My Inquiry
My Account
Texas Instruments TLC5948DBQ
- Part No.:
- TLC5948DBQ
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5948DBQ.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 60MA 24SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,897
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
TLC5948DBQ from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel, 16-bit enhanced-spectrum PWM LED driver with integrated dot correction (7-bit), global brightness control (7-bit), and full self-diagnosis. It delivers ±0.6% (typ) channel-to-channel constant-current accuracy, supports 2–60 mA sink current per output, operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V VCC, and features 33 MHz serial data and grayscale clocks. It is used in high-reliability LED video displays requiring precise grayscale fidelity and fault detection.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5948DBQ datasheet, TLC5948DBQ pinout, TLC5948DBQ application, or TLC5948DBQ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-bit grayscale resolution, thermal shutdown + pre-thermal warning, invisible LED open/short detection mode, four-channel grouped delay switching for inrush control, and daisy-chainable serial interface for multi-driver systems.
Technical Context
The TLC5948DBQ implements an enhanced-spectrum (ES-PWM) timing architecture with dual 16-bit grayscale data latches and auto-display repeat functionality. Its 257-bit common shift register enables simultaneous loading of GS, DC, and BC data via SIN/SCLK/LAT, while GSCLK drives independent PWM counters per channel.
It integrates six error-detection circuits-LED open (LOD), LED short (LSD), output leakage (OLD), IREF short (ISF), pre-thermal warning (PTW), and thermal error flag (TEF)-all readable via SOUT after LAT. The device supports invisible detection mode (IDM) for LOD/LSD without visible flicker during testing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output channels | 16 constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15), each individually programmable for grayscale, dot correction, and brightness control |
| Grayscale resolution | 16-bit (65,536 steps) ES-PWM with auto-refresh - enables flicker-free, high-fidelity grayscale in LED video walls |
| Dot correction | 7-bit (128 steps, 0–100% range) per channel - compensates for LED binning and aging drift across all 16 outputs |
| Global brightness control | 7-bit (128 steps, 25–100% range) - scales all outputs simultaneously without altering relative channel ratios |
| Sink current range | 2 mA to 45 mA (VCC ≤3.6 V) or 2 mA to 60 mA (VCC >3.6 V) - set by single external IREF resistor (0.846–25.4 kΩ) |
| Error detection | LOD, LSD, OLD, ISF, PTW, TEF - all reportable via serial readback; IDM allows detection without display interruption |
| Timing performance | 33 MHz SCLK and GSCLK - supports <1 µs per frame update in multi-chip daisy chains for real-time video |
Pinout & Package
Package: SSOP-24 (DBQ), 0.154-inch body width, PowerPAD™ not present (distinct from PWP variant).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Power ground reference | Primary return path for all output currents and internal logic; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling |
| SIN (Pin 2) | Serial data input | Feeds LSB-first data into 257-bit shift register; accepts GS, DC, BC, and control words in sequence |
| SCLK (Pin 3) | Serial clock input | Rising edge shifts data into shift register; max 33 MHz rate enables fast configuration of all 16 channels |
| LAT (Pin 4) | Latch control input | Rising edge transfers data from shift register to first GS latch (MSB=0) or first control latch (MSB=1); triggers error readback |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 5–12, 13–20) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each independently sinks up to 60 mA; supports parallel grouping and mixed-voltage LED strings (up to 10 V VLED) |
| IREF (Pin 23) | Reference current terminal | Resistor to GND sets full-scale current; shorting to GND forces all outputs off and asserts ISF flag |
| SOUT (Pin 22) | Serial data output | Shifts out MSB of shift register or status bits (LOD/LSD/OLD/ISF/PTW/TEF) after LAT rising edge |
| GSCLK (Pin 21) | Grayscale clock input | Drives PWM counter per channel; BLANK=0 resets counter and disables outputs; critical for timing-critical displays |
| VCC (Pin 24) | Supply voltage | 3.0–5.5 V logic and analog supply; powers internal DACs, error detectors, and shift register; decoupling required |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Four-channel grouped delay switching | Staggers turn-on of OUT0–OUT3, OUT4–OUT7, OUT8–OUT11, OUT12–OUT15 to limit inrush current and reduce EMI |
| Invisible detection mode (IDM) | Performs LED open/short tests during blanking intervals - eliminates visible artifacts during fault diagnostics |
| Pre-thermal warning (PTW) | Asserts flag at 125–150°C junction temperature - enables proactive thermal derating before TEF shutdown at 150–180°C |
| Power-save mode | Reduces VCC current to <40 µA by disabling GSCLK logic and output drivers - ideal for standby or scheduled dimming |
| Dual GS data latches | Enables seamless frame transitions: new grayscale data loaded to second latch while first drives active display |
Applications
| LED Video Displays | LED Signboards |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-resolution indoor/outdoor video walls with >10,000 nits brightness and 60 Hz+ refresh. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale driver for RGB subpixels; synchronizes GSCLK across daisy-chained devices using display timing reset. Use Value: 16-bit ES-PWM eliminates contouring artifacts; 7-bit DC corrects panel non-uniformity; invisible LOD/LSD enables maintenance without display blackout. |
Use Scenario: Large-format outdoor signage with wide temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and long service life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink for monochrome or RGB LED modules; uses BC to compensate for solar heating-induced luminance drift. Use Value: ±0.6% channel-to-channel current matching ensures consistent brightness across 100+ modules; thermal flags trigger adaptive dimming before failure. |
| Architectural Lighting | Stage & Entertainment Lighting |
Use Scenario: Tunable-white and color-changing façade lighting with DALI or DMX512 bridge controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local current regulation node receiving GS/DC/BC over SPI; interfaces to microcontroller with auto-repeat enabled. Use Value: Four-grouped delay prevents inrush tripping on 230 VAC-fed LED strips; power-save mode reduces standby consumption below 50 µA. |
Use Scenario: High-speed moving-head fixtures requiring flicker-free dimming and real-time fault reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time LED driver with PTW/TEF feedback to lighting console; uses GSCLK synchronization for pixel-perfect strobing. Use Value: 33 MHz SCLK enables <100 µs reconfiguration of all 16 channels; invisible detection allows live diagnostics during performances. |
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 grayscale (4096 steps), no PTW/TEF, no invisible detection mode, lower max sink current (20 mA) | Lacks thermal monitoring and advanced fault detection; suitable only for non-critical, low-power signage | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs diagnostic requirements and grayscale depth is sufficient for ambient-lit applications |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-channel, 10-bit PWM, no dot correction, no BC, no self-diagnosis, SPI interface only (no GSCLK separate) | Designed for 7-segment/matrix displays; lacks per-channel current tuning and LED health monitoring | Choose only for simple alphanumeric or low-resolution matrix displays where grayscale fidelity and reliability are secondary |
Compared with TLC5947DBQ and MAX7219CWG+, the TLC5948DBQ provides 4× higher grayscale resolution, full thermal and electrical fault visibility, and per-channel calibration - making it the only option for mission-critical video and architectural LED systems demanding zero downtime.
Availability
TLC5948DBQ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video displays, outdoor signboards, architectural lighting, and stage lighting applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5948DBQ 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 TLC5948 belongs to TI's high-precision LED driver product line, engineered specifically for professional-grade visual systems requiring flicker-free grayscale, factory-calibrated uniformity, and real-time health monitoring.
FAQ
What is the maximum sink current per channel for TLC5948DBQ at 5.0 V VCC?
The TLC5948DBQ supports up to 60 mA per channel (OUT0–OUT15) when VCC > 3.6 V and the IREF resistor is set to 0.91 kΩ. This value is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under IOLC1 test condition (VCC = 5.0 V, RIREF = 0.91 kΩ, TA = +25°C). At 3.0 V VCC, the maximum is limited to 45 mA. The TLC5948DBQ achieves this via its internal current mirror architecture referenced to the IREF pin voltage.
How does the TLC5948DBQ implement invisible LED open/short detection?
The TLC5948DBQ uses Invisible Detection Mode (IDM), which performs LED open (LOD) and short (LSD) tests exclusively during BLANK = 1 intervals - when all outputs are forcibly disabled and no visible light is emitted. Detection thresholds (e.g., VLOD0 = 0.25–0.35 V) are sampled without affecting active display frames. This capability is explicitly documented in the Features and Electrical Characteristics sections of the SBVS173 datasheet for TLC5948DBQ.
Can TLC5948DBQ be daisy-chained, and what interface signals enable this?
Yes, the TLC5948DBQ supports daisy-chaining via its SIN/SOUT serial interface. Data from a controller's SIN is shifted through the 257-bit register of Device 1; the MSB appears on SOUT and connects to SIN of Device 2. SCLK, LAT, and GSCLK are shared across all devices. This topology is illustrated in the "Typical Application Circuit (Multiple Daisy-Chained TLC5948s)" diagram in the TLC5948DBQ datasheet, enabling scalable LED system expansion without additional GPIO overhead.
What is the role of the two grayscale data latches in TLC5948DBQ operation?
The TLC5948DBQ contains two independent 16-bit grayscale data latches. The first latch drives the active display; the second accepts new data during blanking. When LAT rises with display timing reset (TMGRST = 1), both latches update simultaneously - enabling tear-free frame transitions. This dual-latch architecture is fundamental to the TLC5948DBQ's support for auto-display repeat and real-time content updates without visual artifacts.
Does TLC5948DBQ support power-saving modes, and how is it activated?
Yes, the TLC5948DBQ includes a hardware power-save mode that reduces VCC current to ≤40 µA. It is activated by writing PSMODE = 110b and setting BLANK = 1, followed by a LAT pulse. In this state, GSCLK logic and output drivers are disabled while retaining register contents. Recovery requires writing PSMODE = 101b or asserting LAT with GS data for any output ON. This behavior is verified in Figure 10 (Power-Save Mode Timing) of the TLC5948DBQ datasheet.
TLC5948DBQ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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
TLC5948DBQ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5948DBQ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5948DBQ 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 TLC5948DBQ reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5948DBQ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5948DBQ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5948DBQ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5948DBQ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5948DBQ?
TLC5948DBQ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5948DBQ 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 TLC5948DBQ?
For technical support, including TLC5948DBQ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5948DBQ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5948DBQ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5948DBQ 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 TLC5948DBQ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5948DBQ?
All TLC5948DBQ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5948DBQ, 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 TLC5948DBQ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5948DBQ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TLC5948DBQ Tags
-
BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
-
LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations
-
HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology
-
CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology
-
BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
-
BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
