Q: TLC59108F Design by 1294176

We're looking at using the following part on a new design and I'd like some apps information:

http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tlc59108f.pdf

The datasheet doesn't show how LED's would be hooked up.  Do they need a limiting resistor in series or is this all done by the IC ?

The application is a bar-graph driver where we can set the value over I2C.  I think this part is a good fit but if you have any other choices, please let me know.  We're looking at driving 8 LEDs at the moment.


A: Re: TLC59108F Design by 10449

The TLC59108F requires resistors to set the LED current.  This makes LED brightness a function of LED forward voltage drop, LED supply voltage level, and resistor tolerances.  The TLC59108 (non F version) is a constant current driver.  Another option would be the TLC5917.  It drives 8 LEDs with a constant current, regardless of LED forward voltage drop and LED supply voltage.