Overview
The TLC5940NT is a 16-channel, constant-current sink LED driver produced by Texas Instruments. This device is designed for reliable LED display applications and features individually adjustable 4096-step grayscale PWM brightness control and 64-step dot correction for each channel. The dot correction data is stored in an integrated EEPROM, and both grayscale control and dot correction are accessible through a serial interface. The TLC5940NT includes error information circuits such as LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF), enhancing its reliability and robustness.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 16 | - |
| PWM Resolution per Channel | 12-bit (4096 Steps) | - |
| Dot Correction | 6-bit (64 Steps) | - |
| Drive Capability (Constant-Current Sink) | 0 mA to 60 mA (Vcc < 3.6 V), 0 mA to 120 mA (Vcc > 3.6 V) | mA |
| LED Power Supply Voltage | Up to 17 V | V |
| Vcc | 3 V to 5.5 V | V |
| Data Transfer Rate | 30 MHz | MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | °C |
| Package Types | PDIP-28, HTSSOP-28, VQFN-32 | - |
Key Features
- 16-Channel LED Driver: Constant-current sink driver for 16 LEDs or segments.
- 12-Bit PWM Resolution per Channel: Provides high-resolution PWM control for precise brightness adjustment.
- Cascadable Design: Allows multiple TLC5940NT devices to be connected in series, enabling the driving of larger LED displays.
- Serial Interface: Simplifies control and communication with a microcontroller or other host device.
- Dot Correction: Adjusts the brightness variations between LED channels and other LED drivers, stored in an integrated EEPROM.
- Error Information Circuits: Includes LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF).
- Controlled In-Rush Current: Reduces the risk of voltage spikes during startup.
- CMOS Level I/O: Compatible with CMOS logic levels.
- Low Power Consumption: Suitable for battery-powered devices.
Applications
- LED Displays: Suitable for driving LED displays in various applications, including automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.
- Segment Displays: Ideal for driving segment displays used in appliances, instruments, and other devices.
- Illumination Systems: Can be used to drive LEDs in illumination systems, such as backlighting or indicator lights.
- Automotive Systems: Suitable for dashboard displays and indicator lights.
- Industrial Control Panels: Used in industrial control panels and instrumentation devices.
- Consumer Electronics: Used in smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other consumer electronics.
- Appliances: Used in appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.
Q & A
- Q: What is the maximum number of channels supported by the TLC5940NT?
A: The TLC5940NT supports 16 channels.
- Q: What is the PWM resolution per channel of the TLC5940NT?
A: The TLC5940NT has a 12-bit PWM resolution per channel, providing 4096 steps of brightness control.
- Q: What is the purpose of the dot correction feature in the TLC5940NT?
A: The dot correction feature adjusts the brightness variations between LED channels and other LED drivers, ensuring uniform brightness across all LEDs.
- Q: What is the maximum current drive capability of the TLC5940NT?
A: The TLC5940NT can drive up to 60 mA per channel when Vcc is less than 3.6 V, and up to 120 mA per channel when Vcc is greater than 3.6 V.
- Q: What is the maximum LED power supply voltage supported by the TLC5940NT?
A: The TLC5940NT supports an LED power supply voltage up to 17 V.
- Q: What are the error detection features of the TLC5940NT?
A: The TLC5940NT features LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF) for error detection.
- Q: Can the TLC5940NT be used in automotive applications?
A: Yes, the TLC5940NT is suitable for use in automotive applications due to its high reliability and robustness.
- Q: What is the maximum PWM frequency supported by the TLC5940NT?
A: The TLC5940NT supports a maximum PWM frequency of 1.5 kHz.
- Q: How does the TLC5940NT handle in-rush current?
A: The TLC5940NT has controlled in-rush current to reduce the risk of voltage spikes during startup.
- Q: Is the TLC5940NT suitable for battery-powered devices?
A: Yes, the TLC5940NT is designed for low power consumption, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.
