Texas Instruments TLC59731D
- Part No.:
- TLC59731D
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC59731D.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 50MA 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:28,053
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Product details
Overview
TLC59731D from Texas Instruments is a 3-channel, 8-bit PWM LED driver IC with single-wire EasySet™ interface, 50 mA per channel sink current capability, 6 MHz internal GS clock oscillator, and 21 V maximum output voltage. It operates from 3 V to 6 V supply and supports unlimited cascading for RGB LED cluster lamp displays.
For engineers reviewing the TLC59731D datasheet, TLC59731D pinout, TLC59731D application, or TLC59731D equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternatives, and supply support for industrial LED control systems requiring stable grayscale timing and minimal wiring.
Technical Context
The TLC59731D implements an integrated 6 MHz grayscale (GS) clock oscillator driving three independent 8-bit PWM channels, each with programmable 256-step brightness via 24-bit GS data latch. Its single-wire serial interface uses pulse-width encoding (EasySet™) with tCYCLE-based data recognition - no external clock required.
Each OUTn channel is a constant-current sink controlled by an external resistor; output delay switching prevents inrush current during PWM transitions. The device includes an internal shunt regulator enabling operation up to 6 V VCC while supporting up to 21 V on OUT pins for high-VF LED strings.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | 3 independent sink-current outputs (OUT0–OUT2), each configurable in parallel to increase drive capacity |
| Current per channel | Up to 50 mA (typical), set externally via RL resistor; actual value depends on VLED, VF_TOTAL, and VOUTn |
| PWM resolution | 8-bit (256 steps) with built-in simple gamma correction - non-linear duty cycle mapping improves perceived brightness linearity |
| Interface speed | 600 kbps max data rate; timing determined by measured tCYCLE between SDI rising edges - enables robust noise-immune communication |
| Output voltage range | OUT pins support up to 21 V - allows direct driving of multi-LED series strings without external high-side switches |
| Supply voltage | 3 V to 5.5 V (no shunt mode); 3 V to 6 V (with internal shunt regulator active) - simplifies power design for mixed-voltage systems |
| Display repeat rate | 3.1 kHz typical - eliminates visible flicker in static and animated LED signage applications |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOIC-8 (4.90 mm × 3.91 mm body size), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pin 4) | Power ground reference | Primary return path for all internal circuitry and output sink currents; must be low-impedance for stable PWM performance |
| OUT0 (Pin 1) | Sink driver output | Constant-current sink for first LED channel; voltage tolerance up to 21 V - supports high-forward-voltage LED configurations |
| OUT1 (Pin 2) | Sink driver output | Second independent sink output; identical electrical specs to OUT0 - enables RGB or multi-zone monochrome control |
| OUT2 (Pin 3) | Sink driver output | Third sink output; synchronized PWM timing with OUT0/OUT1 - ensures consistent color mixing across RGB clusters |
| SDI (Pin 6) | Serial data input | Single-wire command interface with internal 1 MΩ pulldown - accepts EasySet™ pulse-width encoded data without external pull-down |
| SDO (Pin 5) | Serial data output | Pass-through output for daisy-chaining; transmits buffered SDI signal to next device after EOS detection - enables unlimited cascading |
| TEST (Pin 7) | Internal test terminal | No user function; must be connected to GND or left open - floating TEST may cause undefined behavior or reduced reliability |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power supply input | Primary supply rail; powers internal logic, oscillator, and shunt regulator - decoupling capacitor (0.1 µF) required at pin |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single-wire EasySet™ interface | Eliminates clock line and reduces PCB trace count - cuts wiring cost and layout complexity in multi-device LED arrays |
| Unlimited cascading | SDO pass-through + automatic tCYCLE measurement enables arbitrary-length daisy chains without timing recalibration or external controllers |
| Integrated shunt regulator | Allows VCC up to 6 V while maintaining safe internal voltage - removes need for external LDO when using 5 V or 12 V system rails |
| Output delay switching | Staggers turn-on timing across OUT0–OUT2 - suppresses peak inrush current during full-brightness transitions, reducing EMI and stress on power supply |
| Simple gamma correction | Non-linear GS data-to-duty-cycle mapping matches human luminance perception - achieves smooth dimming from 0% to 100% without software compensation |
Applications
| RGB LED Signage | Architectural Lighting Control |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Outdoor digital billboards using high-brightness RGB LED modules with long cable runs between controller and display panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC59731D acts as local grayscale driver at each LED module, receiving serialized commands over single wire and generating synchronized 8-bit PWM for red, green, and blue channels. Use Value: Eliminates clock distribution and reduces interconnect count - lowers system cost and improves noise immunity in electrically noisy outdoor environments. |
Use Scenario: Multi-zone interior lighting systems where wall-mounted controllers adjust brightness/color temperature across dozens of LED fixtures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC59731D serves as zone-level current sink driver, accepting cascaded EasySet™ commands and delivering precise 3.1 kHz PWM to maintain flicker-free illumination. Use Value: Enables centralized control with distributed intelligence - each TLC59731D handles local current regulation, freeing MCU resources for higher-level scene management. |
| Industrial Status Indicators | Consumer Appliance UI Panels |
|
Use Scenario: Factory HMIs with high-reliability status LEDs indicating machine state (run/stop/error) under wide temperature (-40°C to +85°C) and vibration conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC59731D provides robust, temperature-stable sink current to discrete indicator LEDs, with built-in shunt regulator tolerating 12 V rail variations. Use Value: Ensures consistent LED brightness across operating temperature range - avoids dimming or color shift that could compromise operator visibility. |
Use Scenario: Smart kitchen appliances (ovens, microwaves) using RGB LED rings for intuitive status feedback and ambient lighting effects. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TLC59731D drives compact RGB LED clusters with gamma-corrected 8-bit grayscale, enabling smooth color transitions and soft-start animations. Use Value: Delivers perceptually linear dimming and rich color blending using only one MCU GPIO - reduces BOM and firmware overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-channel PWM LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS1130-EQFT | 13-channel I²C interface, 40 mA/channel, no internal oscillator - requires external clock and more I/O lines | Better suited for dense, low-pin-count PCBs needing >3 channels; lacks EasySet™ simplicity and cascading | Select AS1130-EQFT when expanding beyond 3 channels or requiring I²C standard compliance over single-wire optimization |
| TLC59283DBQR | 16-channel, 12-bit PWM, SPI interface, 120 mA/channel - larger package (24-pin TSSOP), higher power dissipation | Targeted at high-current industrial LED arrays; not drop-in compatible due to pin count, interface, and footprint mismatch | Choose TLC59283DBQR only when scaling to >3 channels with higher current demands and SPI infrastructure already in place |
Compared with AS1130-EQFT and TLC59283DBQR, the TLC59731D uniquely balances minimal wiring (single-wire), thermal efficiency (SOIC-8), and perceptual dimming quality (gamma-corrected 8-bit) - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-channel-count LED control where layout simplicity and flicker-free operation are critical.
Availability
TLC59731D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RGB LED signage, architectural lighting control, and industrial status indicators requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for TLC59731D 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management, signal chain, and high-reliability ICs.
The TLC59731D belongs to TI's LED driver product line, designed specifically for low-pin-count, high-efficiency grayscale control in space-constrained LED lighting and display applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of TLC59731D devices that can be cascaded?
The TLC59731D supports unlimited cascading via its SDO pass-through functionality and automatic tCYCLE measurement. Each device forwards the SDI signal to the next in chain after detecting End-of-Sequence (EOS), eliminating timing skew or master-clock dependency. Real-world deployments routinely exceed 100 devices in series without signal degradation or synchronization loss - confirmed in TI's application notes and customer reference designs.
Does the TLC59731D require an external crystal or clock source?
No, the TLC59731D does not require an external crystal or clock source. It integrates a 6 MHz internal grayscale (GS) clock oscillator that drives all PWM timing functions. This oscillator enables standalone operation with only VCC, GND, SDI, and output connections - a key enabler of its single-wire interface and simplified system architecture.
How is LED current set on the TLC59731D?
LED current on the TLC59731D is set externally via a resistor (RLn) connected between each OUTn pin and the LED cathode. The typical sink current is calculated as IOUTn ≈ (VLED − VF_TOTAL − VOUTn) / RLn, where VOUTn ≈ 0.6 V at 40 mA. TI provides Equation 1 and Table 1 in the datasheet to select RL values for target currents across common LED forward voltages.
Can the TLC59731D drive LEDs with forward voltage above 5 V?
Yes, the TLC59731D can drive LEDs with total forward voltage above 5 V. Its OUT pins tolerate up to 21 V, allowing series connection of multiple high-VF LEDs (e.g., 3× white LEDs @ 3.2 V = 9.6 V). The internal shunt regulator also supports VCC up to 6 V, enabling direct use with common 5 V or 12 V system rails when configured appropriately.
What is the purpose of the TEST pin on the TLC59731D?
The TEST pin on the TLC59731D is reserved for Texas Instruments internal factory testing and has no defined function in end-user applications. Per the datasheet, it must be connected to GND or left open (floating). Connecting TEST to any active signal or voltage rail may cause undefined behavior, timing errors, or permanent damage - TI explicitly prohibits its use in production circuits.
TLC59731D Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- EasySet™
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- Shift Register
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 3
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output:
- 21V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 50mA
- Frequency:
- 6MHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
TLC59731D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC59731D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC59731D 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 TLC59731D reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC59731D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC59731D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC59731D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC59731D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC59731D?
TLC59731D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC59731D 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 TLC59731D?
For technical support, including TLC59731D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC59731D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC59731D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC59731D 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 TLC59731D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC59731D?
All TLC59731D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC59731D, 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 TLC59731D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC59731D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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