Adafruit
Adafruit 12-Channel 16-bit PWM LED Driver - SPI Interface [TLC59711]
The Adafruit 12-Channel 16-bit PWM LED Driver uses the TLC59711 chip to provide 12 channels of constant-current, 16-bit PWM output — the highest resolution P...
The Adafruit 12-Channel 16-bit PWM LED Driver uses the TLC59711 chip to provide 12 channels of constant-current, 16-bit PWM output — the highest resolution PWM driver available. Designed specifically for precision LED control, this board delivers smooth, flicker-free dimming across all channels.
Only two SPI pins are required for communication, and the design is fully chainable — connect as many boards as you need in series for expanded channel count. Each of the 12 outputs is constant-current and open-drain, with a V+ anode supply of up to 17V for driving multiple LEDs in series.
Key Features
- 12 PWM Channels – 16-bit resolution (65,536 steps) per channel
- Constant-Current Output – LED brightness stays consistent even if power supply dips
- Chainable Design – Connect multiple boards in series for more channels
- SPI Interface – Only 2 pins required (works with any digital GPIO)
- Open-Drain Outputs – Drive LEDs in series with up to 17V anode supply
- Onboard 3.3V Regulator – Available for logic-level regulation
- Current-Set Resistor – 3.3kΩ default (~15mA); replaceable with through-hole resistor for custom values
- Power-Good LED – Green indicator for supply status
Ideal For
- Precision LED dimming and colour mixing
- LED art installations and lighting rigs
- Architectural and decorative lighting control
- Multi-channel indicator systems
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit TLC59711 12-channel PWM LED driver breakout
- 1× 0.1" header strip
Specifications
- Driver Chip – TLC59711
- Channels – 12
- PWM Resolution – 16-bit (65,536 steps)
- V+ Supply – 5–17V DC
- Default Current – ~15mA per channel (3.3kΩ resistor)
- Interface – SPI (DIN + CLK)
- Logic Level – 3–5V
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 3.3V regulator
- A 3.3V regulator is a power circuit that provides a steady 3.3 volts for parts that need that supply voltage. On a breakout board, it can let the sensor run safely even when the connected microcontroller or power source uses a higher voltage.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- CLK
- CLK is the clock signal that times when SPI data bits are sent and read. A display needs this pin connected correctly so the controller and screen stay in step while data is transferred.
- DIN
- DIN means data in, the pin where this display receives data from the controller. Connecting DIN to the correct SPI data output pin is needed for the screen to receive pixel and command information.
- GPIO
- General-purpose input/output pins are microcontroller pins you can set in software to read signals, switch devices on and off, or connect to peripherals. The number of GPIO pins matters because it limits how many buttons, LEDs, sensors, and other parts you can wire directly to the board.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- LED driver
- An LED driver is a control chip or circuit that supplies and switches power to LEDs. For a display board, it reduces the number of microcontroller pins needed and handles tasks like lighting the right segments and adjusting brightness.
- PWM
- Pulse Width Modulation is a way for a digital pin to simulate variable output power by switching on and off very quickly. It matters for controlling things like LED brightness, motor speed, or servo-style signals from a microcontroller pin.
- SPI
- A fast serial communication bus often used for displays, memory cards, and sensors. It matters because SPI devices need specific pins for clock and data, plus a separate chip-select line for each device.
Find this product in
Brands
Components
Tlc59711
Datasheet · 1.2 MB · Click any page to view full size
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
