Overview
The PCAL6416AERX, produced by NXP USA Inc., is a 16-bit general-purpose I/O expander designed to provide remote I/O expansion for various microcontroller families via the I2C-bus interface. This device is particularly useful in scenarios where additional I/Os are required while minimizing interconnections. It is ideal for battery-powered mobile applications, such as interfacing with sensors, push buttons, and keypads. The PCAL6416AERX features low-voltage translation, allowing it to connect processors operating at different voltage levels, making it highly flexible in mixed-signal environments.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of I/Os | 16-bit |
| Interface | I2C-bus/SMBus |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.65 V to 5.5 V (VDD(I2C-bus) and VDD(P)) |
| Interrupt Output | Open-drain interrupt (INT) output |
| Reset Input | Active LOW reset input |
| Configuration Registers | Configuration, Input, Output, and Polarity Inversion registers |
| Output Drive Capability | 25 mA sink capability for directly driving LEDs |
| ESD Protection | Exceeds JESD 22 – 2000 V Human-Body Model and 1000 V Charged-Device Model |
| Packages | TSSOP24, HWQFN24, VFBGA24, X2QFN24 (LGA) |
Key Features
- Low-Voltage Translation: Enables communication between processors and I/O devices operating at different voltage levels.
- Programmable Pull-Up/Pull-Down Resistors: Eliminates the need for discrete components.
- Interrupt Output: Open-drain interrupt output activated when any input state differs from its corresponding Input Port register state.
- Reset Input: Active LOW reset input to reset the device and initialize the I2C-bus/SMBus state machine.
- Agile I/O: Features include programmable output drive strength, latchable inputs, and programmable open-drain or push-pull outputs.
- Noise Filter and Latch-Up Performance: Noise filter on SCL/SDA inputs and latch-up performance exceeds 100 mA per JESD 78, Class II.
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.
- Automotive and Industrial Systems: Can be used in various automotive and industrial applications requiring I/O expansion and voltage translation.
- Evaluation Boards: Used in evaluation boards like the PCAL6416AEV-ARD for testing and design purposes.
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the PCAL6416AERX?
The PCAL6416AERX is a 16-bit general-purpose I/O expander that provides remote I/O expansion for microcontroller families via the I2C-bus interface.
- What is the voltage range supported by the PCAL6416AERX?
The device supports a supply voltage range of 1.65 V to 5.5 V (VDD(I2C-bus) and VDD(P)).
- How does the interrupt output work on the PCAL6416AERX?
The open-drain interrupt output is activated when any input state differs from its corresponding Input Port register state, indicating a change in input state to the system master.
- What types of packages are available for the PCAL6416AERX?
The device is available in TSSOP24, HWQFN24, VFBGA24, and X2QFN24 (LGA) packages.
- Does the PCAL6416AERX have built-in ESD protection?
Yes, the device exceeds JESD 22 – 2000 V Human-Body Model and 1000 V Charged-Device Model for ESD protection.
- How can the PCAL6416AERX be reset?
The device can be reset by asserting a LOW on the RESET input or through a power-on reset, which initializes the I2C-bus/SMBus state machine.
- What is the purpose of the programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors?
The programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors eliminate the need for discrete components, simplifying the circuit design.
- Can the PCAL6416AERX drive LEDs directly?
Yes, the device's Port P outputs have a 25 mA sink capability, allowing them to directly drive LEDs.
- How does the PCAL6416AERX handle noise on the I2C-bus?
The device includes a noise filter on the SCL/SDA inputs to improve signal integrity.
- Is the PCAL6416AERX compatible with Arduino boards?
Yes, the PCAL6416AERX can be used with Arduino boards through evaluation boards like the PCAL6416AEV-ARD.
