Texas Instruments TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1

Overview

TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive-grade 12-channel low-side LED driver IC with serial-in/parallel-out shift register architecture, 40 V output voltage rating, 50 mA continuous sink current per channel at 5 V VCC, and thermal shutdown protection. It interfaces directly with microcontrollers via SPI-compatible serial control (SRCK/RCK/CLR/G) to drive instrument cluster LEDs and tell-tale lamps in 9–40 V battery systems.

For engineers reviewing the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 datasheet, TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 pinout, TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 application, or TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, automotive-qualified thermal behavior, TSSOP-20 package details, cascade-capable SER OUT timing, and real-world design guidance for LED load driving under load-dump conditions.

Technical Context

The TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 integrates a 12-bit serial-in shift register cascaded to a 12-bit D-type storage register, with data latched on SRCK rising edges and transferred to output buffers on RCK rising edges. Its open-drain DMOS outputs operate as current sinks, enabling direct cathode connection to LEDs supplied from up to 40 V rails.

It features active-low asynchronous CLR for global register reset, active-low G for synchronous output enable/disable (supporting global PWM dimming), and SER OUT that clocks data out on the falling edge of SRCK-enabling robust multi-device daisy-chaining without clock skew sensitivity. Thermal shutdown activates at ~175°C with 15°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin TSSOP (PW), body size 6.50 mm × 4.40 mm, RoHS-compliant, NIPDAU lead finish, MSL Level-3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with TLC6C5912QDWRQ1, the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 offers superior board-area efficiency and lower profile in space-constrained instrument clusters; compared with TPS65136QRGERQ1, it provides deterministic 12-channel update timing and seamless daisy-chaining for large LED arrays - making it optimal for serial-controlled automotive lighting subsystems.

Availability

TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrumentation clusters, vehicle warning lamp systems, and commercial vehicle LED annunciators requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 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, embedded processing, and automotive ICs, with decades of experience delivering AEC-Q100-qualified components for safety-critical vehicle systems.

The TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 belongs to TI's Power Logic LED Driver product line, designed specifically for robust, scalable serial control of automotive LED loads in harsh electrical and thermal environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED supply voltage the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 can handle?

The TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 supports a maximum drain-to-source voltage (V_DS) of 40 V, allowing it to safely interface with LED strings powered from 24 V or 36 V automotive systems-including transient conditions like load dump. This rating is validated per AEC-Q100 stress testing and applies across the full −40°C to +125°C operating range. The TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 does not regulate LED current; external resistors must be used to set per-channel current.

Does the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 support daisy-chaining with other identical devices?

Yes, the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 supports robust daisy-chaining via its SER OUT pin, which clocks data out on the falling edge of SRCK. This timing eliminates setup/hold conflicts when cascading multiple devices, enabling reliable expansion beyond 12 channels using a single MCU serial interface. Each TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 in the chain receives data synchronized to its own SRCK, ensuring deterministic propagation delay and immunity to PCB trace length mismatches.

What is the purpose of the G (output enable) pin on the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1?

The G pin is an active-low global output enable that controls all 12 DMOS drain outputs simultaneously. When G is high, all outputs are forced low and LEDs turn off regardless of register contents; when G is low, output states reflect the stored 12-bit pattern. This pin supports hardware-level emergency shutdown and global PWM dimming - applying a PWM signal to G achieves uniform brightness control across all channels without modifying shift register data.

How does thermal shutdown work in the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1?

The TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 incorporates an internal thermal shutdown circuit that trips at approximately 175°C junction temperature, forcing all DMOS outputs into high-impedance (off) state. Once the junction cools to ~160°C (15°C hysteresis), normal operation resumes automatically. This behavior protects against permanent damage during sustained overloads, inadequate PCB copper, or high ambient temperatures - and is fully characterized across the AEC-Q100 Grade 1 temperature range.

Can the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller?

Yes, the TLC6C5912GQPWRQ1 operates with V_CC from 3 V to 5.5 V and accepts logic inputs compatible with 3.3 V CMOS levels (V_IL ≤ 0.7 V, V_IH ≥ 2.4 V). All control pins (SER IN, SRCK, RCK, CLR, G) function correctly with 3.3 V MCU I/O, and the device maintains full 50 mA sink capability per channel at V_CC = 3.3 V - though r_DS(on) increases slightly (e.g., 8.7–12.3 Ω at 20 mA, 25°C) compared to 5 V operation.