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Texas Instruments TLC5957RTQT
- Part No.:
- TLC5957RTQT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 56-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5957RTQT.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 25MA 56QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:180
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Product details
Overview
TLC5957RTQT from Texas Instruments is a 48-channel, 16-bit ES-PWM constant-current LED sink driver with pre-charge FET, LED open detection (LOD), and caterpillar cancellation. It delivers individually adjustable grayscale control per channel (65536 steps), global brightness control (3-bit), and per-color-group brightness control (9-bit ×3), supporting up to 25 mA per channel at 5 V and operating from –40°C to +85°C. It targets high-fidelity multiplexed LED video displays requiring ghost and caterpillar artifact suppression.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5957RTQT datasheet, TLC5957RTQT pinout, TLC5957RTQT application, or TLC5957RTQT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-channel sink architecture, 33 MHz serial interface speed, thermal shutdown (160–180°C), IREF-based current programming, and daisy-chainable serial interface with SOUT forwarding - all critical for large-area LED signage and video wall designs.
Technical Context
The TLC5957RTQT implements a three-stage grayscale data pipeline: a 48-bit common shift register feeds into dual GS data latches (for display and next-line buffering) and a function control (FC) register managing BC/CC/LOD settings. Its ES-PWM mode enables poker-mode data transmission with configurable 9–16 bit GS depth, increasing visual refresh rate in multiplexed scanning.
Each of the 48 outputs is grouped into R/G/B sets of 16 channels, with independent 9-bit color brightness control (CCR/CCG/CCB) and shared 3-bit global brightness control (BC). The integrated pre-charge FET and enhanced LOD circuit actively cancel ghosting and caterpillar effects caused by open LEDs during row scanning.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 48 constant-current sink outputs, divided into 16 red, 16 green, and 16 blue channels for RGB LED matrix control. |
| Grayscale Resolution | 16-bit (65536-step) per channel, configurable down to 9-bit via ES-PWM poker mode for higher frame rates. |
| Current Range | 1–25 mA per channel, set via external IREF resistor and BC/CC registers; supports VCC = 3.0–5.5 V. |
| Accuracy | ±3% max channel-to-channel, ±2% max device-to-device at 25°C, enabling consistent luminance across panels. |
| Interface Speed | 33 MHz SCLK and GCLK - enables full 48-bit GS data load in ≤1.45 µs, critical for high-refresh-rate video. |
| LED Fault Detection | Programmable LOD threshold (4 levels: 0.05–0.55 V) with flag readable via serial interface. |
| Thermal Protection | Thermal shutdown at 160–180°C with 10°C hysteresis; junction-to-board RθJB = 5.5°C/W (QFN-56). |
Pinout & Package
Package: QFN-56 (RTQ), 8.0 mm × 8.0 mm body, exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal management.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IREF | Reference current setting input | Connects to external resistor (e.g., 7.5 kΩ for 10 mA) to define maximum output current; voltage regulated at 1.209 V (typ). |
| IREFGND | Analog reference ground | Dedicated AGND return for IREF resistor; must route separately to power ground near common GND point. |
| SIN / SCLK / LAT / GCLK | Serial control inputs | SIN: data input; SCLK: shift clock (33 MHz); LAT: latch falling edge loads GS/FC data; GCLK: PWM counter clock (33 MHz). |
| SOUT | Serial data output | MSB of internal 48-bit shift register; enables daisy-chaining multiple TLC5957RTQT devices without external logic. |
| OUTR0–OUTR15 OUTG0–OUTG15 OUTB0–OUTB15 | Constant-current sink outputs | 48 open-drain outputs grouped by color; each drives one LED anode (common-anode display) or cathode (common-cathode with external switch). |
| VCC / GND / Thermal Pad | Power and ground | VCC: 3.0–5.5 V supply; GND: digital ground; thermal pad is electrically GND and mandatory for thermal performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ES-PWM with Poker Mode | Configurable 9–16 bit grayscale depth per sub-segment; increases effective refresh rate in multiplexed LED displays without increasing data bandwidth. |
| Pre-Charge FET + Caterpillar Cancellation | Integrated FET discharges output capacitance before row activation, eliminating ghosting; enhanced LOD circuit suppresses caterpillar artifacts from open LEDs. |
| Triple-Level Brightness Control | Independent 9-bit per-color-group (R/G/B) control + 3-bit global control + 16-bit per-channel grayscale - enables precise white balance and dynamic range tuning. |
| LED Open Detection (LOD) | Four programmable voltage thresholds (0.05–0.55 V) detect open-circuit LEDs; status flag readable via serial interface for real-time panel diagnostics. |
| Auto Display Repeat | Hardware-assisted auto-refresh eliminates need for continuous host data streaming - reduces MCU overhead in static or low-update-rate signage. |
Applications
| LED Video Walls | Outdoor LED Signage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Large-format indoor video walls using 1/8–1/16 scan RGB SMD LED modules with high pixel density and ambient light variability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary constant-current sink driver controlling 48 LED pixels per IC; manages GS timing via GCLK, synchronizes row updates via LAT, and enables daisy-chained data flow via SIN/SOUT. Use Value: 16-bit grayscale and ES-PWM mode deliver smooth motion and deep blacks; pre-charge FET ensures clean row transitions at >120 Hz refresh, eliminating visible scanning artifacts. | Use Scenario: High-brightness outdoor advertising signs exposed to temperature extremes (–40°C to +85°C) and requiring long-term reliability and fault reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED current controller with integrated LOD and thermal shutdown; monitors open LEDs per segment and reports faults over serial interface for predictive maintenance. Use Value: ±2% device-to-device current matching ensures uniform brightness across thousands of modules; thermal pad + RθJB = 5.5°C/W sustains operation under solar loading. |
| Stage Lighting Panels | Architectural RGB Strip Controllers |
Use Scenario: Programmable stage lighting fixtures with dynamic color mixing, strobing, and fast fade effects requiring flicker-free dimming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RGB channel driver implementing per-group CC control for real-time white balance adjustment and global BC for scene-level brightness scaling. Use Value: 512-step per-color CC resolution enables precise chromaticity tuning; 33 MHz interface supports sub-millisecond command updates for responsive DMX/RDM-controlled effects. | Use Scenario: Long-run architectural LED strips (e.g., façade lighting) segmented into zones, each driven by daisy-chained TLC5957RTQT ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zone-level current sink with auto-refresh and SOUT forwarding; accepts serialized GS/CC/BC commands from central controller over twisted-pair wiring. Use Value: Auto Display Repeat reduces controller polling load; daisy-chain topology minimizes wiring count and EMI; LOD detection flags failed segments before total zone failure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED sink driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947RTQT | 48-channel, 12-bit PWM (4096-step), no ES-PWM or caterpillar cancellation; lower max current (15 mA @ 5 V). | Lacks LOD reporting and advanced artifact suppression; suitable only for static or low-speed signage where cost is prioritized over fidelity. | Select when 12-bit grayscale suffices and thermal/LOD diagnostics are not required. |
| IS31FL3731-QFLS4 | 28-channel, 8×4 matrix driver with built-in oscillator; 16-bit current control but no daisy-chain SOUT; I²C interface only. | Fixed 8×4 layout limits scalability; no GCLK/SCLK timing control - unsuitable for custom scan architectures or high-speed video. | Choose only for compact, fixed-layout indicator panels with I²C host constraint. |
Compared with TLC5947RTQT and IS31FL3731-QFLS4, the TLC5957RTQT uniquely combines 16-bit grayscale, ES-PWM flexibility, hardware LOD reporting, and daisy-chain capability - making it the only option among the three qualified for high-refresh, fault-aware, scalable LED video systems.
Availability
TLC5957RTQT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video walls, outdoor signage, stage lighting systems, and architectural RGB strip controllers requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5957RTQT 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 TLC5957RTQT belongs to TI's high-performance LED driver product line, engineered specifically for demanding multiplexed RGB LED displays where grayscale fidelity, artifact suppression, and system-level diagnostics are critical design requirements.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current per channel for TLC5957RTQT?
The TLC5957RTQT supports a maximum output current of 25 mA per channel when VCC = 5 V and the IREF resistor is selected accordingly (e.g., 7.5 kΩ for 10 mA target, scaled via BC/CC registers). At VCC = 3.3 V, the practical limit is 20 mA. Current accuracy remains within ±3% channel-to-channel and ±2% device-to-device across the full range. The TLC5957RTQT's IREF pin regulates at 1.209 V (typ), enabling precise external resistor-based current setting.
Does TLC5957RTQT support daisy-chaining, and how is it implemented?
Yes, the TLC5957RTQT supports seamless daisy-chaining via its SIN and SOUT pins. Serial data shifted into SIN propagates through the 48-bit common shift register, with the MSB appearing on SOUT - allowing direct connection to the SIN of the next TLC5957RTQT in the chain. This eliminates external logic and enables synchronized GS/CC/BC updates across dozens of ICs using a single microcontroller SPI interface. The TLC5957RTQT's 33 MHz SCLK ensures minimal latency even in long chains.
How does the LED Open Detection (LOD) feature work in TLC5957RTQT?
The TLC5957RTQT integrates a dedicated LOD circuit that monitors voltage at each OUTx pin during non-active periods. When an LED opens, the pin voltage rises above a user-programmable threshold (selectable from four levels: 0.05 V to 0.55 V via FC register). An LOD flag is then asserted and readable via the serial interface. This allows real-time panel health monitoring without external sensing circuitry. The TLC5957RTQT also includes enhanced logic to suppress caterpillar artifacts caused by such open faults.
What is ES-PWM and how does it improve display performance in TLC5957RTQT?
ES-PWM (Enhanced Staggered PWM) in the TLC5957RTQT is a proprietary timing architecture that splits the 16-bit grayscale period into sub-segments with independently configurable bit depths (9–16 bits). Combined with poker-mode data transmission, it significantly increases the effective visual refresh rate in multiplexed displays - reducing perceived flicker and improving motion clarity. Unlike traditional PWM, ES-PWM maintains full grayscale resolution while minimizing data throughput burden, a key advantage of the TLC5957RTQT in high-definition video wall applications.
Can TLC5957RTQT operate in environments exceeding 85°C ambient temperature?
The TLC5957RTQT is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient, with thermal shutdown activating at 160–180°C junction temperature. While ambient operation beyond 85°C is outside specification, proper PCB thermal design - including full-soldering of the exposed thermal pad to a ≥200 mm² copper pour connected to GND - can extend usable range in controlled enclosures. Derating current (e.g., limiting to 15 mA at 100°C board temp) and monitoring TSD flag via serial interface are recommended. The TLC5957RTQT's RθJB = 5.5°C/W enables robust thermal performance when layout guidelines are followed.
TLC5957RTQT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 56-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 25mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- Signage
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 56-QFN (8x8)
TLC5957RTQT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5957RTQT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5957RTQT 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 TLC5957RTQT reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5957RTQT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5957RTQT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5957RTQT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5957RTQT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5957RTQT?
TLC5957RTQT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5957RTQT 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 TLC5957RTQT?
For technical support, including TLC5957RTQT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5957RTQT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5957RTQT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5957RTQT 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 TLC5957RTQT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5957RTQT?
All TLC5957RTQT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5957RTQT, 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 TLC5957RTQT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5957RTQT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TLC5957RTQT Tags
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BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies
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BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
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BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies
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LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations
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HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology
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CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology
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BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
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BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated
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BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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