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Texas Instruments TLC5973D
- Part No.:
- TLC5973D
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
TLC5973D.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 50MA 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:706
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Product details
Overview
TLC5973D from Texas Instruments is a 3-channel, 12-bit PWM constant-current LED driver with single-wire EasySet™ interface, delivering 2–50 mA per channel (VCC > 4.0 V), supporting up to 21 V output voltage, and operating from 3 V to 6 V supply. It targets RGB LED cluster lamp displays requiring precise grayscale control and minimal wiring.
For engineers reviewing the TLC5973D datasheet, TLC5973D pinout, TLC5973D application, or TLC5973D equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, SOIC-8 package layout, confirmed cascading behavior, and validated alternative options for LED current control in space-constrained display systems.
Technical Context
The TLC5973D implements an internal 12 MHz GS oscillator driving a 36-bit grayscale data latch and 48-bit shift register, enabling 4096-step PWM per channel without external clocking. Its single-wire EasySet™ interface uses pulse-width encoding (tCYCLE-based) for data transmission at up to 3 Mbps.
Each of the three sink outputs (OUT0–OUT2) is independently programmable via a single IREF resistor, with current accuracy ±3% channel-to-channel and ±6% device-to-device. The integrated shunt regulator allows operation up to 6 V VCC while enabling power derivation from LED supply lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | 3 independent constant-current sink outputs (OUT0, OUT1, OUT2) |
| PWM resolution | 12-bit (4096 grayscale steps), enabling 68 billion color combinations with RGB LEDs |
| Output current range | 2–50 mA per channel (VCC > 4.0 V); set precisely by external IREF resistor (1–27 kΩ) |
| Interface | Single-wire EasySet™ with 3 Mbps max data rate; no clock line required |
| Supply voltage | 3.0–6.0 V; internal shunt regulator supports 6 V operation without external LDO |
| Output voltage rating | Up to 21 V on OUT pins - compatible with high-Vf LED strings and common-anode configurations |
| Display repeat rate | 2.9 kHz typical - eliminates visible flicker in static and animated LED displays |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOIC-8 (4.9 mm × 3.91 mm), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1: OUT0 | Constant-current sink output | Drives red (or designated) LED cathode; current set by IREF; supports ≤21 V compliance voltage |
| 2: OUT1 | Constant-current sink output | Drives green (or designated) LED cathode; independent of OUT0/OUT2; same current programming |
| 3: OUT2 | Constant-current sink output | Drives blue (or designated) LED cathode; enables full RGB per-device control without multiplexing |
| 4: GND | Power ground reference | Return path for all currents (IREF, OUTx, VCC); must be low-impedance for current accuracy |
| 5: SDO | Serial data output | Drives next device's SDI in daisy-chained configuration; enables unlimited cascading without signal degradation |
| 6: SDI | Serial data input | Accepts EasySet™ pulse-encoded commands; internally pulled down (1 MΩ) - no external bias needed |
| 7: IREF | Current reference input/output | Connect external resistor to GND to set all three output currents; internal 1.20 V reference (±2.5%) |
| 8: VCC | Power supply input | 3–6 V supply; powers logic and drivers; internal shunt regulator activates above ~5.9 V for overvoltage tolerance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Unlimited cascading | SDO drives next SDI with timing-adjusted pulse generation - no signal re-timing ICs or layout constraints |
| Output delay switching | Prevents inrush current during simultaneous channel turn-on - avoids supply droop and EMI spikes |
| Integrated shunt regulator | Enables direct connection to 6 V LED supply rails without external regulator - reduces BOM count and board area |
| Single-wire interface | Eliminates dedicated clock and data lines - cuts interconnect count by ≥50% vs SPI/I²C LED drivers |
| 12-bit grayscale precision | 4096 linear steps ensure smooth dimming transitions and accurate color mixing in RGB clusters |
Applications
| Architectural LED Signage | RGB Pixel Matrix Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Outdoor LED signs with large-area RGB pixel arrays requiring uniform brightness and color fidelity across hundreds of modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-pixel or per-module constant-current sink driver; provides synchronized 12-bit PWM timing via internal 12 MHz oscillator. Use Value: Eliminates external clock distribution; enables daisy-chained updates across 100+ devices with <2.9 kHz frame rate - no visible scanning artifacts. |
Use Scenario: Indoor video walls using discrete RGB LEDs mounted on flexible PCBs with tight spacing constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Localized current regulation and grayscale control at each LED group; leverages SOIC-8 footprint for compact placement. Use Value: Single-wire interface reduces trace count per module; 21 V output compliance supports mixed-color Vf stacks without redesign. |
| Smart Retail Lighting Panels | Automotive Interior Mood Lighting |
Use Scenario: Tunable-white and RGB panels in commercial retail fixtures needing smooth dimming and CCT adjustment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Driver for multi-channel LED strings; handles independent R/G/B current scaling via IREF resistor selection. Use Value: ±3% channel matching ensures stable white point over intensity range; shunt regulator simplifies 12 V system integration. |
Use Scenario: Ambient lighting zones in vehicle cabins with strict EMC and thermal limits in confined spaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power, thermally efficient sink driver for distributed LED zones; operates from 5 V vehicle bus with internal regulation. Use Value: 3–6 V supply range tolerates battery transients; -40°C to +85°C rating meets automotive qualification requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC59283DR | 16-channel, SPI interface, 5–30 mA range, no internal oscillator - requires external clock | Higher channel count but larger TSSOP-24 package; needs clock source and more PCB routing | Choose when expanding beyond 3 channels per node and SPI infrastructure already exists. |
| AL8863SP-13 | Single-channel, analog/digital dimming, 60 V max output, no PWM grayscale - uses DC current control | Designed for high-side buck LED drivers; lacks multi-channel sync and cascading capability | Choose for high-voltage single-string applications where 12-bit grayscale is not required. |
Compared with TLC5973D, TLC59283DR offers higher integration per package but increases layout complexity and removes self-clocked simplicity; AL8863SP-13 trades grayscale precision for higher voltage handling and analog flexibility - neither matches the TLC5973D's combination of 3-channel sync, single-wire scalability, and embedded timing.
Availability
TLC5973D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for architectural signage, RGB pixel matrices, smart retail lighting, and automotive interior mood lighting requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for TLC5973D 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 decades of expertise in LED driver innovation and industrial-grade reliability.
The TLC5973D belongs to TI's EasySet™ LED driver family, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained RGB display systems requiring simplified interconnect, precise grayscale, and robust cascading without external timing components.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of TLC5973D devices that can be cascaded?
The TLC5973D supports unlimited cascading due to its buffered SDO output and internal timing-adjusted pulse generator. Each device regenerates the EasySet™ signal before passing it to the next SDI, eliminating signal degradation or skew accumulation - verified in TI's application notes for chains exceeding 200 devices without refresh rate loss or data corruption. This makes TLC5973D ideal for large-scale LED installations where modularity and scalability are critical.
How do I calculate the IREF resistor value for a target output current on the TLC5973D?
Use the formula RIREF = (VIREF × 43.4) / IOLC, where VIREF = 1.20 V (typical internal reference) and IOLC is the desired current per channel in mA. For example, for 25 mA per channel: RIREF = (1.20 × 43.4) / 25 ≈ 2.08 kΩ. TI's datasheet Table 1 confirms this yields 25 mA (typ). Resistor tolerance directly impacts current accuracy - use 1% metal-film resistors placed close to the IREF pin for best results with TLC5973D.
Does the TLC5973D require an external clock source for PWM operation?
No, the TLC5973D does not require an external clock source. It integrates a 12 MHz (typ) internal grayscale oscillator that drives the 12-bit PWM counter autonomously. This eliminates clock distribution networks, reduces EMI sensitivity, and simplifies system-level timing - a core advantage of the TLC5973D over SPI- or I²C-based LED drivers that depend on host-controlled clocks.
Can the TLC5973D drive LEDs with forward voltages exceeding 5 V?
Yes, the TLC5973D supports up to 21 V on its OUT0–OUT2 pins, making it suitable for high-Vf LED strings (e.g., 6–7 V white or royal blue LEDs) or mixed-color configurations. The device operates as a constant-current sink - the voltage headroom between VCC and the LED string's total Vf determines compliance margin. With VCC = 5 V, up to 16 V of LED string voltage is supported; with VCC = 6 V and shunt regulator active, full 21 V compliance is usable.
What is the purpose of the shunt regulator in the TLC5973D, and when does it activate?
The shunt regulator in the TLC5973D activates when VCC exceeds ~5.9 V, sinking excess current to clamp the internal supply rail near 5.9 V. This allows direct connection to 6 V or higher LED power rails (e.g., 12 V bus with series resistor) without an external LDO. It simplifies power architecture and improves thermal efficiency - especially useful in TLC5973D-based designs where LED and driver share a common high-voltage supply.
TLC5973D 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:
- 12MHz
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
TLC5973D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TLC5973D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TLC5973D 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 TLC5973D reliable?
The price and inventory of TLC5973D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TLC5973D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TLC5973D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TLC5973D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TLC5973D?
TLC5973D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TLC5973D 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 TLC5973D?
For technical support, including TLC5973D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TLC5973D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TLC5973D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TLC5973D 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 TLC5973D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TLC5973D?
All TLC5973D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TLC5973D, 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 TLC5973D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TLC5973D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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