TBS2009 Scan/Decode Chip
The TBS2009 is an LED display row/scan decode chip from TB Silicon recognized by NovaStar's control system. This page covers what it does, datasheet, and which NovaStar receiving cards and firmware support it.
NovaStar support
| Scan/Decode Chip | TBS2009 |
| Manufacturer | TB Silicon |
| Chip type | Row/scan decode (multiplexed scan addressing) |
TBS2009 technical specifications
| Output channels | 8 |
Key features
- row/scan driver chip (not a pixel driver)
- 8 channels
- common-cathode
Typical use: row/scan addressing on LED display modules.
NovaStar receiving cards & firmware that support the TBS2009 scan/decode chip
The TBS2009 is a row/scan decode chip, not a pixel driver IC — it handles the panel's multiplexed scan addressing. Each NovaStar receiving-card firmware version bundles support for a specific group of pixel driver ICs and a specific group of decode/scan chips. Your panel needs a compatible chip from both groups, so flash the version that lists the TBS2009 below and your panel's driver IC.
⚠️ Don't upgrade unless you have a reason to. Receiving-card firmware is not like a controller update that adds features — a higher number just means a different driver-IC group. If your screen works, leave it alone; only re-flash to match a different driver IC.
| Receiving card | Supported firmware |
|---|---|
| BR420L | |
| DH418 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the TBS2009 chip?
The TBS2009 is a row/scan decode chip made by TB Silicon used on LED display modules. It is not a pixel driver IC — instead of setting pixel grayscale, it handles the panel's multiplexed scan addressing (selecting which row group is lit). A scan LED panel uses a decode/scan chip like this together with a pixel driver IC.
Does NovaStar support the TBS2009?
Yes — the TBS2009 is in NovaStar's recognized decode/scan-chip library. Because a firmware version supports a specific group of driver ICs paired with a specific group of decode chips, exact support depends on your receiving card and firmware version. Upload your config to our RCFGX viewer to confirm, or call 321-747-3220.
How do I find out which driver IC and decode chip my LED panel uses?
Open your receiving card configuration file (.rcfgx) — it records both the pixel driver IC and the scan/decode chip plus the firmware version. Our free online RCFGX viewer reads this for you without installing NovaLCT.