Texas Instruments TLC5948PWPR
- Part No.:
- TLC5948PWPR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5948PWPR.pdf
- Description:
- LED DRIVER, 16-SEGMENT, PDSO24
- Quantity:
- Payment:

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Inventory:12,000
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Product details
Overview
TLC5948PWPR 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 sink currents up to 60 mA per channel (VCC > 3.6 V), and operates from –40°C to +85°C. It is used in high-reliability LED video displays requiring precise grayscale fidelity and fault detection.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5948PWPR datasheet, TLC5948PWPR pinout, TLC5948PWPR application, or TLC5948PWPR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 16-bit grayscale resolution, thermal shutdown and pre-thermal warning flags, invisible LED open/short detection mode, four-channel grouped delay switching for inrush suppression, and HTSSOP-24 PowerPAD™ package for thermal management.
Technical Context
The TLC5948PWPR implements an enhanced-spectrum (ES-PWM) timing architecture with dual 16-bit grayscale data latches and auto-display repeat capability. Its 257-bit serial shift register accepts GS, DC, and BC data via SIN/SCLK, with LAT controlling latch destination based on MSB value.
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 uses a single external resistor (RIREF) to set maximum sink current across all 16 channels, with programmable DC and BC enabling per-channel and global current scaling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 16 constant-current sink outputs (OUT0–OUT15), each independently controllable |
| Grayscale Resolution | 16-bit (65,536 steps) ES-PWM for high-fidelity LED intensity control |
| Dot Correction | 7-bit (128 steps, 0%–100% range) per channel to compensate LED forward-voltage variation |
| Global Brightness Control | 7-bit (128 steps, 25%–100% range) for system-level luminance adjustment |
| Sink Current Range | 2–45 mA (VCC ≤3.6 V) or 2–60 mA (VCC > 3.6 V), set by RIREF resistor |
| Data Transfer Rate | 33 MHz SCLK frequency enables fast frame updates for high-refresh-rate displays |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C ambient, with junction limit of +125°C and thermal shutdown at +150°C |
Pinout & Package
Package: HTSSOP-24 PowerPAD™ (PWP), thermally enhanced 24-pin exposed-pad package with 0.65 mm pitch; requires PCB thermal pad connection for optimal junction-to-board heat dissipation (θJB = 21.5°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Power ground reference | Primary return path for all internal current sinks and logic; must be low-impedance connection to PCB ground plane |
| SIN (Pin 2) | Serial data input | Feeds LSB-first data into 257-bit shift register; accepts GS, DC, BC, and control bits |
| SCLK (Pin 3) | Serial clock input | Rising edge shifts data into shift register; max 33 MHz rate defines update bandwidth |
| 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) |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 5–12, 13–20) | Constant-current sink outputs | Each drives one LED cathode; supports parallel grouping and independent voltage rails per channel |
| IREF (Pin 23) | Reference current terminal | Connects to GND via RIREF resistor (0.846–25.4 kΩ) to set max sink current per channel |
| SOUT (Pin 22) | Serial status output | Shifts out error flags (LOD/LSD/OLD/ISF/PTW/TEF) and diagnostic data after LAT assertion |
| GSCLK (Pin 21) | Grayscale clock input | Drives PWM counter; rising edge increments GS counter when BLANK = 0; resets counter when BLANK = 1 |
| VCC (Pin 24) | Supply voltage | 3.0–5.5 V logic and analog supply; powers internal regulators, shift register, and current drivers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Full self-diagnosis with six error flags | LOD, LSD, OLD, ISF, PTW, and TEF detect faults without interrupting display operation; all readable via SOUT |
| Invisible detection mode (IDM) | LOD/LSD operate during active display time without visible flicker or brightness disruption |
| Four-channel grouped delay switching | Staggers turn-on of OUT0–OUT3, OUT4–OUT7, OUT8–OUT11, OUT12–OUT15 to suppress inrush current peaks |
| Power-save mode | Reduces VCC current to <40 µA by disabling GS counter and drivers while retaining register state |
| Auto display repeat / refresh | Hardware-based frame repetition eliminates need for continuous host data streaming during static content |
| Display timing reset | LAT-triggered synchronization of GS counters across daisy-chained devices ensures frame coherence |
Applications
| LED Video Displays | LED Signboards |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-resolution indoor/outdoor video walls with >3840 Hz refresh rates and >10-bit perceived grayscale depth. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale current driver; provides 16-bit ES-PWM timing with auto-repeat and display timing reset for multi-device synchronization. Use Value: Eliminates host MCU overhead for frame buffering; invisible LOD/LSD detection maintains uptime without visual artifacts. |
Use Scenario: Large-format outdoor signage operating under wide temperature swings (–40°C to +85°C) and variable power conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current LED driver with thermal monitoring (PTW/TEF) and load regulation compensation (±0.1%/V). Use Value: Prevents thermal runaway via pre-warning at 138°C and shutdown at 150°C; ±2% max channel-to-channel error ensures uniform brightness across panels. |
| Architectural Lighting Systems | Industrial Panel Indicators |
Use Scenario: RGBW LED arrays in smart building façades requiring smooth dimming, color consistency, and long-term calibration stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-channel dot correction (7-bit DC) and global brightness control (7-bit BC) enable factory and field calibration of LED binning variance. Use Value: 128-step DC compensates forward-voltage drift over 50,000-hour lifetime; BC allows centralized luminance tuning without reprogramming individual channels. |
Use Scenario: Safety-critical HMI panels in industrial PLCs and medical devices where LED failure must be detected before catastrophic indicator loss. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with real-time diagnostics (LOD/LSD/ISF) reported via serial interface for system-level health monitoring. Use Value: Detects open/shorted LEDs during operation without blanking; SOUT-readout enables predictive maintenance alerts before visual failure occurs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947PWR | 16-channel, 12-bit PWM only (no ES-PWM), no PTW/TEF, no invisible detection mode, lower max current (30 mA) | Lacks thermal warning and fault resilience; suitable for cost-sensitive, non-critical signage with simpler diagnostics | Select when 12-bit grayscale suffices and thermal safety margins are less stringent |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-channel, 8-bit multiplexed driver; no dot correction; no self-diagnosis; SPI interface only; no GSCLK pin | Designed for 7-segment/matrix displays, not linear LED strings; requires external current-setting resistors per channel | Choose for legacy 7-segment applications or where board space limits channel count and advanced features are unnecessary |
Compared with TLC5947PWR and MAX7219CWG+, the TLC5948PWPR delivers 4× higher grayscale resolution, integrated thermal protection with hysteresis, and hardware-accelerated fault detection-enabling robust, maintenance-free LED systems in demanding visual applications.
Availability
TLC5948PWPR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video displays, architectural lighting systems, and industrial panel indicators requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for production programs.
Supply support for TLC5948PWPR 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 for applications demanding pixel-level grayscale fidelity, thermal resilience, and autonomous fault detection in mission-critical visual systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum sink current per channel for TLC5948PWPR?
The TLC5948PWPR supports up to 60 mA per channel when VCC exceeds 3.6 V and RIREF is set to 0.91 kΩ. At VCC ≤3.6 V, the maximum is 45 mA. This is set by the external resistor between IREF and GND, with values ranging from 0.846 kΩ (60 mA) to 25.4 kΩ (2 mA). The TLC5948PWPR datasheet specifies ±2% max channel-to-channel current error at these settings.
How does the TLC5948PWPR implement invisible LED open/short detection?
The TLC5948PWPR uses Invisible Detection Mode (IDM) to perform LED open (LOD) and short (LSD) tests during active display periods without disrupting grayscale PWM timing or causing visible flicker. IDM leverages internal timing windows synchronized to GSCLK edges, allowing fault sampling within non-visible portions of the PWM cycle. The results are stored in status registers and read via SOUT after LAT assertion - all without blanking the display or altering GS data flow.
Can TLC5948PWPR be daisy-chained, and how is synchronization handled?
Yes, the TLC5948PWPR supports daisy-chaining via SIN→SOUT connections across multiple devices. Synchronization is achieved using the display timing reset feature: when the TMGRST bit in the control data latch is set to '1', a LAT rising edge simultaneously initializes the GS counters and copies data to both first and second GS data latches across all chained devices. This ensures frame-aligned grayscale timing and eliminates inter-device skew in large LED arrays.
What thermal protection features does the TLC5948PWPR provide?
The TLC5948PWPR includes pre-thermal warning (PTW) at 125–150°C junction temperature and thermal error flag (TEF) activation at 150–180°C, with 5–20°C hysteresis. These flags are readable via SOUT and can trigger host-controlled shutdown or derating. Its HTSSOP-24 PowerPAD™ package achieves θJB = 21.5°C/W, enabling sustained 60 mA/channel operation at +85°C ambient when properly heatsinked - a capability confirmed in the TLC5948PWPR thermal characterization data.
Does TLC5948PWPR support power-saving modes, and how much current does it draw in that state?
Yes, the TLC5948PWPR supports a hardware power-save mode activated by writing PSMODE = 110b and BLANK = 1. In this mode, the GS counter halts, all outputs disable, and internal clocks gate - reducing VCC supply current to ≤40 µA (typical) at +25°C. The device retains all register contents, allowing instant resumption of operation upon exit. This mode is documented in the TLC5948PWPR switching characteristics table (ICC5 parameter) and validated across –40°C to +85°C.
TLC5948PWPR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
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- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
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- Qualification:
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- Supplier Device Package:
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TLC5948PWPR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5948PWPR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5948PWPR 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 TLC5948PWPR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5948PWPR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5948PWPR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5948PWPR?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5948PWPR?
TLC5948PWPR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5948PWPR 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 TLC5948PWPR?
For technical support, including TLC5948PWPR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5948PWPR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5948PWPR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5948PWPR 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 TLC5948PWPR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5948PWPR?
All TLC5948PWPR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5948PWPR, 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 TLC5948PWPR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5948PWPR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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