Texas Instruments BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM User manual

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TLC6946 Evaluation Module
User's Guide
SLVUBE8–May 2018
TLC6946 Evaluation Module
This user’s guide describes operational use of the TLC6946 evaluation module (BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM)
as a reference for engineering demonstration and evaluation of the TLC6946 16-channel, 32-multiplexing,
16-bit ES-PWM constant-current LED driver. Included in this user’s guide are setup instructions, a
schematic diagram, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and a bill of materials (BOM).
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Features.............................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Applications.......................................................................................................... 2
2 Test Setup and Results..................................................................................................... 3
2.1 BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Board.................................................................................. 3
2.2 Connectors .......................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Test Points........................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Jumpers.............................................................................................................. 3
3 Test Setup .................................................................................................................... 4
4 Board Layout ................................................................................................................. 5
5 Schematic and Bill of Materials ............................................................................................ 6
5.1 Schematic............................................................................................................ 6
5.2 Bill of Materials...................................................................................................... 7
List of Figures
1 BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Board........................................................................................... 3
2 BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Layout.......................................................................................... 5
3 BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Schematic ..................................................................................... 6
List of Tables
1 Jumpers J2–J4............................................................................................................... 4
2 Jumpers J7–J9............................................................................................................... 4
3 BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Parameters.................................................................................... 4
4 BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Bill of Materials ............................................................................... 7
Trademarks
LaunchPad is a trademark of Texas Instruments.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Introduction www.ti.com
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TLC6946 Evaluation Module
1 Introduction
1.1 Features
The TLC6946 device is a 16-channel, constant-current-sink LED driver. Each channel has an individually-
adjustable 65 536 steps of PWM grayscale control. The maximum constant-current value of all 16
channels is set by a single external resistor with 7-bit (128 steps) global brightness control from 0.3 mA to
25 mA. The BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM uses three TLC6946 devices to drive 16 RGB LEDs, each device
controlling one color. Moreover, the EVM provides the function to verify the LED-Open Detection (LOD)
and IREF Resistor Short Protection (ISP).
1.2 Applications
The BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM can be used as a basic function evaluation module for the following
applications:
• Mono-color, multi-color, full-color LED displays
• High-refresh-rate LED video displays
• High-density, fine-pitch LED matrix boards
• LED sign boards, message boards
• Variable message signs (VMS)

www.ti.com Test Setup and Results
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2 Test Setup and Results
This section describes the BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM connectors, test points, and jumpers.
2.1 BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Board
Figure 1 displays the EVM board.
Figure 1. BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Board
2.2 Connectors
The EVM has the following connectors:
• TP1 (VLED): Input power supply for VLED
• TP3 (VCC): Input power supply for VCC
• TP2 or TP4 (GND): Supply ground
2.3 Test Points
All the signal pins on the TLC6946 device have test points on the EVM, helping users to observe the
waveform on the pins, including SCLK, GCLK, LAT, SIN, and SOUT. The EVM also offers extra GND test
points for connections.
2.4 Jumpers
2.4.1 VCC and VLED Connection Jumpers – J1
Jumper J1 is used to connect VCC and VLED. With a shunt, the EVM uses the same power supply for
VCC and VLED.
2.4.2 IREF Set Jumpers - J2, J3, and J4
Jumpers J2, J3, and J4 are used to select different maximum constant-output sink current or ISP function
verification. Table 1 contains the definitions for jumpers J2–J4.

Test Setup www.ti.com
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Table 1. Jumpers J2–J4
Jumper Position With Shunt Function
25 mA Set maximum constant-output sink current to 25 mA
10 mA Set maximum constant-output sink current to 10 mA
2.4 mA Set maximum constant-output sink current to 2.4 mA
GND Connect IREF with GND to verify IREF Resistor Short Protection (ISP)
2.4.3 Signal Input Jumpers - J5, J6, and J10
This BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM provides BoosterPack connector J5 and J6 to connect with the MSP-
EXP432P401R LaunchPad™ for a quick software start.
To use other controllers or data generator, the signals can be input through J10.
2.4.4 LOD Function Verification Jumpers – J7, J8, and J9
Jumpers J7–J9 are used to verify the LED-Open Detection (LOD) function. Using the MSP-EXP432P401R
LaunchPad to drive the EVM, D16–D18 can work as indicators for LOD. If using other controllers or data
generator, the LOD data can be read from SOUT (TP9). Table 2 contains the definitions for jumpers
J7–J9.
Table 2. Jumpers J7–J9
Designator Attached
Function Without Shunt Result
J7 LOD for LED D0
Red LED D0 red is open and D16 turns ON if using MSP-EXP432P401R LaunchPad configuration
J8 LOD for LED D0
Green LED D0 green is open and D17 turns ON if using MSP-EXP432P401R LaunchPad configuration
J9 LOD for LED D0
Blue LED D0 blue is open and D18 turns ON if using MSP-EXP432P401R LaunchPad configuration
3 Test Setup
Table 3 shows the typical parameters for the BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM. Table 3 contains the BOOSTXL-
TLC6946EVM parameters.
Table 3. BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Parameters
Parameter Value
Input voltage for VCC 3 V to 5.5 V
Input voltage for VLED 17 V Maximum
Input Current for VLED 1.2-A Maximum
Follow these steps for the EVM test setup:
1. Using J1 to select whether using the same power supply for VCC, VLED. Set the voltage of the DC
power supply for VCC and VLED and set the current limit to 1.5 A.
2. Connect the positive and negative outputs of the power supply to connectors VCC, VLED and GND on
the EVM board.
3. Select the positions of J2–J4 and make sure J7–J9 have shunts.
4. Connect the MSP-EXP432P401R LaunchPad with the EVM through J5 and J6.
5. Power up the VCC, VLED and send the signal to change LED status and check LOD and ISP
functions.

www.ti.com Board Layout
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4 Board Layout
Figure 2 illustrates the EVM board layout.
Figure 2. BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Layout

Schematic and Bill of Materials www.ti.com
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5 Schematic and Bill of Materials
5.1 Schematic
Figure 3 shows the EVM schematic.
Figure 3. BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Schematic

www.ti.com Schematic and Bill of Materials
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5.2 Bill of Materials
Table 4 lists the BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM BOM.
Table 4. BOOSTXL-TLC6946EVM Bill of Materials
Item
No. Designator QTY Value Part Number Manufacturer Description Package Reference
1 C1, C2 2 47uF 593D476X9020E2TE3 Vishay-Sprague CAP, TA, 47 µF, 20 V, +/- 10%, 0.15 ohm, SMD 7343-43
2 C3, C6, C8 3 22uF 1206YD226MAT2A AVX CAP, CERM, 22 µF, 16 V,+/- 20%, X5R, 1206 1206
3 C4, C5, C7 3 0.1uF 0603ZC104KAT2A AVX CAP, CERM, 0.1 µF, 10 V,+/- 10%, X7R, 0603 0603
4 D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5,
D6, D7, D8, D9, D10, D11,
D12, D13, D14, D15
16 Rgb ASMT-YTC2-0AA02 Avago LED, RGB, SMD LED, 3x2x3.6 mm
5 D16 1 Red LTST-C170KRKT Lite-On LED, Red, SMD Red 0805 LED
6 D17 1 Green LTST-C170KGKT Lite-On LED, Green, SMD LED_0805
7 D18 1 Blue LTST-C170TBKT Lite-On LED, Blue, SMD LED_0805
8 J1, J7, J8, J9 4 TSW-102-07-G-S Samtec Header, 100mil, 2x1, Gold, TH 2x1 Header
9 J2, J3, J4, J10 4 TSW-104-07-G-D Samtec Header, 100mil, 4x2, Gold, TH 4x2 Header
10 J5, J6 2 SSQ-110-03-T-D Samtec Receptacle, 2.54mm, 10x2, Tin, TH 10x2 Receptacle
11 R1, R4, R7 3 1.02k RT0603DRE071K02L Yageo America RES, 1.02 k, 0.5%, 0.1 W, 0603 0603
12 R2, R5, R8 3 2.55k RT0603BRD072K55L Yageo America RES, 2.55 k, 0.1%, 0.1 W, 0603 0603
13 R3, R6, R9 3 10.7k RT0603BRD0710K7L Yageo America RES, 10.7 k, 0.1%, 0.1 W, 0603 0603
14 R10 1 300 CRCW0603300RJNEA Vishay-Dale RES, 300, 5%, 0.1 W, 0603 0603
15 R11 1 100 CRCW0603100RFKEA Vishay-Dale RES, 100, 1%, 0.1 W, 0603 0603
16 R12 1 150 CRCW0603150RJNEA Vishay-Dale RES, 150, 5%, 0.1 W, 0603 0603
17 SH-J1, SH-J2, SH-J3, SH-
J4, SH-J7, SH-J8, SH-J9 7 1x2 SPC02SYAN Sullins Connector Solutions Shunt, 100mil, Flash Gold, Black Closed Top 100mil Shunt
18 TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4 4 Double 1502-2 Keystone Terminal, Turret, TH, Double Keystone1502-2
19 TP5, TP6, TP7, TP8, TP9 5 5012 Keystone Test Point, Multipurpose, White, TH White Multipurpose
Testpoint
20 TP10, TP11, TP12 3 5011 Keystone Test Point, Multipurpose, Black, TH Black Multipurpose
Testpoint
21 U1, U2, U3 3 TLC6946DBQR Texas Instruments 16-Channel 32-Multiplexing 16-Bit ES-PWM
Constant-Current LED Driver, DBQ0024A
(SSOP-24)
DBQ0024A

STANDARD TERMS FOR EVALUATION MODULES
1. Delivery: TI delivers TI evaluation boards, kits, or modules, including any accompanying demonstration software, components, and/or
documentation which may be provided together or separately (collectively, an “EVM” or “EVMs”) to the User (“User”) in accordance
with the terms set forth herein. User's acceptance of the EVM is expressly subject to the following terms.
1.1 EVMs are intended solely for product or software developers for use in a research and development setting to facilitate feasibility
evaluation, experimentation, or scientific analysis of TI semiconductors products. EVMs have no direct function and are not
finished products. EVMs shall not be directly or indirectly assembled as a part or subassembly in any finished product. For
clarification, any software or software tools provided with the EVM (“Software”) shall not be subject to the terms and conditions
set forth herein but rather shall be subject to the applicable terms that accompany such Software
1.2 EVMs are not intended for consumer or household use. EVMs may not be sold, sublicensed, leased, rented, loaned, assigned,
or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes by Users, in whole or in part, or used in any finished product or production
system.
2Limited Warranty and Related Remedies/Disclaimers:
2.1 These terms do not apply to Software. The warranty, if any, for Software is covered in the applicable Software License
Agreement.
2.2 TI warrants that the TI EVM will conform to TI's published specifications for ninety (90) days after the date TI delivers such EVM
to User. Notwithstanding the foregoing, TI shall not be liable for a nonconforming EVM if (a) the nonconformity was caused by
neglect, misuse or mistreatment by an entity other than TI, including improper installation or testing, or for any EVMs that have
been altered or modified in any way by an entity other than TI, (b) the nonconformity resulted from User's design, specifications
or instructions for such EVMs or improper system design, or (c) User has not paid on time. Testing and other quality control
techniques are used to the extent TI deems necessary. TI does not test all parameters of each EVM.
User's claims against TI under this Section 2 are void if User fails to notify TI of any apparent defects in the EVMs within ten (10)
business days after delivery, or of any hidden defects with ten (10) business days after the defect has been detected.
2.3 TI's sole liability shall be at its option to repair or replace EVMs that fail to conform to the warranty set forth above, or credit
User's account for such EVM. TI's liability under this warranty shall be limited to EVMs that are returned during the warranty
period to the address designated by TI and that are determined by TI not to conform to such warranty. If TI elects to repair or
replace such EVM, TI shall have a reasonable time to repair such EVM or provide replacements. Repaired EVMs shall be
warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. Replaced EVMs shall be warranted for a new full ninety (90) day
warranty period.
3Regulatory Notices:
3.1 United States
3.1.1 Notice applicable to EVMs not FCC-Approved:
FCC NOTICE: This kit is designed to allow product developers to evaluate electronic components, circuitry, or software
associated with the kit to determine whether to incorporate such items in a finished product and software developers to write
software applications for use with the end product. This kit is not a finished product and when assembled may not be resold or
otherwise marketed unless all required FCC equipment authorizations are first obtained. Operation is subject to the condition
that this product not cause harmful interference to licensed radio stations and that this product accept harmful interference.
Unless the assembled kit is designed to operate under part 15, part 18 or part 95 of this chapter, the operator of the kit must
operate under the authority of an FCC license holder or must secure an experimental authorization under part 5 of this chapter.
3.1.2 For EVMs annotated as FCC – FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Part 15 Compliant:
CAUTION
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
FCC Interference Statement for Class A EVM devices
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.

FCC Interference Statement for Class B EVM devices
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
3.2 Canada
3.2.1 For EVMs issued with an Industry Canada Certificate of Conformance to RSS-210 or RSS-247
Concerning EVMs Including Radio Transmitters:
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Concernant les EVMs avec appareils radio:
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation
est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Concerning EVMs Including Detachable Antennas:
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser)
gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type
and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for
successful communication. This radio transmitter has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types
listed in the user guide with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited
for use with this device.
Concernant les EVMs avec antennes détachables
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et
d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope
rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante. Le
présent émetteur radio a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés dans le
manuel d’usage et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne
non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de
l'émetteur
3.3 Japan
3.3.1 Notice for EVMs delivered in Japan: Please see http://www.tij.co.jp/lsds/ti_ja/general/eStore/notice_01.page 日本国内に
輸入される評価用キット、ボードについては、次のところをご覧ください。
http://www.tij.co.jp/lsds/ti_ja/general/eStore/notice_01.page
3.3.2 Notice for Users of EVMs Considered “Radio Frequency Products” in Japan: EVMs entering Japan may not be certified
by TI as conforming to Technical Regulations of Radio Law of Japan.
If User uses EVMs in Japan, not certified to Technical Regulations of Radio Law of Japan, User is required to follow the
instructions set forth by Radio Law of Japan, which includes, but is not limited to, the instructions below with respect to EVMs
(which for the avoidance of doubt are stated strictly for convenience and should be verified by User):
1. Use EVMs in a shielded room or any other test facility as defined in the notification #173 issued by Ministry of Internal
Affairs and Communications on March 28, 2006, based on Sub-section 1.1 of Article 6 of the Ministry’s Rule for
Enforcement of Radio Law of Japan,
2. Use EVMs only after User obtains the license of Test Radio Station as provided in Radio Law of Japan with respect to
EVMs, or
3. Use of EVMs only after User obtains the Technical Regulations Conformity Certification as provided in Radio Law of Japan
with respect to EVMs. Also, do not transfer EVMs, unless User gives the same notice above to the transferee. Please note
that if User does not follow the instructions above, User will be subject to penalties of Radio Law of Japan.

【無線電波を送信する製品の開発キットをお使いになる際の注意事項】 開発キットの中には技術基準適合証明を受けて
いないものがあります。 技術適合証明を受けていないもののご使用に際しては、電波法遵守のため、以下のいずれかの
措置を取っていただく必要がありますのでご注意ください。
1. 電波法施行規則第6条第1項第1号に基づく平成18年3月28日総務省告示第173号で定められた電波暗室等の試験設備でご使用
いただく。
2. 実験局の免許を取得後ご使用いただく。
3. 技術基準適合証明を取得後ご使用いただく。
なお、本製品は、上記の「ご使用にあたっての注意」を譲渡先、移転先に通知しない限り、譲渡、移転できないものとします。
上記を遵守頂けない場合は、電波法の罰則が適用される可能性があることをご留意ください。 日本テキサス・イ
ンスツルメンツ株式会社
東京都新宿区西新宿６丁目２４番１号
西新宿三井ビル
3.3.3 Notice for EVMs for Power Line Communication: Please see http://www.tij.co.jp/lsds/ti_ja/general/eStore/notice_02.page
電力線搬送波通信についての開発キットをお使いになる際の注意事項については、次のところをご覧ください。http:/
/www.tij.co.jp/lsds/ti_ja/general/eStore/notice_02.page
3.4 European Union
3.4.1 For EVMs subject to EU Directive 2014/30/EU (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive):
This is a class A product intended for use in environments other than domestic environments that are connected to a
low-voltage power-supply network that supplies buildings used for domestic purposes. In a domestic environment this
product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
4EVM Use Restrictions and Warnings:
4.1 EVMS ARE NOT FOR USE IN FUNCTIONAL SAFETY AND/OR SAFETY CRITICAL EVALUATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO EVALUATIONS OF LIFE SUPPORT APPLICATIONS.
4.2 User must read and apply the user guide and other available documentation provided by TI regarding the EVM prior to handling
or using the EVM, including without limitation any warning or restriction notices. The notices contain important safety information
related to, for example, temperatures and voltages.
4.3 Safety-Related Warnings and Restrictions:
4.3.1 User shall operate the EVM within TI’s recommended specifications and environmental considerations stated in the user
guide, other available documentation provided by TI, and any other applicable requirements and employ reasonable and
customary safeguards. Exceeding the specified performance ratings and specifications (including but not limited to input
and output voltage, current, power, and environmental ranges) for the EVM may cause personal injury or death, or
property damage. If there are questions concerning performance ratings and specifications, User should contact a TI
field representative prior to connecting interface electronics including input power and intended loads. Any loads applied
outside of the specified output range may also result in unintended and/or inaccurate operation and/or possible
permanent damage to the EVM and/or interface electronics. Please consult the EVM user guide prior to connecting any
load to the EVM output. If there is uncertainty as to the load specification, please contact a TI field representative.
During normal operation, even with the inputs and outputs kept within the specified allowable ranges, some circuit
components may have elevated case temperatures. These components include but are not limited to linear regulators,
switching transistors, pass transistors, current sense resistors, and heat sinks, which can be identified using the
information in the associated documentation. When working with the EVM, please be aware that the EVM may become
very warm.
4.3.2 EVMs are intended solely for use by technically qualified, professional electronics experts who are familiar with the
dangers and application risks associated with handling electrical mechanical components, systems, and subsystems.
User assumes all responsibility and liability for proper and safe handling and use of the EVM by User or its employees,
affiliates, contractors or designees. User assumes all responsibility and liability to ensure that any interfaces (electronic
and/or mechanical) between the EVM and any human body are designed with suitable isolation and means to safely
limit accessible leakage currents to minimize the risk of electrical shock hazard. User assumes all responsibility and
liability for any improper or unsafe handling or use of the EVM by User or its employees, affiliates, contractors or
designees.
4.4 User assumes all responsibility and liability to determine whether the EVM is subject to any applicable international, federal,
state, or local laws and regulations related to User’s handling and use of the EVM and, if applicable, User assumes all
responsibility and liability for compliance in all respects with such laws and regulations. User assumes all responsibility and
liability for proper disposal and recycling of the EVM consistent with all applicable international, federal, state, and local
requirements.
5. Accuracy of Information: To the extent TI provides information on the availability and function of EVMs, TI attempts to be as accurate
as possible. However, TI does not warrant the accuracy of EVM descriptions, EVM availability or other information on its websites as
accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free.