Texas Instruments TLC6C5912QPWRQ1

Overview

TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an automotive-qualified 12-channel, low-side open-drain LED driver with serial-in/parallel-out shift register architecture. It delivers 50 mA continuous sink current per channel at VCC = 5 V, supports 40 V drain-to-source voltage, and operates across −40°C to +125°C ambient for instrument cluster and tell-tale lamp control in 9–40 V battery systems.

For engineers reviewing the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 datasheet, TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 pinout, TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 application, or TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, thermal shutdown trip point (175°C typ), slow switching (tr = 250 ns, tf = 200 ns) for EMI reduction, cascading SER OUT capability, and dual-package availability in TSSOP-20 and SOIC-20.

Technical Context

The TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 integrates a 12-bit serial-in, parallel-out shift register feeding a 12-bit D-type storage register, with independent SRCK and RCK clocks enabling precise timing separation between data loading and output latching. All 12 DMOS outputs are low-side, open-drain, rated for 40 V and 50 mA continuous sink current at VCC = 5 V.

It features active-low 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 to improve cascade timing margin. Thermal shutdown activates at ~175°C with 15°C hysteresis, forcing open-circuit output state until junction cools below ~160°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-pin TSSOP (PW), 6.50 mm × 4.40 mm body size, RoHS-compliant, NIPDAU lead finish, MSL Level-3 (260°C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS65136QRGERQ1 and MAX7219CWG+, the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, 12 independent open-drain channels, 40 V tolerance, and cascading shift register architecture - making it the only option for scalable, thermally robust, automotive-grade LED control in instrumentation and signaling systems.

Availability

TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrumentation clusters, vehicle tell-tale lamp systems, and interior LED illumination modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in automotive, industrial, and personal electronics markets.

The TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 belongs to TI's automotive-qualified Power Logic LED driver family, designed specifically for robust, scalable, and EMI-conscious LED control in safety-critical vehicle subsystems such as dashboards and warning indicators.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous sink current per channel for the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1?

The TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 supports 50 mA continuous sink current per channel when VCC = 5 V and ambient temperature is 25°C. This rating decreases with higher junction temperature and lower VCC - for example, it drops to approximately 20 mA at 125°C ambient and VCC = 3.3 V. The device includes thermal shutdown to protect against sustained overload conditions beyond these limits, ensuring safe operation in automotive environments.

Does the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 support daisy-chaining with other identical devices?

Yes, the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 supports reliable daisy-chaining via its SER OUT pin, which clocks data out on the falling edge of SRCK. This phase relationship provides additional hold time for the next device's SER IN input, mitigating timing skew issues in multi-device configurations. To cascade, connect SER OUT of one TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 to SER IN of the next, while sharing SRCK, RCK, G, and CLR lines - enabling expansion to dozens of controlled LEDs using only three MCU pins.

What is the purpose of the G (output enable) pin on the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1?

The G pin on the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 is an active-low global output enable that controls all 12 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 follow the storage register. This pin enables hardware-synchronized PWM dimming - applying a PWM signal to G achieves uniform brightness control across all channels without software intervention or timing-critical MCU updates.

Is the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 is explicitly qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 standards for automotive use, with full characterization across −40°C to +125°C ambient temperature. It includes automotive-specific features such as 40 V drain voltage rating (to survive load-dump events), ±2000 V HBM ESD protection, thermal shutdown with hysteresis, and enhanced cascading for distributed lighting architectures - making it suitable for instrument clusters, tell-tale lamps, and interior lighting in production vehicles.

What package options are available for the TLC6C5912QPWRQ1?

The TLC6C5912QPWRQ1 is offered in the 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package (6.50 mm × 4.40 mm), with RoHS-compliant NIPDAU lead finish and MSL Level-3 moisture sensitivity rating. An alternative SOIC-20 (DW) variant - TLC6C5912QDWRQ1 - is also available for designs requiring larger pitch or legacy footprint compatibility. Both packages share identical electrical specifications and AEC-Q100 qualification, allowing drop-in substitution based on board layout constraints.