TM1637 vs AiP1637: pin-compatible 4/6-digit LED driver alternative
AiP1637 from I-CORE is a pin-compatible alternative to the Titan Micro TM1637 LED driver: same SOP-20 pinout, 8×6 common-anode display, 8×2 key scan and 2-wire interface, with a wider 3.0–5.5 V supply.
The TM1637 from Titan Micro is the LED driver behind countless 4-digit and 6-digit 7-segment modules, appliance panels and Arduino projects. I-CORE (Wuxi I-CORE Electronics) makes a functional equivalent, the AiP1637, in the same SOP-20 package and pinout. This page compares the two from their datasheets so you can decide whether AiP1637 can go on your BOM.
Side-by-side comparison
| Parameter | TM1637 | AIP1637 (I-CORE) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8 segments × 6 digits, common anode | 8 segments × 6 grids, common anode |
| Key scan | 8 × 2 | 8 × 2 |
| Interface | 2-wire serial (CLK, DIO) | 2-wire serial (CLK, DIO) |
| Brightness | 8 levels (PWM) | 8 levels |
| Supply voltage | 4.5–5.5 V | 3.0–5.5 V |
| Operating temperature | −40 to +85 °C | −40 to +85 °C |
| Packages | SOP-20, DIP-20 | SOP-20, DIP-20 |
| Pinout (SOP-20) | 1 GND, 2–9 SEG1–8/KS1–8, 10–15 GRID6–1, 16 VDD, 17 DIO, 18 CLK, 19–20 K1–K2 | Same |
Can I drop AiP1637 into a TM1637 board?
In most designs, yes: the SOP-20 pinout, display organisation, key matrix and two-wire protocol (start / stop / ACK framing, 8-bit commands) match. The AiP1637 datasheet also specifies operation down to 3.0 V, which is useful for 3.3 V modules. As with any second source, run your board and firmware with samples before switching production.
Firmware
Code written for TM1637 — including the common Arduino TM1637Display library — is the usual starting point. Check the command codes, maximum clock rate and key-read timing against the AiP1637 datasheet, especially if your driver bit-bangs the bus close to its timing limits.
Typical applications
Induction cookers, microwave ovens, small appliance panels, clocks and 4-digit or 6-digit 7-segment display modules.
FAQ
- Is AiP1637 pin-compatible with TM1637?
- Yes. Both use the same SOP-20 pin assignment: GND on pin 1, segment/key-scan outputs on pins 2–9, digit outputs on pins 10–15, VDD on 16, DIO on 17, CLK on 18 and key inputs K1–K2 on 19–20.
- Does the TM1637 Arduino library work with AiP1637?
- The two chips use the same two-wire command structure, so TM1637 libraries are the usual starting point. Verify command codes and timing with the AiP1637 datasheet and test with samples.
- Can AiP1637 run at 3.3 V?
- The AiP1637 datasheet (2026-09-B2) specifies a 3.0–5.5 V logic supply. LED brightness at 3.3 V depends on the LED forward voltage.
Sources
- I-CORE AiP1637 English datasheet, revision 2026-09-B2
- Titan Micro TM1637 listing on LCSC (C20001): supply 4.5–5.5 V, −40 to +85 °C, 8 × 6 configuration
Figures are from the documents listed; always confirm against the latest datasheets before design-in. TM1637 is a part number of its respective owner and is shown for cross-reference only.
