16-channel constant-current sink for LED panels
The STP16CPC26PTR is a 16-channel linear LED driver from STMicroelectronics built around a 30 MHz shift register topology. Each of the 16 outputs sinks up to 90 mA, and the internal switches are integrated so you don't need external MOSFETs for each channel. It's designed for lighting applications — think LED signboards, decorative lighting, or any matrix where you need to shift in data and hold the current steady across a bank of LEDs. The analog dimming input gives you continuous brightness control without PWM noise.
Supply and output voltage headroom
The output side can handle up to 20 V on the LED pins, so you can stack multiple LEDs in series per channel as long as the total forward voltage stays under that ceiling. Each channel's 90 mA current is set by an external resistor — the datasheet gives the formula. At full tilt, 16 channels × 90 mA = 1.44 A total sink current, so the PCB trace width and thermal management need to account for that, especially if all channels are on at once.
Temperature range and package for real-world builds
It's available in tape and reel or cut tape, so you can order a few pieces for a breadboard build or a full reel for a production run. The shift register clock at 30 MHz means you can daisy-chain multiple chips and still update a long LED string faster than the eye can see.