Overview
The PCAL6408APWJ, produced by NXP USA Inc., is an 8-bit general-purpose I/O expander designed to provide remote I/O expansion for most microcontroller families via the I2C-bus interface. This component is particularly useful in applications where additional I/Os are needed while minimizing interconnections. It is especially beneficial in battery-powered mobile applications for interfacing with sensors, push buttons, keypads, and other devices. The PCAL6408APWJ features built-in level shifting, allowing seamless communication between devices operating at different voltage levels, making it highly flexible in mixed signal environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Package | 16-TSSOP (0.173, 4.40mm Width) |
| Interface | I2C, SMBus |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.65 V to 5.5 V (VDD(I2C-bus) and VDD(P)) |
| Voltage Level Translation | Bidirectional voltage-level translation between 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V |
| Standby Current Consumption | 1 μA |
| Output Type | Open Drain, Push-Pull |
| Output Drive Strength | Programmable |
| Input/Output Configuration | Configurable as inputs or outputs via I/O configuration bits |
| Interrupt Features | Maskable interrupt, interrupt status register |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to 85°C |
| Pin Count | 16 |
Key Features
- I2C-bus to parallel port expander
- Low-voltage translating capability with a wide VDD range of 1.65 V to 5.5 V
- Bidirectional voltage-level translation between different voltage levels (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V)
- Programmable output drive strength, latchable inputs, and programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors
- Maskable interrupt, interrupt status register, and programmable open-drain or push-pull outputs
- Schmitt-trigger action for better switching noise immunity at the SCL and SDA lines
- Low standby current consumption of 1 μA
- Polarity inversion register to save external logic gates
Applications
The PCAL6408APWJ is suitable for a variety of applications, including:
- Battery-powered mobile devices for interfacing with sensors, push buttons, and keypads
- Mixed signal environments where communication between incompatible I/O voltages is required
- Industrial automation systems needing flexible I/O expansion
- Consumer electronics requiring low power consumption and voltage translation
- Automotive systems where robust and reliable I/O expansion is necessary
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the PCAL6408APWJ?
The PCAL6408APWJ 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 PCAL6408APWJ?
The supply voltage range is from 1.65 V to 5.5 V, with two separate supply voltages: VDD(I2C-bus) and VDD(P).
- What types of voltage level translation does the PCAL6408APWJ support?
The PCAL6408APWJ supports bidirectional voltage-level translation between 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V.
- What are the key features of the PCAL6408APWJ's output configuration?
The outputs can be configured as open-drain or push-pull, with programmable drive strength.
- How does the PCAL6408APWJ handle interrupts?
The PCAL6408APWJ features maskable interrupts, an interrupt status register, and powers up with all I/O interrupts masked to prevent spurious interrupts at power-up.
- What is the standby current consumption of the PCAL6408APWJ?
The standby current consumption is 1 μA.
- What package type is the PCAL6408APWJ available in?
The PCAL6408APWJ is available in a 16-TSSOP package with a width of 0.173 inches (4.40 mm).
- What is the operating temperature range of the PCAL6408APWJ?
The operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.
- Can the PCAL6408APWJ be reset?
Yes, the PCAL6408APWJ can be reset by asserting a LOW on the RESET input, which initializes the registers and the I2C-bus/SMBus state machine.
- What are some common applications for the PCAL6408APWJ?
Common applications include battery-powered mobile devices, mixed signal environments, industrial automation, consumer electronics, and automotive systems.
