Overview
The PCAL6408A, specifically the PCAL6408ABSHP model, is an 8-bit general-purpose I/O expander produced by NXP USA Inc. This device provides remote I/O expansion for most microcontroller families via the I2C-bus interface. It is designed to offer a simple solution when additional I/Os are needed, minimizing interconnections. The PCAL6408A is particularly useful in battery-powered mobile applications, such as interfacing with sensors, push buttons, and keypads. It features built-in level shifting, allowing seamless communication between devices operating at different voltage levels, which is crucial in mixed signal environments.
Key Specifications
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Interface | I2C-bus/SMBus |
Number of I/Os | 8-bit |
Supply Voltage Range | 1.65 V to 5.5 V (dual power rail) |
Package Types | HVQFN16, TSSOP16, XQFN16, XFBGA16, X2QFN16 |
Operating Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
Output Drive Strength | Programmable output drive strength |
Interrupt Features | Maskable interrupt, interrupt status register, open-drain interrupt output |
Pull-up/Pull-down Resistors | Programmable pull-up and pull-down resistors |
ESD Protection | Exceeds JESD 22: 2000 V Human-Body Model, 1000 V Charged-Device Model |
Key Features
- Level Shifting: Built-in level shifting allows communication between devices operating at different voltage levels.
- Programmable I/Os: I/Os can be configured as inputs or outputs by writing to the I/O configuration bits.
- Interrupt Handling: Maskable interrupt, interrupt status register, and open-drain interrupt output for efficient interrupt management.
- Pull-up/Pull-down Resistors: Programmable pull-up and pull-down resistors to eliminate the need for discrete components.
- Polarity Inversion: Polarity of the Input Port register can be inverted using the Polarity Inversion register.
- Output Drive Strength: Programmable output drive strength to adjust output current.
- ESD Protection: Exceeds JESD 22 standards for ESD protection.
- Multiple Package Options: Available in various packages such as HVQFN16, TSSOP16, XQFN16, XFBGA16, and X2QFN16.
Applications
- Battery-Powered Mobile Applications: Ideal for interfacing with sensors, push buttons, and keypads in mobile devices.
- Mixed Signal Environments: Suitable for environments where communication between incompatible I/O voltages is required.
- Industrial Automation: Useful in industrial settings where additional I/Os are needed without increasing the complexity of the system.
- Consumer Electronics: Can be used in various consumer electronics to expand I/O capabilities.
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the PCAL6408A?
The PCAL6408A is an 8-bit general-purpose I/O expander that provides remote I/O expansion for most microcontroller families via the I2C-bus interface.
- What is the supply voltage range of the PCAL6408A?
The supply voltage range is from 1.65 V to 5.5 V on the dual power rail.
- What types of packages are available for the PCAL6408A?
The device is available in HVQFN16, TSSOP16, XQFN16, XFBGA16, and X2QFN16 packages.
- Does the PCAL6408A have built-in level shifting?
Yes, it has built-in level shifting to facilitate communication between devices operating at different voltage levels.
- How are the I/Os configured on the PCAL6408A?
The I/Os can be configured as inputs or outputs by writing to the I/O configuration bits.
- What is the purpose of the interrupt features in the PCAL6408A?
The interrupt features, including maskable interrupt and interrupt status register, allow for efficient interrupt management and notification of input state changes.
- Does the PCAL6408A have ESD protection?
Yes, it exceeds JESD 22 standards for ESD protection: 2000 V Human-Body Model and 1000 V Charged-Device Model.
- Can the PCAL6408A be used in mixed signal environments?
Yes, it is suitable for mixed signal environments where communication between incompatible I/O voltages is required.
- What is the operating temperature range of the PCAL6408A?
The operating temperature range is from -40°C to 85°C.
- Can the output drive strength be programmed on the PCAL6408A?
Yes, the output drive strength is programmable.