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Texas Instruments TLC5960DAR
- Part No.:
- TLC5960DAR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 38-TSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5960DAR.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER CTRLR PWM 38TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,481
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Product details
Overview
TLC5960DAR from Texas Instruments is an eight-channel, high-voltage PWM LED driver with integrated intelligent headroom voltage monitor (iHVM™) for dynamic DC/DC converter optimization. It delivers 0.3% typical channel-to-channel current matching, supports up to 250 kHz PWM dimming, and provides full fault diagnostics including LED open/short, FET open/short, and thermal shutdown. It is used in LCD-TV backlight systems requiring precise per-string current regulation and adaptive headroom control.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5960DAR datasheet, TLC5960DAR pinout, TLC5960DAR application, or TLC5960DAR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 38-pin TSSOP package, four configurable iHVM outputs for multi-DC/DC feedback, analog dimming interface (VADJ), and open-drain XFLT fault signaling with duty-ratio-coded failure identification.
Technical Context
The TLC5960DAR implements a gate-driver-based constant-current architecture where each of eight channels controls an external high-side N-channel MOSFET via dedicated Gx outputs. Current regulation is achieved by servoing the source-node (Sx) voltage to an internal reference (VREF), adjustable via VADJ (0.06–1.4 V → 3%–100% ILED). The device supports three iHVM configurations (2CH/4CH/8CH) to optimize up to four independent DC/DC converters using only one external resistor per HVM output.
Its protection logic continuously monitors Dn (drain) and Sn (source) nodes during active drive. Faults trigger immediate channel disable and encode failure type (LOD/LSD/FOD/FSD/TSD) into XFLT's 80 kHz square wave duty cycle (25%/50%/75%/100%/100%). Built-in phase shift (tD = 13 µs) staggers Gx turn-on across channels to reduce input ripple and EMI.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VIN range | 10 V to 28 V - supports wide-input industrial and display power rails without external pre-regulation |
| Channel count | 8 independent high-side LED string drivers - enables full-segment backlight control for large LCD panels |
| PWM dimming frequency | Up to 250 kHz - eliminates audible noise and enables high-resolution brightness control |
| Current matching | 0.3% typical between channels - ensures uniform luminance across LED strings without per-channel calibration |
| iHVM outputs | 4 configurable HVM1–HVM4 pins - provide dynamic feedback to external DC/DC converters to minimize power loss |
| Fault signaling | XFLT open-drain output with 4 distinct duty-cycle codes - enables single-wire failure diagnosis without additional GPIO or ADC |
| Analog dimming range | 10% to 100% via VADJ (0.12 V to 1.4 V) - allows smooth, flicker-free brightness adjustment synchronized with system UI |
Pinout & Package
Package: 38-pin TSSOP (DA), 0.65 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN (Pin 1) | Main power supply input | Accepts 10–28 V; powers internal LDO, gate drivers, and logic; requires local 10 µF ceramic bypass |
| VADJ (Pin 2) | Analog dimming reference input | Sets internal VREF = VADJ/2 (≤1.4 V); determines full-scale LED current via sense resistor RS |
| VREG5 (Pin 3) | 5 V LDO output | Supplies 25 mA max at 4.75–5.25 V; powers external logic or bias circuits; requires 1–2.2 µF ceramic capacitor |
| HVM1–HVM4 (Pins 4,35–37) | iHVM feedback outputs | Drive external DC/DC converter error amplifiers; threshold scaling enables flexible LED string voltage management |
| CTRL1–CTRL4 (Pins 5,6,33,34) | Parallel PWM enable inputs | Each controls two channels (e.g., CTRL1 → G1/G2); high = enable, low = disable; supports staggered timing |
| EN (Pin 7) | Global enable input | High = activate all CTRL-controlled channels; low = force all Gx outputs low and disable drivers |
| D1–D8 (Pins 8,11,14,17,22,25,28,31) | Drain node sense inputs | Monitor LED string voltage for open/short detection; LOD threshold = 0.8 V, LSD = 19.2 V (2CH mode) |
| G1–G8 (Pins 9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30) | Gate driver outputs | Drive external N-MOSFET gates; rail-to-rail swing, 2 mA sink/source; tSW = 2 µs (10–90%) |
| S1–S8 (Pins 10,13,16,19,20,23,26,29) | Source node sense inputs | Close-loop current sensing point; servoed to VREF; used for FOD/FSD detection (thresholds = VADJ/4 and 0.9 V) |
| XFLT (Pin 32) | Fault indicator output | Open-drain, active-low; encodes fault type via 80 kHz duty cycle (25% = LOD, 50% = LSD, etc.) |
| GND (Pin 38) | Power and signal ground | Common return for VIN, VREG5, and all sense inputs; must be low-impedance connection to thermal pad |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Intelligent Headroom Voltage Monitor (iHVM™) | Four programmable HVM outputs dynamically adjust DC/DC converter output to match real-time LED forward voltage, reducing power loss by up to 30% vs fixed-headroom designs |
| Built-in phase shift | 13 µs unit delay between adjacent gate drivers (G1→G2→G3…G8) minimizes peak input current and conducted EMI in multi-string systems |
| Fault detection with encoded XFLT | Single-pin, duty-cycle-coded fault reporting (LOD/LSD/FOD/FSD/TSD) eliminates need for multiple status lines or firmware polling |
| Integrated 5 V LDO regulator | VREG5 supplies up to 25 mA at ±2.5% accuracy over load and line; enables self-powered auxiliary circuitry without external regulators |
| Three iHVM configuration modes | 2CH/4CH/8CH modes allow flexible mapping of 4 HVM outputs to 2/4/8 LED strings - supports scalable designs from small displays to large TVs |
Applications
| LED Backlight for LCD-TV | High-Current Architectural Lighting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 8 independent LED strings behind a 55-inch LCD panel with local dimming zones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Eight-channel constant-current controller with per-string iHVM feedback to four DC/DC converters, enabling dynamic headroom reduction and 10-bit PWM dimming. Use Value: Achieves >92% power efficiency at full brightness and eliminates visible PWM banding through 250 kHz switching and built-in phase shift. | Use Scenario: Controlling high-power RGBW LED modules in commercial signage with thermal derating. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage gate driver IC managing external MOSFETs; uses Sx/Dx sensing for real-time open/short detection and automatic channel disable. Use Value: Enables maintenance-free operation with XFLT-encoded fault reporting, reducing field service time by eliminating manual channel tracing. |
| Automotive Center Stack Display | Industrial Control Panel Backlight |
Use Scenario: Illuminating a ruggedized infotainment display operating from 12 V battery with cold-crank tolerance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED driver with VIN down to 10 V, integrated POR (VPOR = 7.0 V), and thermal shutdown (TSTD = +160 °C) for automotive-grade reliability. Use Value: Maintains consistent brightness during engine start-up and prevents thermal runaway in sealed enclosures without external sensors. | Use Scenario: Providing uniform backlighting for a 10.1-inch HMI with ESD-sensitive touch overlay. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current driver with HBM ESD rating of 2 kV and analog dimming (VADJ) for seamless UI brightness transitions. Use Value: Eliminates PWM-induced touch interference via 250 kHz operation and avoids flicker perception in critical human-machine interfaces. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX16832ATL+T | 4-channel, no iHVM; uses external op-amp feedback for DC/DC control; lower channel count and no XFLT encoding | Suited for simpler 4-string or single-DC/DC designs where headroom optimization is less critical | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs efficiency gains and diagnostic depth required by TLC5960DAR |
| ISL97693IRTZ-T7A | 8-channel with integrated boost controller; no external FET gate drive; fixed 500 kHz switching; no analog dimming input | Targets compact, low-component-count designs where board space is constrained and external FETs are undesirable | Select when system-level integration (boost + driver) is preferred over discrete FET flexibility and thermal management control |
Compared with MAX16832ATL+T and ISL97693IRTZ-T7A, the TLC5960DAR uniquely combines eight high-side gate drivers, four programmable iHVM outputs for multi-converter optimization, and duty-coded fault reporting-making it optimal for high-efficiency, high-diagnostic-fidelity LCD backlight systems where thermal and power-loss margins are tight.
Availability
TLC5960DAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD-TV backlighting, architectural LED lighting, automotive center-stack displays, and industrial HMI backlighting requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for TLC5960DAR 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 power management technologies with over 50 years of innovation in precision analog ICs.
The TLC5960DAR belongs to TI's high-performance LED driver product line, designed specifically for energy-efficient, fault-resilient backlight and general-purpose high-current LED systems requiring adaptive voltage headroom control and comprehensive diagnostics.
FAQ
What is the maximum DC voltage the TLC5960DAR can handle on its D1–D8 pins?
The TLC5960DAR supports up to 38 V on its D1–D8 drain-sense pins, enabling direct interface with high-forward-voltage LED strings (e.g., 12–15 white LEDs in series) without level-shifting. This rating is specified under Absolute Maximum Ratings and applies regardless of VIN level, provided proper PCB layout and transient suppression are implemented.
How does the TLC5960DAR implement analog dimming, and what is its effective range?
The TLC5960DAR implements analog dimming via the VADJ pin, which sets the internal reference voltage (VREF = VADJ/2) used by the current-sense amplifier. With VADJ from 0.12 V to 1.4 V, LED current scales linearly from 10% to 100% of full scale. Beyond 1.4 V, VREF clamps at 0.6 V to maintain 100% output, providing noise immunity and open-circuit safety. The TLC5960DAR thus delivers flicker-free dimming without PWM artifacts.
Can the TLC5960DAR drive both N-channel and P-channel external MOSFETs?
The TLC5960DAR is designed exclusively for high-side N-channel MOSFETs, with G1–G8 outputs sourcing gate drive current and referencing to VIN. Its internal architecture assumes source-connected sensing (Sx) and drain monitoring (Dx), making it incompatible with P-channel configurations. Attempting to use P-MOSFETs would violate the current-sense loop topology and disable fault detection functionality in the TLC5960DAR.
What happens when the TLC5960DAR detects an LED short (LSD), and how is it signaled?
Upon detecting an LED short (LSD), the TLC5960DAR immediately disables the affected channel's gate driver, isolates it from other active strings, and pulls the XFLT pin low with a 50% duty cycle at ~80 kHz. This signal persists until recovery-either by toggling EN (high→low→high) or cycling VIN below VPOR (7.0 V). The TLC5960DAR also latches the fault condition, preventing automatic re-enabling until reset.
Does the TLC5960DAR require external components for its 5 V LDO regulator (VREG5)?
Yes, the TLC5960DAR requires a 1.0–2.2 µF ceramic capacitor (X7R or better) placed as close as possible to the VREG5 pin and GND to ensure stability and transient response. TI recommends a 2.2 µF capacitor for full 25 mA load capability. No series resistor or ferrite bead is needed, but the capacitor must have low ESR (<100 mΩ) and be rated for ≥6.3 V.
TLC5960DAR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 38-TSSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- No
- Number of Outputs:
- 8
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 10V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 28V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- Analog, PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 38-TSSOP
TLC5960DAR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5960DAR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5960DAR 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 TLC5960DAR reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5960DAR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5960DAR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5960DAR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5960DAR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5960DAR?
TLC5960DAR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5960DAR 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 TLC5960DAR?
For technical support, including TLC5960DAR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5960DAR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5960DAR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5960DAR 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 TLC5960DAR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5960DAR?
All TLC5960DAR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5960DAR, 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 TLC5960DAR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5960DAR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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