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

• TLC59711 Datasheet (TI)