Texas Instruments TLC5958RTQR
- Part No.:
- TLC5958RTQR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 56-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5958RTQR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 25MA 56QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
TLC5958RTQR from Texas Instruments is a 48-channel, 16-bit enhanced-spectrum PWM LED driver with constant-current sink outputs, integrated 48K-bit display memory for 32-multiplexing, LED open detection (LOD), and pre-charge FET - designed for high-refresh, high-density LED video displays operating at 3.0–5.5 VCC. It delivers ±3% channel-to-channel current accuracy and supports up to 25 mA per channel at 5 VCC.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5958RTQR datasheet, TLC5958RTQR pinout, TLC5958RTQR application, or TLC5958RTQR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 32-line multiplexing support, 16-bit grayscale resolution with ES-PWM, thermal shutdown (170°C threshold), IREF resistor short protection, and daisy-chainable serial interface (25 MHz SCLK, 33 MHz GCLK).
Technical Context
The TLC5958RTQR implements a dual-bank 48K-bit SRAM architecture (16-bit × 48 channels × 32 lines) enabling seamless frame buffering and flicker-free visual refresh in multiplexed LED systems. Its ES-PWM engine uses a 257-clock segment timing structure synchronized to GCLK, supporting precise sub-period control across all 48 outputs.
It features three independent color groups (R/G/B, 16 channels each), each with 9-bit color brightness control (CC) and global 3-bit brightness control (BC), allowing simultaneous fine-tuning of per-color intensity and system-wide luminance scaling without interrupting display operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 48 constant-current sink outputs grouped as OUTR0–15, OUTG0–15, OUTB0–15 - enables full RGB pixel driving in 16×3 configurations. |
| Grayscale Resolution | 16-bit (65,536 steps) per channel with Enhanced Spectrum PWM - eliminates contouring artifacts and improves low-gray uniformity. |
| Current Accuracy | ±3% max channel-to-channel, ±2% max device-to-device - ensures consistent LED brightness across panels and units. |
| LED Open Detection | Dedicated LOD flag readable via serial interface - enables real-time fault monitoring without external circuitry. |
| Data Transfer Rate | 25 MHz SCLK with daisy-chain SOUT/SIN - supports >1.2 Mbps serial throughput for rapid GS data loading in large displays. |
| Thermal Protection | 170°C thermal shutdown with 10°C hysteresis - prevents damage during sustained high-current operation or poor PCB heatsinking. |
| Power-Save Mode | 0.8 mA typical supply current when all outputs disabled - reduces standby power in always-on signage applications. |
Pinout & Package
VQFN-56 package (8.0 mm × 8.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad soldered to GND for enhanced thermal dissipation in high-current LED driving.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GCLK (Pin 29) | Grayscale clock input | Drives internal PWM counter; each rising edge increments GS counter - defines grayscale timing resolution and refresh rate. |
| LAT (Pin 27) | Latch control input | Falling edge transfers shift register data into GS memory or FC registers - synchronizes display updates and configuration writes. |
| SCLK (Pin 28) | Serial clock input | Rising edge shifts data into 48-bit common shift register - enables high-speed daisy-chained programming of multiple ICs. |
| SIN (Pin 26) | Serial data input | LSB-first serial interface for GS, BC, CC, and FC register data - supports command encoding (WRTGS, READFC1, etc.). |
| SOUT (Pin 42) | Serial data output | MSB of shift register; connects to SIN of next device - enables scalable multi-TLC5958 systems without additional controllers. |
| IREF (Pin 1) | Current reference input | Connects to external resistor setting max output current (1–25 mA); voltage fixed at 1.209 V - determines full-scale sink capability. |
| IREFGND (Pin 56) | Analog ground reference | Dedicated AGND for IREF resistor - isolates precision current-setting path from digital noise and power-ground bounce. |
| OUTR0–15 / OUTG0–15 / OUTB0–15 | Constant-current sink outputs | 48 individually PWM-controlled outputs; grouped by color - allows independent R/G/B intensity tuning and flexible PCB layout. |
| Thermal Pad | Exposed thermal ground | Must be soldered to PCB GND plane - lowers junction-to-board thermal resistance to 5.5°C/W for reliable 25 mA/channel operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 48K-bit dual-bank display memory | Enables concurrent GS data write to Bank B while Bank A drives display - eliminates visible tearing and supports real-time frame updates. |
| Pre-charge FET per output | Reduces ghosting in multiplexed scans by pre-charging LED anode capacitance before turn-on - critical for high-contrast video content. |
| LED open detection (LOD) | Single-bit error flag per channel, readable via serial interface - allows automated diagnostics and hot-swap replacement without display interruption. |
| Programmable group delay | Adjustable timing offset between R/G/B group activation - compensates for LED forward-voltage mismatches and improves white-point stability. |
| Low-gray scale enhancement (LGSE™) | Hardware-implemented dithering at <1% duty cycle - preserves visibility and linearity in dark scenes without software overhead. |
Applications
| LED Video Wall | Outdoor Digital Signage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Indoor high-resolution video wall using 16×16 RGB SMD2121 LEDs with 1/16 scan. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary grayscale driver managing 48 parallel LED strings per tile; handles 32-line multiplexing and ES-PWM timing. Use Value: 16-bit GS resolution and LGSE™ eliminate banding in gradients; dual-bank memory enables 120 Hz refresh without microcontroller bottlenecks. |
Use Scenario: Sunlight-readable roadside message sign with 1/8 scan and wide-temp operation (−40°C to +85°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver with thermal shutdown and LOD for field-replaceable modules. Use Value: ±2% device-to-device current matching ensures uniform brightness across 100+ modules; TSD prevents thermal runaway in sealed enclosures. |
| Stage Lighting Fixture | Medical Imaging Display |
Use Scenario: DMX-controlled RGBW stage light with dynamic white-point adjustment and strobe effects. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Color-grouped PWM controller with independent R/G/B/W CC registers and fast LAT-triggered updates. Use Value: 9-bit per-color control enables precise CCT tuning; 25 MHz SCLK supports sub-millisecond reconfiguration for chase effects. |
Use Scenario: DICOM-compliant diagnostic monitor requiring grayscale linearity ≤1% error and zero flicker. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy grayscale engine with ES-PWM and dual-bank memory for artifact-free medical imaging. Use Value: ±3% channel-to-channel current error meets DICOM Part 14 luminance uniformity requirements; LOD ensures fail-safe pixel monitoring. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947RTQT | 48-channel, 12-bit PWM, no display memory, no LOD, lower max current (15 mA), SPI-only interface | Suitable for simpler static signage; lacks multiplexing support and real-time diagnostics | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs grayscale depth and fault monitoring needs |
| IS31FL3733-QFLS4 | 48-channel, 16-bit PWM, integrated EEPROM, auto-breathing, I²C interface, no multiplexing memory | Better for small-format UI lighting; lacks 32-line SRAM and ES-PWM timing control | Select for I²C-based embedded systems needing nonvolatile configuration storage |
Compared with TLC5958RTQR, TLC5947RTQT trades grayscale resolution and diagnostic capability for lower BOM cost and smaller footprint, while IS31FL3733-QFLS4 offers easier I²C integration but cannot support high-refresh multiplexed video walls due to missing dual-bank memory and GCLK-synchronized timing.
Availability
TLC5958RTQR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED video walls, outdoor digital signage, stage lighting fixtures, and medical imaging displays requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC5958RTQR 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 TLC5958RTQR belongs to TI's high-performance LED driver product line, engineered specifically for demanding multiplexed video display systems requiring precise grayscale control, thermal resilience, and real-time fault detection.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED supply voltage supported by the TLC5958RTQR?
The TLC5958RTQR supports LED anode supply voltages up to 10 V, as specified in its absolute maximum ratings. This allows direct connection to common 5 V, 9 V, or 12 V LED bus architectures without external level-shifting. The output transistors are rated for VOUT = –0.3 V to 11 V relative to GND, ensuring safe operation with standard LED forward voltages across red, green, blue, and white variants. This capability is integral to the TLC5958RTQR's role in high-density panel designs where shared LED power rails simplify system architecture.
How does the TLC5958RTQR implement LED open detection (LOD)?
The TLC5958RTQR performs LED open detection by monitoring the voltage at each OUTx pin during the off-phase of the PWM cycle. When an LED is disconnected, the pin voltage rises above programmable thresholds (VLOD0–VLOD3, selectable via FC2 register), triggering a dedicated LOD flag bit. This 48-bit status word is readable via the serial interface using the READSID command. The TLC5958RTQR does not require external sense resistors or comparators - LOD is fully integrated and calibrated, making it a core reliability feature of the TLC5958RTQR in mission-critical signage applications.
Can the TLC5958RTQR drive more than 48 LEDs simultaneously?
Yes - the TLC5958RTQR supports daisy-chaining via its SOUT-to-SIN interface, enabling cascaded configurations of multiple devices. Each TLC5958RTQR manages 48 outputs, and up to 32 devices can be chained (per TI documentation), yielding 1,536 total channels. Data is shifted through the chain using a single SCLK/LAT/GCLK bus, with LAT falling edges latching data into respective GS memories. This scalability is fundamental to the TLC5958RTQR's use in large-format video walls and modular display systems without increasing controller pin count.
What is the purpose of the pre-charge FET in the TLC5958RTQR?
The pre-charge FET in the TLC5958RTQR actively discharges parasitic capacitance at each OUTx node before the main current sink turns on during multiplexed scanning. This eliminates "ghosting" - unintended partial illumination of off-state LEDs caused by capacitive coupling in high-density, high-refresh-rate panels. The pre-charge action is automatic and synchronized to the internal timing engine, requiring no external control. It is a hardware-level feature unique to the TLC5958RTQR among TI's LED drivers and directly enables clean, high-contrast video playback in 1/16 and 1/32 scan architectures.
Does the TLC5958RTQR require external components for basic operation?
Yes - the TLC5958RTQR requires an external IREF resistor between IREF and IREFGND pins to set the maximum output current, and decoupling capacitors (recommended: 100 nF ceramic + 10 µF tantalum) on VCC. No external current-sense resistors, op-amps, or level shifters are needed. The IREF resistor value is calculated using VIREF = 1.209 V and the desired IOLCMax, per Equation 2 in the datasheet. All other functions - including LOD, TSD, PSM, and ES-PWM - operate autonomously once configured via the serial interface, making the TLC5958RTQR a highly integrated solution with minimal BOM overhead.
TLC5958RTQR 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:
- 48
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 10V
- 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)
TLC5958RTQR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5958RTQR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5958RTQR 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 TLC5958RTQR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5958RTQR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5958RTQR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5958RTQR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5958RTQR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5958RTQR?
TLC5958RTQR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5958RTQR 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 TLC5958RTQR?
For technical support, including TLC5958RTQR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5958RTQR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5958RTQR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5958RTQR 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 TLC5958RTQR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5958RTQR?
All TLC5958RTQR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5958RTQR, 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 TLC5958RTQR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5958RTQR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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