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NXP Semiconductors PCA8546ATT/AJ
- Part No.:
- PCA8546ATT/AJ
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Display Drivers
- Package:
- 56-TFSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PCA8546ATT/AJ.pdf
- Description:
- IC DRVR 176 SEGMENT 56TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,586
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Product details
Overview
PCA8546ATT/AJ from NXP Semiconductors is an AEC-Q100 Grade 3 automotive LCD controller/driver IC supporting up to 4 backplanes and 176 segments via I²C-bus interface, operating from 1.8 V to 5.5 V logic supply and 2.5 V to 9 V LCD supply, with programmable frame frequency (60–300 Hz) and on-chip display RAM - deployed in climate control and dashboard displays.
For engineers reviewing the PCA8546ATT/AJ datasheet, PCA8546ATT/AJ pinout, PCA8546ATT/AJ application, or PCA8546ATT/AJ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions for TSSOP56, confirmed automotive-grade bias and timing behavior, and real-world selection guidance against documented alternatives.
Technical Context
The PCA8546ATT/AJ implements a dedicated I²C-bus (not SPI) LCD peripheral with integrated bias generation, frame-frequency prescaler, and auto-incremented display RAM addressing. It uses a factory-calibrated internal oscillator (230 kHz nominal) or accepts external 9.6 kHz/230 kHz clock input via OSCCLK pin.
Its functional architecture includes independent control of backplane swapping (BPS), line/frame inversion (INV), power-down (PD), and display enable (E), all configured via 8-bit command register writes. The device supports 1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 LCD bias modes and drives up to 22 seven-segment characters or 11 fourteen-segment alphanumeric characters.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Interface | I²C-bus (400 kHz max); A0 pin selects target address |
| LCD Drive Capability | 4 backplanes × 44 segments = 176 total elements; supports 7- or 14-segment alphanumeric or graphic layouts |
| Frame Frequency Range | 60 Hz to 300 Hz in ~10 Hz steps; factory-calibrated; derived from internal 230 kHz oscillator or external clock |
| Supply Voltages | VDD: 1.8 V–5.5 V (logic); VLCD: 2.5 V–9 V (separate LCD supply) |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +95 °C; qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 3 |
| Display Memory | On-chip RAM stores full 176-element display data; auto-incremented addressing simplifies microcontroller write sequences |
| Power Management | Hardware RESET pin and software-controlled PD bit enable deterministic power-down with segment/backplane outputs forced to VSS |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP56 package (SOT364-1), 6.1 mm body width, 56-pin plastic thin shrink small outline package.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–11, 20–31, 48–56 | S9–S19, S20–S31, S0–S8 | LCD segment outputs; drive individual display elements in multiplexed configuration |
| 12–15, 32–35, 36–39 | BP0–BP3 / S32–S43 (swapped per BPS) | LCD backplane outputs; pin mapping changes based on BPS bit setting to aid PCB routing |
| 43 | RESET | Active-low asynchronous reset; clears internal state but preserves RAM content |
| 44 | VSS | Digital ground reference for logic and interface circuitry |
| 45 | VDD | Primary logic supply (1.8 V–5.5 V); powers I²C interface, RAM, and control logic |
| 46 | OSCCLK | Configurable I/O: internal oscillator output (COE=1) or external clock input (OSC=1) |
| 47 | VLCD | Independent LCD bias supply (2.5 V–9 V); must be ≥ VDD and applied/removal synchronized with VDD |
| 40 | A0 | I²C target address select (0 or 1); sets LSB of 7-bit slave address |
| 41, 42 | SCL, SDA | I²C serial clock and bidirectional data lines; support standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q100 Grade 3 qualification | Validated for automotive cabin environments (−40 °C to +95 °C) with robust ESD and latch-up immunity |
| Backplane swapping (BPS) | Software-configurable pin remapping of BP/S outputs to simplify single-layer PCB routing without redesign |
| Line vs. frame inversion (INV) | Selectable DC compensation scheme: line inversion for flicker-free operation or frame inversion for lower power consumption |
| OTP-refresh command | Required post-reset calibration step that reloads factory-trimmed frame frequency parameters from on-chip EPROM |
| Independent VLCD/VDD supplies | Enables optimal contrast tuning (via VLCD) while maintaining low-power logic operation (VDD down to 1.8 V) |
| Hardware RESET + software PD/E control | Ensures deterministic initialization and safe power-down sequence to prevent LCD DC voltage buildup |
Applications
| Climate Control Display | Car Radio Front Panel |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Integrated HVAC unit with temperature, fan speed, and mode indicators displayed on segmented LCD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated LCD controller/driver handling multiplexed 4-backplane display; manages bias, frame timing, and segment addressing independently of host MCU. Use Value: Reduces host MCU firmware overhead via auto-incremented RAM writes and eliminates need for external bias resistors or timing crystals. |
Use Scenario: Audio system UI showing station frequency, volume level, and source selection using 7- and 14-segment glyphs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I²C-connected peripheral generating precise AC waveforms across 176 segments at user-selectable frame rates (e.g., 120 Hz for flicker suppression). Use Value: Enables consistent contrast across wide temperature range (−40 °C to +95 °C) using programmable 1/4 or 1/3 bias and separate VLCD regulation. |
| Instrument Cluster Sub-Display | Automotive Infotainment Status Bar |
Use Scenario: Secondary driver information display (e.g., fuel level, gear position, warning icons) mounted within analog gauge cluster. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Automotive-grade segment driver with hardware RESET and power-down capability to meet ASIL-B functional safety requirements for non-critical indicators. Use Value: Guarantees safe display disable during MCU boot or fault recovery via E-bit control and synchronized VLCD/VDD sequencing. |
Use Scenario: Status bar on center-stack infotainment screen showing connectivity, audio source, and vehicle settings in compact segmented format. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count I²C peripheral minimizing host GPIO usage while supporting dynamic content updates via display RAM writes. Use Value: Achieves <10 ms full-screen update latency using auto-incremented RAM pointer and 400 kHz I²C interface - critical for responsive HMI feedback. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LCD controller/driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCA8546ATT/AY | Identical functionality and pinout; dry-pack packaging replaces non-dry-pack; documented drop-in replacement per PCN202102010F01 | Same automotive temperature range and AEC-Q100 Grade 3 compliance; suitable for new designs requiring moisture-sensitive packaging | Select PCA8546ATT/AY for production builds where JEDEC J-STD-033-compliant dry pack is required; no layout or firmware changes needed. |
| PCF8576CT | Also I²C-based 4-backplane LCD driver but supports only 132 segments (33 × 4); lacks frame-frequency programming and OTP-refresh capability | Lower segment count limits use to simpler displays (e.g., basic radio UI); no factory-calibrated timing - requires external timing component | Choose PCF8576CT only if segment count ≤132 and programmable frame frequency is not required; verify bias configuration compatibility. |
Compared with PCA8546ATT/AJ, PCA8546ATT/AY offers identical electrical and functional behavior with enhanced moisture protection, while PCF8576CT provides reduced segment capacity and fixed timing - making PCA8546ATT/AJ the optimal choice for 176-element, field-programmable automotive displays.
Availability
PCA8546ATT/AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for climate control systems, car radio front panels, and instrument cluster sub-displays requiring stable component supply across extended automotive temperature ranges.
Supply support for PCA8546ATT/AJ 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure, high-performance automotive, industrial, and IoT solutions with broad analog, digital, and mixed-signal IP portfolios.
The PCA8546 belongs to NXP's automotive LCD driver product line, engineered specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant segmented displays in harsh cabin environments - emphasizing reliability, low power, and simplified MCU integration.
FAQ
What interface does the PCA8546ATT/AJ support?
The PCA8546ATT/AJ supports only the I²C-bus interface (400 kHz maximum), as confirmed by its ordering code "ATT" (vs. "BTT" for SPI). It uses pins SCL and SDA for bidirectional communication, with A0 selecting the LSB of the 7-bit slave address. The PCA8546ATT/AJ does not implement SPI functionality.
Is PCA8546ATT/AJ pin-compatible with PCA8546ATT/AY?
Yes - PCA8546ATT/AJ and PCA8546ATT/AY share identical TSSOP56 pinout, electrical specifications, and functional behavior. Per NXP PCN202102010F01, PCA8546ATT/AY is the documented drop-in replacement with dry-pack packaging; no PCB or firmware modifications are required when migrating.
What is the purpose of the OTP-refresh command in PCA8546ATT/AJ?
The OTP-refresh command reloads factory-trimmed frame frequency calibration data from on-chip one-time-programmable (OTP) memory. It must be issued after RESET and before enabling the display to ensure accurate 60–300 Hz frame timing - critical for flicker-free operation and display longevity.
How does the PCA8546ATT/AJ handle power sequencing between VDD and VLCD?
The PCA8546ATT/AJ requires VDD and VLCD to be powered on and off simultaneously. Asymmetric sequencing (e.g., VLCD active while VDD is off) risks static voltage buildup across the LCD, causing artifacts or damage. This constraint is explicitly defined in Section 7.1.3.4 of the datasheet.
Can PCA8546ATT/AJ drive a 14-segment alphanumeric display?
Yes - the PCA8546ATT/AJ supports up to 176 segments, enabling up to 11 fourteen-segment alphanumeric characters (11 × 16 = 176 elements including decimal points and accent dots). Its flexible backplane/segment mapping and bias configuration make it suitable for both 7- and 14-segment layouts in automotive dashboards.
PCA8546ATT/AJ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 56-TFSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Display Type:
- LCD
- Configuration:
- 176 Segment
- Interface:
- I2C
- Digits or Characters:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 30 µA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 95°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 56-TSSOP
PCA8546ATT/AJ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA8546ATT/AJ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA8546ATT/AJ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PCA8546ATT/AJ reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA8546ATT/AJ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA8546ATT/AJ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA8546ATT/AJ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA8546ATT/AJ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA8546ATT/AJ?
PCA8546ATT/AJ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA8546ATT/AJ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PCA8546ATT/AJ?
For technical support, including PCA8546ATT/AJ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA8546ATT/AJ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA8546ATT/AJ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA8546ATT/AJ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PCA8546ATT/AJ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA8546ATT/AJ?
All PCA8546ATT/AJ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA8546ATT/AJ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PCA8546ATT/AJ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA8546ATT/AJ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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