Microchip Technology MCP23017T-E/SSVAO

Overview

MCP23017T-E/SSVAO from Microchip Technology is a 16-bit I²C-compatible I/O expander IC with dual 8-bit ports (PORTA and PORTB), supporting up to 1.7 MHz I²C bus speed, 1.8–5.5V operation across –40°C to +85°C, and configurable interrupt outputs (INTA/INTB) for industrial control panels requiring remote GPIO expansion.

For engineers reviewing the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO datasheet, MCP23017T-E/SSVAO pinout, MCP23017T-E/SSVAO application, or MCP23017T-E/SSVAO equivalent, key selection considerations include its I²C-only interface (no SPI), GPA7/GPB7 output-only limitation, hardware address pins (A0–A2), interrupt source configuration (INTCON), and SSOP-28 package with 5.30 mm body width.

Technical Context

The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO implements a register-mapped I²C slave architecture with 22 internal registers organized in BANK=0 or BANK=1 addressing modes, enabling independent or combined port configuration. Its GPIO logic supports input/output direction control per pin via IODIRA/B, polarity inversion via IPOLA/B, and interrupt-on-change triggering using GPINTENA/B and INTCONA/B.

Interrupt behavior is fully configurable: INTA and INTB can operate independently or be logically OR'd; interrupt sources may be set to detect changes from default register values (DEFVAL) or from prior pin states. The device includes internal weak pull-ups (40–115 µA at VDD=5V), glitch filtering (150 ns), and Power-on Reset with VDD rise-rate tolerance of ≥0.05 V/ms.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 28-pin SSOP, 5.30 mm body width, surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with PCA9555DP,118 and TCA6424ARGJR, the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO uniquely delivers hardware RESET, dual independent interrupts (INTA/INTB), and 1.7 MHz I²C support in a compact SSOP-28 package-making it optimal for space-constrained industrial controllers requiring deterministic reset and interrupt isolation.

Availability

MCP23017T-E/SSVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, automated test equipment, and smart building controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MCP23017T-E/SSVAO 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

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and connectivity solutions, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO belongs to Microchip's MCP23X17 family of I/O expanders, designed specifically for robust, low-overhead GPIO extension in resource-constrained embedded systems using standard I²C or SPI interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO?

The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO supports three I²C speed modes: 100 kHz (standard mode), 400 kHz (fast mode), and 1.7 MHz (high-speed mode). The 1.7 MHz mode requires VDD ≥ 4.5V and operates within –40°C to +85°C. Timing compliance is guaranteed with 1 kΩ pull-ups and ≤100 pF bus capacitance in this mode. The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO does not support Ultra-Fast Mode (5 MHz) or SMBus-specific protocols.

Does the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO support SPI communication?

No, the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO is I²C-only. It lacks SPI pins (CS, SI, SO, SCK) and internal SPI protocol logic. The SPI variant is the pin-compatible MCP23S17. Attempting SPI signaling on MCP23017T-E/SSVAO will result in non-functional behavior. The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO must be interfaced exclusively via SDA/SCL with proper I²C addressing (0x20–0x27).

Are GPA7 and GPB7 truly output-only on the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO?

Yes. Per Microchip DS20001952D-page 11, GPA7 and GPB7 are output-only on the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO. Their IODIR bits are read-only and always return '0', preventing input configuration. This differs from PORTA/B pins 0–6, which are fully bidirectional. This limitation is inherent to the MCP23017 silicon design and applies to all variants including MCP23017T-E/SSVAO.

How does the interrupt system work on the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO?

The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO provides two dedicated interrupt outputs (INTA for PORTA, INTB for PORTB), each configurable as active-high, active-low, or open-drain. Interrupts trigger on pin-state change (GPINTEN + INTCON) or deviation from DEFVAL. The INTCAP register captures port state at interrupt time. INTA and INTB can be used independently or OR'd together via IOCON.MIRROR. The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO does not support interrupt priority or vectoring.

What package type is used by the MCP23017T-E/SSVAO?

The MCP23017T-E/SSVAO uses a 28-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 5.30 mm body width and 0.65 mm lead pitch. It is distinct from the SOIC (7.50 mm), QFN (6 × 6 mm), and SPDIP (300 mil) variants. The 'SSVAO' suffix explicitly denotes this SSOP packaging. Thermal pad (EP) is absent in SSOP; no thermal pad connection is required or possible.