The LED subsystem updates for the Linux kernel typically aren’t too noteworthy each kernel cycle but with Linux 7.0 is a new TI RGB LED driver that captured my attention in being curious over its “autonomous animation engine” integration.
The new driver is for the TI LP5812 4×3 matrix RGB LEDs. with an I2C interface and autonomous animation engine controls. The LP5812 is designed for use in portable/wearable electronics, smart speakers, gaming/home entertainment uses, IoT devices, networking hardware, and more.
While seeing “autonomous animation engine control” mentioned in the patches brings up feelings of buzzwords and hype, when looking into it for the RGB LED driver context is fairly interesting. This hardware feature with TI LED driver ICs allows managing LED lighting effects without continuous input from the microcontroller. This can help in reducing CPU load, allowing for complex effects, and better synchronization.
With Linux 7.0 the TI LP5812 driver is now in place. The LED pull also landed TI LP5860 support, a new driver for the Osram AS3668 4-channel I2C LED controller, and various other LED driver updates. All the details for those interested via this pull now in Linux 7.0 Git.
