdown at +150°C |
Pinout & Package
HTSSOP-24 PowerPAD™ package (PWP) with exposed thermal pad on bottom side for enhanced heat dissipation; 0.65 mm pitch, 7.8 mm × 4.4 mm body size.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Power ground reference | Primary return path for all output currents and internal logic; connects to PCB thermal plane via PowerPAD |
| SIN (Pin 2) | Serial data input | MSB-first 257-bit shift register input; accepts GS/DC/BC/control data for single or daisy-chained devices |
| SCLK (Pin 3) | Serial clock input | Drives data shift into 257-bit register on rising edge; supports up to 33 MHz for fast refresh |
| LAT (Pin 4) | Latch control input | Rising edge transfers data from shift register to first GS/control latch; triggers display timing reset when TMGRST = 1 |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 5–20) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each drives one LED cathode; supports parallel connection for higher current; voltage headroom up to 10 V |
| GSCLK (Pin 21) | Grayscale clock input | Controls ES-PWM counter increment; rising edge initiates output on/off transitions with <65 ns propagation delay |
| SOUT (Pin 22) | Serial status output | Shifts out 257-bit status information (LOD/LSD/OLD/TEF/ISF/PTW) after LAT assertion |
| IREF (Pin 23) | Reference current terminal | Resistor (0.846–25.4 kΩ) between IREF–GND sets max sink current; shorting to GND forces all outputs off and sets ISF |
| VCC (Pin 24) | Supply voltage | 3.0–5.5 V logic and analog supply; powers internal regulators, GS counter, and output drivers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Invisible LED fault detection | IDM mode performs LOD/LSD without visible flicker or display interruption during active GS cycles |
| Pre-thermal warning (PTW) | Asserts flag at TJ ≈138°C, enabling firmware-controlled brightness derating before TEF triggers at 150°C |
| Four-channel grouped delay switching | Staggers turn-on of OUT groups (0/7/8/15, 1/6/9/14, etc.) to reduce peak inrush current by >60% |
| Auto display repeat & refresh | Hardware-managed GS data cycling eliminates MCU intervention for stable static image hold |
| Power-save mode | Reduces ICC to <40 µA by disabling GSCLK path and output drivers while retaining register state |
| Channel-to-channel current accuracy | ±0.6% typical matching ensures uniform LED brightness without external calibration |
Applications
| Outdoor LED Video Wall | High-Brightness Digital Signage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Large-format, sunlight-readable LED panels deployed on building facades and transit hubs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale driver controlling 16 LEDs per IC; synchronizes with master controller via GSCLK and LAT for frame-aligned updates. Use Value: 16-bit ES-PWM eliminates visible contouring; ±0.6% current matching prevents column banding; PTW/TEF enable predictive thermal management in unventilated enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Commercial retail signage with dynamic content requiring consistent color fidelity across thousands of LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink managing individual RGB subpixels; uses DC/BC registers to compensate for LED aging and batch variation. Use Value: 7-bit dot correction corrects per-channel luminance drift over time; daisy-chain capability reduces wiring complexity in modular cabinet designs. |
| Stage Lighting Fixture Control | Industrial HMIs with Status Indicators |
Use Scenario: Intelligent moving-head lights requiring precise dimming curves and rapid fade transitions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed GS data loading (33 MHz) enables sub-millisecond brightness updates; LAT-triggered timing reset ensures frame coherence. Use Value: Invisible LOD/LSD detection maintains uninterrupted operation during live shows; four-group delay prevents audible coil whine from simultaneous LED turn-on. |
Use Scenario: Factory-floor operator panels with multi-color status indicators subject to vibration and ESD exposure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver providing visual feedback; reads back SOUT status to detect open-circuit LEDs before field failure. Use Value: Built-in OLD/LOD/LSD flags eliminate need for external sense resistors; PowerPAD™ package sustains 85°C ambient without derating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947PWP | 16-channel, 12-bit GS (4096 steps); no ES-PWM; lacks PTW, OLD, and grouped delay | Suitable for cost-sensitive indoor signage where 16-bit grayscale and thermal prediction are not required | Select when lower resolution and reduced diagnostics suffice; shares same PWP package and pinout but requires firmware adaptation |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-channel, 8-bit multiplexed driver; includes scan controller; no DC/BC registers or self-diagnosis | Targeted at 7-segment/LED matrix displays with integrated decoding, not discrete high-current LED strings | Choose only for legacy 8×8 matrix applications; incompatible pinout, voltage range (4.0–5.5 V), and serial protocol |
Compared with TLC5948APWP, TLC5947PWP offers identical packaging and basic functionality at lower cost but sacrifices 4-bit grayscale depth, thermal prediction, and fault coverage; MAX7219CWG+ serves a fundamentally different architecture (multiplexed vs. static sink) and cannot replace it in high-reliability, high-fidelity LED video systems.
Availability
TLC5948APWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for outdoor LED video walls, high-brightness digital signage, and industrial HMI indicator systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5948APWP 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 high-reliability ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The TLC5948A belongs to TI's high-precision LED driver product line, engineered specifically for demanding outdoor and commercial display applications requiring robust fault detection, thermal resilience, and pixel-perfect grayscale fidelity.
FAQ
What is the maximum sink current per channel for TLC5948APWP?
The TLC5948APWP supports 2 mA to 45 mA per channel when VCC ≤3.6 V, and 2 mA to 60 mA when VCC >3.6 V. The exact value is set by the external resistor RIREF connected between IREF and GND, with typical values ranging from 0.846 kΩ (60 mA) to 25.4 kΩ (2 mA). The TLC5948APWP maintains ±0.6% typical channel-to-channel current matching across this range.
Does TLC5948APWP support daisy-chaining with other TLC5948A devices?
Yes, the TLC5948APWP supports seamless daisy-chaining using its SIN and SOUT pins. Data shifted into SIN propagates through the 257-bit common shift register and appears on SOUT, allowing multiple TLC5948APWP devices to be driven by a single controller. LAT synchronization ensures simultaneous latching across the chain, critical for frame-coherent LED video walls.
How does the invisible LED fault detection (IDM) mode work in TLC5948APWP?
The TLC5948APWP implements invisible detection mode (IDM) for LED open (LOD) and short (LSD) faults by performing diagnostics during non-visible GSCLK cycles-specifically during the "blank" period when outputs are off. This avoids perceptible flicker or brightness disruption. IDM is enabled by setting the appropriate control bit, and results are read via SOUT after LAT assertion.
What thermal protection features does TLC5948APWP provide?
The TLC5948APWP includes pre-thermal warning (PTW) at ~138°C and thermal error flag (TEF) activation at ~150°C, both referenced to junction temperature. PTW allows firmware to proactively reduce brightness before TEF forces shutdown. Its HTSSOP-24 PowerPAD™ package achieves 39.9°C/W θJA, enabling sustained operation at +85°C ambient without external heatsinking in most LED cabinet designs.
Can TLC5948APWP operate with a 3.3 V supply voltage?
Yes, the TLC5948APWP is fully specified for VCC = 3.0 V to 5.5 V. At 3.3 V, it delivers up to 45 mA per channel (with appropriate RIREF), maintains 33 MHz SCLK/GSCLK timing, and retains all diagnostic functions including LOD, LSD, OLD, ISF, PTW, and TEF. Input thresholds (VIH = 0.7×VCC, VIL = 0.3×VCC) ensure reliable logic interfacing with 3.3 V microcontrollers.
TLC5948APWP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-PowerTSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm 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-HTSSOP
TLC5948APWP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5948APWP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5948APWP 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 TLC5948APWP reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5948APWP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5948APWP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5948APWP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5948APWP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5948APWP?
TLC5948APWP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5948APWP 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 TLC5948APWP?
For technical support, including TLC5948APWP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5948APWP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5948APWP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5948APWP 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 TLC5948APWP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5948APWP?
All TLC5948APWP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5948APWP, 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 TLC5948APWP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5948APWP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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