Overview
The TLC5940NTG4, produced by Texas Instruments, is a 16-channel constant-current sink LED driver. This device is designed to provide precise control over LED brightness and is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution grayscale and dot correction. The TLC5940 features a 12-bit grayscale PWM control, allowing for 4096 steps of brightness adjustment, and a 6-bit dot correction mechanism with 64 steps, which is stored in an integrated EEPROM. This ensures uniform brightness across all LED channels.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 16 | |
| Grayscale PWM Control | 12-bit (4096 steps) | |
| 6-bit (64 steps) | ||
| Maximum Current per Channel (VCC < 3.6V) | 0 mA to 60 mA | mA |
| Maximum Current per Channel (VCC > 3.6V) | 0 mA to 120 mA | mA |
| LED Power Supply Voltage | Up to 17 V | V |
| VCC Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V | V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to 85°C | °C |
| Data Transfer Rate | Up to 30 MHz | MHz |
| Error Detection | LED Open Detection (LOD), Thermal Error Flag (TEF) |
Key Features
- 16-channel constant-current sink LED driver
- 12-bit grayscale PWM control with 4096 steps of brightness adjustment
- 6-bit dot correction with 64 steps, stored in integrated EEPROM
- Single external resistor sets the maximum current value for all channels
- Serial data interface for grayscale and dot correction control
- Controlled in-rush current to prevent voltage spikes
- CMOS level I/O for compatibility with a wide range of microcontrollers
- Error information circuits: LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF)
Applications
- Monocolor, multicolor, and full-color LED displays
- LED signboards
- Display backlighting
- General high-current LED drive applications
Q & A
- What is the TLC5940NTG4 used for?
The TLC5940NTG4 is a 16-channel constant-current sink LED driver used for controlling the brightness of LEDs in various display and lighting applications.
- How many steps of grayscale control does the TLC5940NTG4 offer?
The TLC5940NTG4 offers 12-bit grayscale PWM control, which translates to 4096 steps of brightness adjustment.
- What is the purpose of the dot correction feature?
The dot correction feature adjusts the brightness variations between LED channels to ensure uniform brightness across all LEDs.
- What is the maximum current per channel for the TLC5940NTG4 when VCC is less than 3.6V?
The maximum current per channel is 60 mA when VCC is less than 3.6V.
- What is the maximum current per channel for the TLC5940NTG4 when VCC is greater than 3.6V?
The maximum current per channel is 120 mA when VCC is greater than 3.6V.
- What is the operating temperature range of the TLC5940NTG4?
The operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.
- What types of error detection does the TLC5940NTG4 feature?
The TLC5940NTG4 features LED open detection (LOD) and thermal error flag (TEF).
- How is the data transferred to the TLC5940NTG4?
Data is transferred via a serial interface with a data transfer rate of up to 30 MHz.
- What is the purpose of the XLAT pin on the TLC5940NTG4?
The XLAT pin is used to latch the data from the input shift register to either the grayscale register or the dot correction register.
- What types of applications is the TLC5940NTG4 suitable for?
The TLC5940NTG4 is suitable for monocolor, multicolor, and full-color LED displays, LED signboards, display backlighting, and general high-current LED drive applications.
