Tool/software:
Hello,
How much current can each MSPM0 IO handle?
(Customer is considering LED matrices and is referring to the diode_matrix example in the Resource Explorer.)
Best regards,
DDdoor
Hello DDdoor -
The GPIO currents, both sink and source, depends on VDD, drive type, drive strength and the operating temperature. As an example, the datasheet summary below shows the Voh (GPIO output high) rated "steady-state" or average currents. Note, as the load current increases the output voltage drops, so choose a current limiting resistor value that will limit the current while also meeting the required forward bias voltage for the LED.
Now if the GPIO is switching ON/OFF for duty-cycling to control brightness or to control an LED multiplexing scheme, then higher currents are possible, provided the "average" current is still within spec. For example, taking a high-drive strength GPIO (4mA) driven at 50% duty-cycle, the output current can be up to 2x or 8mA. Although not explicitly stated in the datasheet, rather through guidance from one of our MSPM0 silicon GPIO design engineers, the safest current that could be supported under this duty cycled operation is about 30mA, which limits the GPIO to about a 1/8 duty cycle.
