Texas Instruments TLC5955DCA
- Part No.:
- TLC5955DCA
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 56-PowerTFSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5955DCA.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV LIN ANALOG 56HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:175
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Product details
Overview
TLC5955DCA from Texas Instruments is a 48-channel, 16-bit PWM constant-current LED sink driver with integrated dot correction (DC), global brightness control (BC), and LED open/short detection. It delivers up to 31.9 mA per channel (VCC > 3.6 V), supports 65,536-step grayscale, 128-step DC/BC, and operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V. It is used in high-fidelity RGB LED video displays requiring precise per-channel current matching and fault diagnostics.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5955DCA datasheet, TLC5955DCA pinout, TLC5955DCA application, or TLC5955DCA equivalent, key selection considerations include its HTSSOP-56 package, 33 MHz GSCLK timing, 25 MHz SCLK data rate, 48-channel RGB grouping (R/G/B × 16), and built-in LOD/LSD error reporting via SOUT serial status readback.
Technical Context
The TLC5955DCA implements a hierarchical PWM architecture: a 16-bit grayscale counter driven by GSCLK controls on-time per channel, while 7-bit DC and BC registers scale output current multiplicatively per channel and per color group respectively. Its 769-bit common shift register accepts serial commands that route data to either the GS latch (MSB = 0) or control latch (MSB = 1 + command header).
It integrates three independent current-setting mechanisms: 3-bit maximum current (MC) selects full-scale per-color-group ranges (3–30 mA), 7-bit DC corrects channel-to-channel mismatch (±2% typ), and 7-bit BC adjusts R/G/B group balance for white-point tuning. Fault detection logic monitors each OUTXn for open-circuit (LOD threshold: 0.30 V) and short-circuit (LSD threshold: 0.70×VCC) conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output channels | 48 constant-current sinks, grouped as R0–R15, G0–G15, B0–B15 - enables full RGB pixel driving per chip |
| Grayscale resolution | 16-bit (65,536 steps) - supports smooth intensity gradation without visible contouring in video content |
| Sink current range | Up to 31.9 mA per channel at VCC > 3.6 V - sufficient to drive standard 20-mA LEDs with margin |
| Dot correction | 7-bit (128 steps), per-channel - compensates for LED binning variance to achieve ±2% channel-to-channel uniformity |
| Global brightness control | 7-bit (128 steps), per-color-group - enables fine white-balance adjustment across R/G/B subpixels |
| Data interface speed | 25 MHz SCLK, 33 MHz GSCLK - supports real-time refresh of 48 channels at >120 Hz frame rates |
| LED fault detection | Integrated LOD (0.30 V threshold) and LSD (0.70×VCC threshold) - eliminates need for external sense circuitry |
Pinout & Package
Package: HTSSOP-56 (14.0 mm × 6.1 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad (must be soldered to PCB ground plane).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SIN (Pin 1) | Serial data input | Feeds LSB-first 769-bit command stream into shift register; MSB determines destination (GS or control latch) |
| SCLK (Pin 2) | Shift clock input | Drives data propagation through shift register at up to 25 MHz; SOUT reflects MSB on next rising edge |
| LAT (Pin 3) | Data latch strobe | Rising edge latches shift register contents into GS or control latch; triggers display timing reset when TMGRST = 1 |
| GSCLK (Pin 55) | Grayscale clock input | Drives 16-bit PWM counter; rising edge increments grayscale timer; resets counter when TMGRST enabled |
| SOUT (Pin 28) | Serial status output | Outputs 96-bit LOD/LSD status after LAT falling edge during GS write - enables fault mapping without extra pins |
| OUTR0–OUTR15 (Pins 4,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,31,34,37,40,43,46,49) | Red-channel constant-current sinks | Each drives one red LED anode; voltage compliance up to 10 V; parallelable for higher current |
| OUTG0–OUTG15 (Pins 6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45,48,51) | Green-channel constant-current sinks | Independent current setting per channel; same specs as red outputs |
| OUTB0–OUTB15 (Pins 7,10,13,16,19,22,25,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53,56) | Blue-channel constant-current sinks | Same electrical specs; allows full RGB pixel control with single IC |
| VCC (Pin 54) | Power supply | 3.0–5.5 V operation; powers logic and current sources; decoupling required near pin |
| GND (Pins 29,56) | Power ground | Dual ground pins reduce noise coupling; thermal pad must connect to GND for thermal performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto display repeat mode | Enables continuous GS data playback without host intervention - reduces MCU overhead in static signage |
| Delay switching | Prevents inrush current during output turn-on - avoids voltage droop and EMI spikes in dense LED arrays |
| UVLO default data | Resets internal registers to safe state on power-up - ensures predictable startup behavior without external reset |
| Thermal pad grounding | Exposed pad tied to GND improves thermal resistance (θJA = 32.2°C/W) - sustains full 31.9 mA/channel at +85°C |
| Enhanced spectrum PWM | 16-bit GS timing with optimized bit weighting - minimizes visual artifacts compared to conventional PWM |
Applications
| LED Video Displays | Variable Message Signs (VMS) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Indoor/outdoor large-format RGB LED panels with pixel pitch ≤2.5 mm. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary constant-current sink driver for all R/G/B subpixels; provides synchronized 16-bit grayscale timing via GSCLK. Use Value: Enables 281 trillion color palette and ±2% channel uniformity - critical for broadcast-grade image fidelity and seamless tiling. | Use Scenario: Highway-facing dynamic message boards requiring 24/7 reliability and sunlight readability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED driver with integrated LOD/LSD for autonomous fault detection and reporting. Use Value: Reduces maintenance downtime by identifying failed LEDs remotely - no manual inspection needed for 48-channel segments. |
| Illumination Systems | Architectural LED Lighting |
Use Scenario: Tunable-white and color-changing linear LED fixtures for commercial interiors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current source with per-group BC control for R/G/B intensity balancing. Use Value: Achieves CRI >90 and precise CCT adjustment (2700K–6500K) using only 7-bit BC - simplifies lighting control firmware. | Use Scenario: Facade lighting with long LED strings and distributed drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage-tolerant (10 V) sink driver enabling longer LED string lengths per channel. Use Value: Supports 3–5 LEDs in series per output - cuts wiring complexity and driver count by 40% vs. 5-V alternatives. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5958RTQ | QFN-56 package; identical electrical specs but lower θJA (27.9°C/W); no HTSSOP option | Better thermal performance in space-constrained layouts; requires reflow-compatible PCB design | Select when board area is limited and thermal headroom is critical; not drop-in for HTSSOP footprints |
| IS31FL3733-QFLS4 | 48-channel, 12-bit GS (4096 steps); no integrated LOD/LSD; I²C interface instead of SPI-like serial | Lacks fault detection; simpler control but lower grayscale depth; targets cost-sensitive consumer lighting | Choose for non-critical indoor lighting where diagnostic capability is unnecessary and I²C infrastructure exists |
Compared with TLC5955DCA, TLC5958RTQ offers superior thermal dissipation in compact designs, while IS31FL3733-QFLS4 trades grayscale depth and diagnostics for I²C simplicity and lower BOM cost - neither is pin-compatible, but both serve adjacent LED driving requirements.
Availability
TLC5955DCA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video displays, variable message signs (VMS), and architectural illumination requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5955DCA 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 components for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The TLC5955 belongs to TI's high-performance LED driver product line, engineered specifically for professional-grade RGB video displays demanding precision current matching, real-time fault diagnostics, and multi-level brightness control.
FAQ
What is the maximum sink current per channel for TLC5955DCA at 5.0 V VCC?
The TLC5955DCA delivers up to 31.9 mA per channel when VCC exceeds 3.6 V and maximum current (MC) bits are set to 7. This value is measured at VOUT = 0.8 V and TA = +25°C, with device-to-device variation bounded at ±4% maximum. The TLC5955DCA maintains this rating across its full operating temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) with appropriate thermal management via the exposed pad.
How does the TLC5955DCA implement LED open and short detection?
The TLC5955DCA performs LED open detection (LOD) by monitoring each OUTXn node for voltage below 0.30 V (typical threshold); LED short detection (LSD) triggers when voltage exceeds 0.70×VCC. Detection results are packed into a 96-bit status word readable via SOUT after a LAT falling edge during grayscale data write. The TLC5955DCA reports per-channel status without requiring external sensing components or additional GPIOs.
Can TLC5955DCA drive LEDs with forward voltages above 5 V?
Yes, the TLC5955DCA supports output voltages up to 10 V per channel (VOUT range: –0.3 V to +11 V), enabling direct drive of 3–5 white or blue LEDs in series (VF ≈ 3.0–3.6 V each). This eliminates the need for boost converters in many architectural and signage applications. The TLC5955DCA maintains constant-current regulation across this full voltage range when configured with appropriate MC, DC, and BC settings.
What is the function of the thermal pad on the TLC5955DCA HTSSOP package?
The exposed thermal pad on the TLC5955DCA HTSSOP-56 package is electrically unconnected internally but must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to achieve specified thermal performance (θJA = 32.2°C/W). It lowers junction-to-board thermal resistance (θJB = 16.1°C/W) and prevents thermal throttling during sustained 31.9 mA/channel operation. Leaving the pad floating degrades thermal performance by >40% and risks reliability failure under load.
Does TLC5955DCA support daisy-chaining multiple devices?
Yes, the TLC5955DCA supports serial daisy-chaining via SIN → SOUT interconnection between devices. The 769-bit shift register accepts concatenated command streams, allowing one microcontroller to control dozens of TLC5955DCA chips with minimal GPIO usage. LAT and GSCLK are shared across the chain, while SCLK propagates synchronously - enabling synchronized grayscale updates across large LED arrays without frame tearing.
TLC5955DCA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 56-PowerTFSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Shift Register
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 48
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 10V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 30mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- Analog
- Applications:
- Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 56-HTSSOP
TLC5955DCA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5955DCA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5955DCA 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 TLC5955DCA reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5955DCA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5955DCA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5955DCA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5955DCA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5955DCA?
TLC5955DCA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5955DCA 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 TLC5955DCA?
For technical support, including TLC5955DCA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5955DCA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5955DCA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5955DCA 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 TLC5955DCA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5955DCA?
All TLC5955DCA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5955DCA, 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 TLC5955DCA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5955DCA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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