Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6956AAI+

Overview

MAX6956AAI+ from Maxim Integrated is a 2-wire (I²C-compatible) LED display driver and I/O expander with 20 configurable ports (P12–P31), operating from 2.5V to 5.5V across –40°C to +125°C. Each port supports constant-current LED sink (16-step, up to 24mA), push-pull GPIO output (10mA sink/4.5mA source), or Schmitt input with optional pullup. It enables compact panel meters and industrial controllers requiring mixed LED drive and digital I/O in a single 28-pin SSOP package.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6956AAI+ datasheet, MAX6956AAI+ pinout, MAX6956AAI+ application, or MAX6956AAI+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-port count (vs. 28-port AAX/ATL variants), SSOP-28 thermal performance (727mW max dissipation), I²C address flexibility (16 options via AD0/AD1), and integrated transition-detection interrupt on seven ports (P24–P30).

Technical Context

The MAX6956AAI+ implements a dual-role architecture: each of its 20 ports (P12–P31) is individually programmable as a constant-current LED sink, active-high/low GPIO output, or Schmitt-trigger input with selectable internal pullup. Its I²C interface supports 400kbps operation with 16 slave addresses enabled by two 2-level address pins (AD0, AD1), eliminating external address jumpers.

Port configuration is managed via dedicated registers (0x09–0x0F), where each pair of bits defines mode (LED/GPIO input/output), while current scaling uses a single external resistor (RISET) to set maximum segment current (1.5–24mA). Shutdown mode reduces supply current to ≤11µA while preserving register state and allowing reprogramming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6956AAI+ is housed in a 28-pin SSOP (shrink small-outline package) with 0.635mm pitch, optimized for high-density PCB layouts and thermal performance (727mW max power dissipation at +70°C ambient).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver and I/O expander applications.

Compared with MAX6956AAI+, MAX6957AAI+ offers higher serial speed and deterministic latency but sacrifices I²C compatibility, while MAX7300AUG+ reduces cost and complexity for non-display GPIO tasks but adds external components for LED biasing.

Availability

MAX6956AAI+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for panel meters, industrial controllers, and white goods requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6956AAI+ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The MAX6956 product line delivers integrated LED display drivers and I/O expanders targeting space-constrained HMI systems needing mixed analog/digital functionality in a single package.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of ports supported by the MAX6956AAI+?

The MAX6956AAI+ provides 20 configurable I/O ports (P12 through P31), as confirmed by its 28-pin SSOP package and ordering information. This differs from the 28-port MAX6956AAX+ (36-pin SSOP) and MAX6956ATL+ (40-pin TQFN). Unused ports (P4–P11) are not bonded out in the MAX6956AAI+ die variant and must be configured as outputs at power-up to avoid elevated quiescent current.

How does the MAX6956AAI+ set LED current, and what is the adjustment range?

The MAX6956AAI+ sets LED current using an external resistor (RISET) connected between ISET and GND, establishing a reference that scales all 20 ports. Each port offers 16 discrete current steps from 1.5mA to 24mA (at V+ = 5.5V), with typical values of 9.5–18mA at 2.5V and 18.5–27.5mA at 3.3V. The MAX6956AAI+ datasheet specifies IDIGIT test conditions confirming this range across voltage and temperature.

Does the MAX6956AAI+ support interrupt generation on port state changes?

Yes, the MAX6956AAI+ supports hardware interrupts for logic transitions on seven specific ports: P24 through P30. These ports feature maskable transition-detection logic that flags changes in their input state via a status register bit and can assert an active-low interrupt signal on port P31. This capability is explicitly documented in the "Features" and "Detailed Description" sections of the MAX6956AAI+ datasheet.

What are the I²C address options for the MAX6956AAI+?

The MAX6956AAI+ supports 16 unique I²C slave addresses determined by the logic levels applied to AD0 and AD1 pins. Each pin can be tied to GND, V+, SCL, or SDA, yielding four combinations per pin and 16 total addresses (binary 100xxxxx). Table 3 in the MAX6956AAI+ datasheet lists all valid address mappings, enabling multiple devices on a single bus without address conflicts.

Is the MAX6956AAI+ RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the "+" suffix in MAX6956AAI+ denotes a lead(Pb)-free and RoHS-compliant package, as stated in the "Ordering Information" section of the official datasheet. The device uses matte-tin plating and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements, with peak reflow temperature rated at +260°C for lead-free soldering processes.