TLC5940NT

Product Overview

• Category: Integrated Circuit
• Use: LED Driver
• Characteristics:
  • High grayscale PWM control
  • 16-channel constant current sink driver
  • Daisy-chainable for multiple devices
  • Wide operating voltage range
  • Thermal shutdown protection
• Package: DIP-28, SOP-28
• Essence: The TLC5940NT is a versatile LED driver IC that provides high-quality grayscale PWM control for driving LEDs in various applications.
• Packaging/Quantity: Available in tubes or reels, with 25 pieces per tube/reel.

Specifications

• Operating Voltage Range: 3V to 5.5V
• Output Current: Up to 120 mA per channel
• Gray Scale Control: 4096 steps (12-bit)
• Data Transfer Interface: Serial data input and output
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C

Pin Configuration

The TLC5940NT has a total of 28 pins, which are assigned as follows:

1. VCC
2. GND
3. BLANK
4. XLAT
5. SCLK
6. SIN
7. SOUT
8. XERR
9. GSCLK
10. OUT0
11. OUT1
12. OUT2
13. OUT3
14. OUT4
15. OUT5
16. OUT6
17. OUT7
18. OUT8
19. OUT9
20. OUT10
21. OUT11
22. OUT12
23. OUT13
24. OUT14
25. OUT15
26. IREF
27. VPRG
28. VPROG

Functional Features

• High Grayscale PWM Control: The TLC5940NT supports 12-bit grayscale control, allowing for smooth and precise brightness adjustment of connected LEDs.
• Multiple Channel Output: With 16 channel outputs, the TLC5940NT can drive a wide range of LEDs individually or in groups.
• Daisy-Chaining Capability: Multiple TLC5940NT devices can be daisy-chained together to expand the number of controllable LED channels.
• Thermal Shutdown Protection: The IC includes built-in thermal shutdown protection to prevent damage due to excessive heat.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: - Precise grayscale control for smooth LED dimming - High output current capability - Daisy-chainable for scalability - Wide operating voltage range allows compatibility with various power sources

Disadvantages: - Requires external resistors for current setting - Limited number of output channels compared to some other LED driver ICs

Working Principles

The TLC5940NT is designed to provide accurate and efficient LED driving capabilities. It utilizes pulse-width modulation (PWM) to control the brightness of individual LEDs. The IC receives serial data input, which contains grayscale information for each LED channel. It then converts this data into PWM signals, adjusting the duty cycle to achieve the desired brightness level. The TLC5940NT also incorporates a constant current sink driver, ensuring consistent LED performance.

Application Field Plans

The TLC5940NT finds applications in various fields, including:

1. LED Lighting: Suitable for controlling LED strips, panels, and bulbs in residential, commercial, and industrial lighting systems.
2. Display Systems: Used in LED matrix displays, scoreboards, signage, and large-scale video walls.
3. Automotive Lighting: Enables precise control of LED headlights, taillights, and interior lighting in vehicles.
4. Gaming and Entertainment: Provides dynamic lighting effects in gaming peripherals, stage lighting, and entertainment venues.
5. Art Installations: Ideal for creating interactive LED art installations and sculptures.

Alternative Models

• TLC5941NT: Similar to TLC5940NT, but with 24 channel outputs instead of 16.
• IS31FL3733: LED driver IC with 12-bit grayscale control and 16 channel outputs.
• MAX7219: LED display driver IC with serial interface and support for up to 64 individual LEDs.

Note: The above alternative models are just a few examples; there are several other LED driver ICs available in the market.

This entry provides an overview of the TLC5940NT LED driver IC, including its basic information, specifications, pin configuration, functional features, advantages and disadvantages, working principles, application field plans, and alternative models.