Texas Instruments TLC5949DBQ
- Part No.:
- TLC5949DBQ
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5949DBQ.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 45MA 24SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,647
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Product details
Overview
TLC5949DBQ from Texas Instruments is a 16-channel, 12-bit enhanced-spectrum PWM LED driver with integrated global brightness control (7-bit, 25–100%), constant-current sink outputs (2–45 mA), and full self-diagnosis (LOD/LSD/OLD/ISF/PTW/TEF). It operates from 3.0 V to 3.6 V and supports daisy-chained configurations for large LED video displays.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5949DBQ datasheet, TLC5949DBQ pinout, TLC5949DBQ application, or TLC5949DBQ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 33 MHz serial interface clock rate, 128-step BC adjustment range, thermal warning threshold at 138°C, invisible detection mode for LED faults, and support for four-channel grouped delay switching to suppress inrush current.
Technical Context
The TLC5949DBQ implements dual PWM control-conventional and enhanced spectrum (ES-PWM)-with independent 12-bit grayscale counters per channel and synchronized GSCLK-driven timing. Its 193-bit common shift register enables cascaded operation while maintaining precise display timing reset and auto-refresh capability.
It integrates six error-detection circuits: LED open (LOD), short (LSD), output leakage (OLD), IREF short (ISF), pre-thermal warning (PTW), and thermal error flag (TEF), all readable via SOUT after LAT assertion. The device uses a single external resistor (RIREF) to set maximum sink current and supports power-save mode with sub-40 µA VCC current.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 16 constant-current sink outputs, individually PWM-controllable with 4096 grayscale steps |
| Global Brightness Control | 7-bit (128 steps), adjustable from 25% to 100% of max current set by RIREF |
| Sink Current Range | 2 mA to 45 mA per channel, set by RIREF = 1.13 kΩ to 25.4 kΩ |
| Serial Interface Speed | 33 MHz SCLK and GSCLK - enables fast data loading for high-refresh-rate displays |
| Operating Voltage | VCC = 3.0 V to 3.6 V - optimized for low-voltage logic compatibility and reduced power dissipation |
| Thermal Protection | Pre-thermal warning at 138°C (typ), thermal shutdown at 150°C (min), with 5–20°C hysteresis |
| Error Detection | 6 flags: LOD, LSD, OLD, ISF, PTW, TEF - all readable via serial port without interrupting operation |
Pinout & Package
The TLC5949DBQ is housed in a 24-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with exposed PowerPAD on bottom side for thermal enhancement. Pin count and layout match TI's DBQ package designation per ordering information.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 1) | Power ground reference | Primary return path for all internal current sinks and digital logic; must be low-impedance connection |
| SIN (Pin 2) | Serial data input | LSB-first 193-bit serial stream entry point for grayscale, BC, and control data |
| SCLK (Pin 3) | Serial clock input | Rising-edge-triggered shift clock for SIN data; supports up to 33 MHz operation |
| LAT (Pin 4) | Latch control input | Transfers data from shift register into GS or control latches; triggers status readout on SOUT |
| OUT0–OUT15 (Pins 5–20) | Constant-current sink outputs | 16 individually controllable channels; each capable of sinking up to 45 mA with ±0.6% channel-to-channel accuracy |
| GSCLK (Pin 21) | Grayscale clock input | Drives 12-bit PWM counter per channel; rising edge increments counter; disabled when BLANK = 1 |
| SOUT (Pin 22) | Serial data output | MSB of 193-bit shift register; outputs status flags (LOD/LSD/OLD/ISF/PTW/TEF) after LAT pulse |
| IREF (Pin 23) | Reference current terminal | Connects to GND via resistor to set max output current; shorting to GND forces all outputs off and sets ISF |
| VCC (Pin 24) | Supply voltage | 3.0–3.6 V digital and analog supply; powers internal logic, reference, and output drivers |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Spectrum PWM | Reduces visible flicker and EMI by distributing ON-time across subframes - improves visual quality in high-brightness LED signage |
| Invisible Fault Detection | LOD and LSD operate during active display time without blanking or perceptible interruption - maintains uninterrupted operation |
| Four-Channel Grouped Delay Switching | Staggers turn-on of OUT groups to limit peak inrush current - prevents voltage droop in shared LED power rails |
| Auto Display Repeat & Refresh | Hardware-managed display cycling eliminates MCU intervention - reduces host processor load in embedded LED controllers |
| Power-Save Mode | Reduces VCC current to ≤40 µA while retaining latch state - enables ultra-low-power standby in battery-backed signage |
Applications
| LED Video Displays | LED Signboards |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-resolution indoor/outdoor video walls requiring uniform brightness and minimal flicker across thousands of LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale and global brightness controller; manages 16-channel PWM timing, fault monitoring, and daisy-chain data propagation. Use Value: ES-PWM ensures flicker-free imaging at 120+ Hz refresh; ±0.6% channel-to-channel current matching delivers consistent color and luminance across panels. |
Use Scenario: Dynamic roadside message signs with environmental exposure, long uptime requirements, and remote diagnostics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-resilient LED driver with real-time open/short detection and thermal warning - enables predictive maintenance. Use Value: Invisible LOD/LSD detection avoids display interruptions; PTW alerts at 138°C allow thermal derating before shutdown occurs. |
| Architectural Lighting Systems | Industrial Panel Indicators |
|
Use Scenario: Programmable RGBW lighting strips in commercial buildings where dimming linearity and color stability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink with 7-bit BC + 12-bit GS control - enables smooth 1000:1 dimming range and calibrated white-point tuning. Use Value: 25–100% BC range allows precise scaling of full-scale current; ±1% device-to-device accuracy ensures inter-module consistency. |
Use Scenario: Operator interface panels in factory automation equipment requiring reliable status indication under wide temperature (-40°C to +85°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust LED driver with built-in diagnostics - monitors LED health and reports failures over serial bus. Use Value: OLD and ISF detection identifies aging LEDs or solder joint failures; extended temperature rating ensures operation in uncontrolled enclosures. |
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, no BC control; lacks LOD/LSD/PTW/TEF diagnostics; 3.3 V only | Suitable for cost-sensitive static displays where fault reporting is not required | Select when diagnostic features are unnecessary and system-level brightness control is handled externally |
| MAX7219CWG+ | 8-channel, 10-bit, SPI interface; includes BCD decode and scan-limit registers; no ES-PWM or thermal warning | Targeted at 7-segment/matrix displays, not high-fidelity LED video or signage | Choose for alphanumeric or simple dot-matrix applications with minimal external components |
Compared with TLC5949DBQ, TLC5947DBQ omits all six self-diagnostic flags and global brightness control, reducing system-level fault visibility and dimming flexibility; MAX7219CWG+ offers simpler integration for legacy displays but lacks the precision current matching, thermal safety margins, and ES-PWM flicker suppression needed for modern LED video systems.
Availability
TLC5949DBQ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video displays, outdoor signboards, architectural lighting systems, and industrial panel indicators requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5949DBQ 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 TLC5949 belongs to TI's high-precision LED driver product line, designed specifically for demanding signage and video display applications requiring accurate current matching, robust fault detection, and flicker-free grayscale control.
FAQ
What is the maximum sink current per channel for the TLC5949DBQ?
The TLC5949DBQ supports a maximum sink current of 45 mA per channel when configured with RIREF = 1.13 kΩ and global brightness control (BC) set to 7Fh (127). The actual current is programmable from 2 mA to 45 mA using an external resistor between IREF and GND, with typical channel-to-channel accuracy of ±0.6% at +25°C. This value is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under IOLC0 parameter.
Does the TLC5949DBQ support daisy-chaining with other TLC5949 devices?
Yes, the TLC5949DBQ supports seamless daisy-chaining via its SIN/SOUT interface. Data shifted into SIN propagates through the 193-bit common shift register and appears on SOUT, enabling multi-device cascading without additional logic. The functional block diagram and Typical Application Circuit in the datasheet explicitly show multiple TLC5949 devices connected in series, with LAT and GSCLK shared across the chain.
How does the Enhanced Spectrum PWM (ES-PWM) mode differ from conventional PWM in the TLC5949DBQ?
The TLC5949DBQ's ES-PWM mode distributes the ON-time across multiple subframes within a full grayscale cycle, reducing visible flicker and electromagnetic interference compared to conventional PWM. This is enabled by setting the ESPWM bit in the control data latch. Conventional PWM applies the full ON-time contiguously. ES-PWM is particularly valuable in high-brightness video displays where conventional PWM may cause perceptible artifacts.
What thermal protection features does the TLC5949DBQ provide?
The TLC5949DBQ provides two-tier thermal protection: Pre-Thermal Warning (PTW) triggers at 138°C (typical), allowing system-level derating before failure, and Thermal Error Flag (TEF) activates at ≥150°C, forcing output shutdown. Both flags are readable via SOUT. The device also specifies a junction temperature limit of +125°C under recommended operating conditions and +150°C absolute maximum, with thermal resistance θJA = 80.4°C/W in the DBQ package.
Can the TLC5949DBQ detect open or shorted LEDs while the display is active?
Yes, the TLC5949DBQ performs LED Open Detection (LOD) and LED Short Detection (LSD) in Invisible Detection Mode (IDM), meaning these tests occur during normal display operation without blanking or visible interruption. Detection thresholds are configurable via LODVLT and LSDVLT bits, and results are reported in the status information data (SID) accessible via SOUT after a LAT pulse - enabling real-time diagnostics without disrupting visuals.
TLC5949DBQ 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):
- 3.6V
- Voltage - Output:
- 10V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 45mA
- Frequency:
- 33MHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-SSOP
TLC5949DBQ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5949DBQ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5949DBQ 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 TLC5949DBQ reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5949DBQ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5949DBQ is usually 5 days.
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TLC5949DBQ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5949DBQ 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 TLC5949DBQ?
For technical support, including TLC5949DBQ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5949DBQ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5949DBQ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5949DBQ 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 TLC5949DBQ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5949DBQ?
All TLC5949DBQ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5949DBQ, 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 TLC5949DBQ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5949DBQ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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