Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6956ANI

Overview

MAX6956ANI from Maxim Integrated is a 20-port I²C-compatible LED display driver and GPIO expander in a 28-pin DIP package, supporting constant-current LED sink (1.5–24mA, 16-step programmable), push-pull logic outputs (10mA sink/4.5mA source), and Schmitt-trigger inputs with selectable internal pullups. It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V across –40°C to +125°C and integrates transition-detection interrupt logic on seven ports (P24–P30) for system monitoring applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6956ANI datasheet, MAX6956ANI pinout, MAX6956ANI application, or MAX6956ANI equivalent, this device serves as a compact, automotive-qualified solution for driving common-anode LED digits and managing mixed-signal I/O in space-constrained industrial and white-goods control panels where precise current control, low shutdown current (≤11µA), and robust I²C addressing (16 addresses via AD0/AD1) are critical.

Technical Context

The MAX6956ANI implements a dual-role I/O architecture: each of its 20 configurable ports (P12–P31) can be independently assigned as a constant-current LED sink, push-pull output, or Schmitt input-defaulting to inputs at power-up. Its I²C interface supports 400kbps operation with four-level address encoding (AD0/AD1), enabling up to 16 devices on one bus without external address decoding logic.

It features hardware-based transition detection on ports P24–P30, generating an interrupt on P31 when masked logic-level changes occur. Current regulation is set globally via an external resistor (RISET) connected to ISET, establishing a scalable 16-step current ladder per port-enabling uniform brightness control across discrete LEDs or CA numeric displays without per-segment resistors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6956ANI is housed in a 28-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is located at the left end of the top row (notch side up), and the package includes two GND pins (pins 2 and 3) for improved noise immunity and thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX6956ANI, MAX6957ANI+ offers identical port count and DIP packaging but replaces I²C with SPI-improving update latency at the cost of bus flexibility-while MAX7300ANG+ sacrifices LED drive capability and transition detection to reduce unit cost for non-display GPIO-only use cases.

Availability

MAX6956ANI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for panel meters, white goods control systems, and industrial controllers requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation, and integrated LED/GPIO functionality.

Supply support for MAX6956ANI 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 and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications, emphasizing high reliability and extended temperature performance.

The MAX6956 product line delivers integrated LED display drivers with GPIO expansion for space-constrained human-machine interfaces, targeting applications where brightness control, interrupt-driven input handling, and automotive-grade ruggedness are essential.

FAQ

What is the exact port count and pin mapping for MAX6956ANI?

The MAX6956ANI provides 20 usable I/O ports: P12 through P31. Pins 5–24 correspond directly to these ports. Ports P4–P11 are not bonded out in the 28-pin DIP package and must be configured as outputs (e.g., write 0x55 to registers 0x09 and 0x0A at startup) to prevent elevated supply current. This configuration is mandatory and documented in the MAX6956ANI datasheet Section "Detailed Description".

How does the MAX6956ANI set LED current, and what resistor value yields 24mA per segment?

The MAX6956ANI sets maximum LED sink current via an external resistor (RISET) between ISET (pin 1) and GND. With RISET = 39kΩ, the device delivers up to 24mA per segment at V+ = 5.5V and VLED = 2.4V, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. The current scales linearly across 16 digital steps, allowing precise per-port adjustment without hardware changes. This relationship is confirmed in the MAX6956ANI datasheet Figure "LED DRIVER SINK CURRENT vs. V+".

Does MAX6956ANI support interrupt generation on GPIO state change?

Yes, the MAX6956ANI supports hardware interrupt generation on logic-level transitions for ports P24 through P30. These seven 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 independent of microcontroller polling and is detailed in the "Detailed Description" and "Register Control" sections of the MAX6956ANI datasheet.

What is the I²C address configuration method for MAX6956ANI?

The MAX6956ANI uses two address-select pins-AD0 (pin 4) and AD1 (pin 27)-each configurable to GND, V+, SCL, or SDA to generate four logic states. Combined, they produce 16 unique 7-bit I²C slave addresses (100xxxx format), enabling up to 16 devices on one bus. Address mapping is fully defined in Table 3 of the MAX6956ANI datasheet, with no external address pins or jumpers required.

Is MAX6956ANI qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the MAX6956ANI is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C and is explicitly designated as automotive-qualified in Maxim's ordering information (denoted by "/V" suffix variants). Its electrical specifications-including shutdown current, I/O drive strength, and hysteresis-are guaranteed across this full range, making it suitable for under-dash, HVAC, and body-control module applications per AEC-Q100 stress-test guidelines.