Texas Instruments TLC5971RGER
- Part No.:
- TLC5971RGER
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5971RGER.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 60MA 24VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:10,137
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Product details
Overview
TLC5971RGER from Texas Instruments is a 12-channel, 16-bit PWM RGB LED driver with integrated 3.3-V linear regulator and constant-current sink outputs. It delivers 60 mA per channel, supports 65536-step grayscale control per color group, and enables global brightness adjustment across red, green, and blue channels. It is used in high-fidelity RGB LED cluster lamp displays requiring precise spectral consistency and thermal robustness.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5971RGER datasheet, TLC5971RGER pinout, TLC5971RGER application, or TLC5971RGER equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24-pin VQFN package, 6–17 V internal regulator input range, 16-bit GS resolution, ±1% channel-to-channel current accuracy, and cascading capability for multi-device LED systems.
Technical Context
The TLC5971RGER implements a 224-bit serial shift register with two-wire (SDTI/SCKI) interface for configuration and grayscale data loading. Its internal oscillator (6–12 MHz) or external clock drives PWM timing, while auto-display repeat and display timing reset functions enable synchronized multi-chip operation without host intervention.
Each of the 12 outputs (OUTR0–OUTR3, OUTG0–OUTG3, OUTB0–OUTB3) operates as an independently programmable constant-current sink. Global brightness control (7-bit, 128 steps) scales all channels within a color group simultaneously, and thermal shutdown with auto-restart protects against overtemperature conditions up to 165 °C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Channels | 12 constant-current sinks (4 red, 4 green, 4 blue) - enables full RGB pixel control per output group |
| Grayscale Resolution | 16-bit (65536 steps) per channel - supports smooth dimming without visible stepping in high-end displays |
| Max Sink Current | 60 mA per channel - sufficient to drive standard high-brightness LEDs at full intensity |
| Current Accuracy | ±1% channel-to-channel (typical) - ensures uniform luminance across RGB subpixels in clustered lamps |
| Supply Range | 6 V to 17 V (internal regulator mode) - simplifies system power architecture by accepting wide-input DC bus |
| Data Rate | 20 MHz SCKI clock - enables fast update rates for dynamic lighting effects with minimal latency |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150–180 °C trip range with 5–20 °C hysteresis - provides reliable protection during sustained high-current operation |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-pin VQFN (4.00 mm × 4.00 mm), thermally enhanced with exposed bottom-side thermal pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SDTI (Pin 1) | Serial Data Input | Accepts 224-bit command/data stream; LSB-first shift-in on SCKI rising edge |
| SCKI (Pin 2) | Serial Clock Input | Drives internal shift register and latches; also clocks out SDTO and SCKO |
| VREG (Pin 15) | 3.3-V Regulator Output | Supplies regulated 3.3 V (±0.2 V) to external logic; requires 1-µF decoupling capacitor |
| IREF (Pin 16) | Current Reference Input | Connects to GND via external resistor (e.g., 0.82 kΩ for 60 mA max) to set full-scale output current |
| OUTR0–OUTR3 (Pins 19, 22, 7, 10) | Red Channel Sinks | Four independent constant-current outputs for red LEDs; each configurable in parallel for higher current |
| OUTG0–OUTG3 (Pins 20, 23, 8, 11) | Green Channel Sinks | Four independent constant-current outputs for green LEDs; voltage-tolerant up to 17 V |
| OUTB0–OUTB3 (Pins 21, 24, 9, 12) | Blue Channel Sinks | Four independent constant-current outputs for blue LEDs; supports mixed-voltage LED strings |
| SDTO (Pin 6) | Serial Data Output | Shifts MSB of internal register out on SCKI rising edge - enables daisy-chaining multiple TLC5971RGER devices |
| SCKO (Pin 5) | Serial Clock Output | Re-times SCKI for clean propagation to next device in cascade; matches SDTO timing |
| VCC (Pin 13) | Main Power Supply | Accepts 6–17 V for internal regulator operation or 3–5.5 V for direct VREG supply |
| GND (Pin 18) | Power Ground | Exposed thermal pad connection point - must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Spectrum PWM | 16-bit grayscale + 7-bit global brightness control per color group - preserves color fidelity across intensity levels |
| Unlimited Cascading | SDTO/SCKO interface allows arbitrary-length daisy chains without additional controllers - reduces MCU GPIO count |
| Auto Display Repeat | Hardware-based frame repetition eliminates continuous host polling - lowers system CPU load and power |
| Internal/External GS Clock Select | Configurable via register bit - enables synchronization to external timing sources or use of internal oscillator |
| Thermal Shutdown w/ Auto-Restart | Trips at 150–180 °C junction temp with 5–20 °C hysteresis - maintains operation after transient overloads |
Applications
| Architectural RGB Wall Washers | Stage Lighting Pixel Arrays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-power, multi-segment LED fixtures mounted on building façades require uniform white-point stability and flicker-free dimming across hundreds of RGB pixels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5971RGER acts as the per-pixel constant-current PWM driver, delivering precise 16-bit grayscale and synchronized global brightness scaling across cascaded units. Use Value: ±1% channel-to-channel current matching ensures consistent chromaticity across red/green/blue emitters, eliminating visible color banding in large-area illumination. | Use Scenario: Professional stage lighting systems demand rapid, jitter-free color transitions and real-time intensity updates across dense LED matrices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5971RGER serves as the local PWM controller for individual RGB modules, accepting high-speed serial commands and generating stable 20-MHz-driven PWM waveforms. Use Value: 20 MHz data clock and hardware auto-repeat reduce host communication overhead, enabling sub-millisecond frame updates for dynamic lighting cues. |
| Automotive Interior Mood Lighting | RGB Backlighting for Control Panels |
Use Scenario: Vehicle cabin ambient lighting uses distributed RGB zones with strict EMI, thermal, and reliability requirements across –40°C to +85°C operating range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5971RGER functions as the isolated current sink driver for each RGB zone, powered directly from 12-V battery rail via internal regulator. Use Value: Integrated 3.3-V regulator powers external microcontrollers, while thermal shutdown and ±1% device-to-device accuracy ensure consistent color rendering across production units. | Use Scenario: Industrial HMI panels require durable, low-noise backlighting with programmable color tuning and long-term luminance stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC5971RGER drives parallel-connected RGB LEDs behind segmented diffusers, using global brightness control to compensate for aging and temperature drift. Use Value: 7-bit global brightness scaling per color group allows real-time white-point correction without reprogramming individual grayscale registers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RGB LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5972RGER | Same 24-pin VQFN package and 12-channel architecture, but adds programmable dot-correction and improved ESD rating (±6 kV HBM) | Preferred where per-channel current trimming is required to correct LED binning variations | Select TLC5972RGER when factory calibration or field-adjustable current matching is needed beyond ±1% tolerance |
| IS31FL3731-QFLS4-TR | 18-channel, 8-bit PWM driver with I²C interface; no integrated regulator; 2.7–5.5 V supply only | Better suited for low-voltage, space-constrained designs with existing 3.3-V rail and I²C infrastructure | Choose IS31FL3731-QFLS4-TR when system already provides regulated 3.3 V and prioritizes I²C simplicity over 16-bit depth and high-voltage capability |
Compared with TLC5971RGER, TLC5972RGER offers enhanced calibration features at identical footprint and voltage range, while IS31FL3731-QFLS4-TR trades resolution and input voltage flexibility for I²C compatibility and lower system BOM cost.
Availability
TLC5971RGER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for architectural lighting, stage equipment, automotive interior systems, and industrial HMI panels requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed thermal performance across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for TLC5971RGER 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 TLC5971 product line was designed specifically for high-fidelity, thermally demanding RGB LED applications-emphasizing spectral consistency, cascading scalability, and robust operation from –40°C to +85°C.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED supply voltage supported by the TLC5971RGER?
The TLC5971RGER supports up to 17 V on its OUTR0–OUTB3 output terminals. This allows driving multiple LEDs in series per channel-for example, five 3-V white LEDs (15 V total) with margin for forward voltage variation and thermal drift. The 17-V rating is independent of VCC voltage and applies under recommended operating conditions with proper thermal management.
How does the IREF pin set output current in the TLC5971RGER?
The IREF pin on the TLC5971RGER connects to an external resistor (RIREF) tied to GND. The value of RIREF determines the full-scale sink current: for example, 0.82 kΩ yields ~60 mA per channel. The relationship is inverse and linear-halving RIREF doubles the current. TI specifies RIREF tolerance impacts absolute current accuracy, so 1% resistors are recommended for production designs using TLC5971RGER.
Can the TLC5971RGER operate without its internal linear regulator?
Yes, the TLC5971RGER can operate in direct-supply mode: connect VREG to a clean 3.3-V source (3–5.5 V range) and tie VCC to the same rail or bypass it. In this configuration, the internal regulator is disabled, reducing power dissipation and enabling use in low-voltage systems. All functional features-including 16-bit PWM, cascading, and thermal shutdown-remain fully operational in TLC5971RGER direct-supply mode.
What is the purpose of the SDTO and SCKO pins on the TLC5971RGER?
SDTO (Serial Data Out) and SCKO (Serial Clock Out) enable daisy-chaining of multiple TLC5971RGER devices. SDTO outputs the MSB of the internal 224-bit shift register on each SCKI rising edge, while SCKO re-times the input clock to align with SDTO propagation delay. This allows one microcontroller to drive dozens of TLC5971RGER ICs in series using only two wires-eliminating the need for parallel addressing or additional drivers in large-scale LED systems.
Does the TLC5971RGER support both internal and external PWM clock sources?
Yes, the TLC5971RGER supports selectable grayscale clock sources via the EXTGCK register bit. When cleared (EXTGCK = 0), it uses its internal oscillator (6–12 MHz typical). When set (EXTGCK = 1), it synchronizes to the SCKI input frequency for precise inter-device timing alignment-critical for flicker-free operation in video-synchronized lighting or multi-chip displays. This dual-mode capability is confirmed in the device functional modes section of the SBVS146D datasheet for TLC5971RGER.
TLC5971RGER Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Shift Register
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 12
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 17V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 60mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-VQFN (4x4)
TLC5971RGER FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5971RGER through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5971RGER 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 TLC5971RGER reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5971RGER are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5971RGER is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5971RGER?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5971RGER transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5971RGER?
TLC5971RGER orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5971RGER 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 TLC5971RGER?
For technical support, including TLC5971RGER datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5971RGER requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5971RGER is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5971RGER 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 TLC5971RGER meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5971RGER?
All TLC5971RGER units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5971RGER, 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 TLC5971RGER part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5971RGER:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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