TLC5940NT Texas Instruments Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock

Name: TLC5940NT
Brand: Texas Instruments
SKU: TLC5940NT
Availability: InStock

TLC5940NT is a 16-channel serial-input LED display driver from Texas Instruments, featuring dot-matrix drive capability and SPI-compatible serial data interface in a 28-pin DIP package for easy prototyping and hobbyist use.

OBSOLETEIntegrated CircuitVerified May 2026

Package / Visual Reference

TLC5940NTDual-In-Line Packages

Quick Facts

Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
Package: Dual-In-Line Packages
Pin Count: 28
Lifecycle: OBSOLETE
Datasheet: TLC5940NT Datasheet PDF
Category: Integrated Circuit
Temp Range: -40.0°C to 85.0°C
RoHS: Compliant
Lead Time: 3–7 business days
Shipping: DHL Express · Worldwide

What are the key features of TLC5940NT?

16-channel constant-current LED driver with serial SPI-compatible input for simple daisy-chaining to control large LED arrays with minimal GPIO
Dot-matrix display mode support with per-channel grayscale PWM control enabling smooth brightness dimming across all 16 outputs simultaneously
28-pin PDIP through-hole package ideal for breadboard prototyping and hobbyist LED matrix projects without SMT soldering

What is TLC5940NT used for?

TLC5940NT is widely used in LED matrix displays, RGB LED arrays, and decorative lighting panels where independent per-channel brightness control is required. Hobbyists and embedded system designers favor it for controlling 16 LEDs or 5 RGB LED groups through a single SPI bus, freeing up microcontroller GPIO. It also serves in dot-matrix character display drivers and PWM-based lighting effects in educational electronics kits.

What are the specifications of TLC5940NT?

Pbfree Code	Yes
YTEOL	0
Data Input Mode	SERIAL
Display Mode	DOT MATRIX
Interface IC Type	LED DISPLAY DRIVER
JESD-30 Code	R-PDIP-T28
JESD-609 Code	e4
Multiplexed Display Capability	NO
Number of Functions	1
Number of Segments	16
Package Body Material	PLASTIC/EPOXY
Package Equivalence Code	DIP28,.3
Package Shape	RECTANGULAR
Package Style	IN-LINE
Qualification Status	Not Qualified
Supply Voltage-Max	5.5V
Supply Voltage-Min	3V
Supply Voltage-Nom	5V
Surface Mount	NO
Temperature Grade	INDUSTRIAL
Terminal Finish	NICKEL PALLADIUM GOLD
Terminal Form	THROUGH-HOLE
Terminal Pitch	2.54mm
Terminal Position	DUAL
fmax-Min	30MHz
Package	Dual-In-Line Packages

Compliance & Regulatory

RoHS Status	Compliant
Lead-Free	Yes (Pb-Free)
ECCN	EAR99
HTS Code	8542.39.00.60

Where can I find the TLC5940NT datasheet?

TLC5940NT Datasheet Download

Official datasheet from Texas Instruments

What are equivalent replacements for TLC5940NT?

No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many LED channels does TLC5940NT control, and what type of data interface does it use?

TLC5940NT controls 16 independent LED channels using a serial data input interface compatible with SPI. This serial architecture allows multiple TLC5940NT devices to be daisy-chained together on a single SPI bus, enabling control of 32, 48, or more channels by clocking data through each device in sequence without adding extra GPIO lines.

Can TLC5940NT adjust individual LED brightness, and how is it implemented?

Yes. TLC5940NT provides per-channel grayscale PWM control with 12-bit resolution, allowing 4096 brightness levels per channel. This fine-grained dimming is achieved by loading a 192-bit serial data word covering all 16 channels, enabling smooth fade effects and precise brightness matching across LED strings in display and lighting applications.

How does daisy-chaining multiple TLC5940NT chips scale up an LED array beyond 16 channels?

Additional TLC5940NT chips can be cascaded serially: the serial data output (SOUT) of one device feeds into the serial data input (SIN) of the next. Each additional chip adds 16 channels, so 2 chips drive 32 channels, 3 chips drive 48, and so on. A single microcontroller SPI port handles the entire chain by sending a longer 384-bit or 576-bit data stream for each grayscale update cycle.

For a beginner LED matrix project, why is the 28-pin DIP package of TLC5940NT advantageous?

The 28-pin DIP through-hole package of TLC5940NT plugs directly into a standard solderless breadboard with 0.1 inch pin spacing, making it accessible for beginner Arduino and microcontroller projects without requiring SMT soldering equipment. It also simplifies prototyping and debugging since each of the 16 output pins and power rails are individually accessible for probing.

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About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (TI) is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. TI designs and manufactures analog and embedded processing chips used in industrial, automotive, consumer, communications, and enterprise systems.

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TLC5940NT Texas Instruments Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock

What are the key features of TLC5940NT?

What is TLC5940NT used for?

What are the specifications of TLC5940NT?

Compliance & Regulatory

Where can I find the TLC5940NT datasheet?

What are equivalent replacements for TLC5940NT?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many LED channels does TLC5940NT control, and what type of data interface does it use?

Can TLC5940NT adjust individual LED brightness, and how is it implemented?

How does daisy-chaining multiple TLC5940NT chips scale up an LED array beyond 16 channels?

For a beginner LED matrix project, why is the 28-pin DIP package of TLC5940NT advantageous?

Related Guides

CSD87313DMS Synchronous Buck Power Stage Design Guide

STEF05SGR eFuse Selection Guide for 5 V Overcurrent Protection

C0402C103K3RACTU Selection Guide: Choosing a 10 nF 0402 MLCC

STM32H753VIT6 MCU Selection Guide: Memory, Package, Connectivity, and Security

Why Buy from FindMyChip

About Texas Instruments

More from Texas Instruments

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