NXP Semiconductors PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y
- Part No.:
- PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Display Drivers
- Package:
- 56-BSOP (0.435", 11.05mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y.pdf
- Description:
- IC DRVR 7 SEGMENT 56VSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,469
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Product details
Overview
PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y from NXP Semiconductors is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive LCD controller and driver IC that interfaces microcontrollers to static or multiplexed LCDs with up to 4 backplanes and 40 segments. It operates via I²C-bus, features 40 × 4-bit display RAM, internal LCD bias generation, and supports 1:2/1:3/1:4 multiplexing - deployed in instrument clusters and infotainment displays.
For engineers reviewing the PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y datasheet, PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y pinout, PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y application, or PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y equivalent, key selection criteria include its VSO56 package, I²C address subaddressing (A0–A2), static-to-4BP drive mode flexibility, power-saving mode for battery-sensitive systems, and cascading capability for >40-segment displays.
Technical Context
The PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y integrates a 40-segment × 4-backplane LCD driver with I²C interface, auto-incremented display RAM addressing, and hardware subaddressing for multi-device cascading. Its internal oscillator (enabled via OSC pin) or external clock input (via CLK pin) sets frame frequency - 69 Hz in normal-power mode and 65 Hz in power-saving mode at nominal fclk.
It implements selectable LCD drive modes (static, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) with corresponding bias configurations (static, 1/2, 1/3), internal voltage-follower LCD bias generation, and synchronized segment/backplane output timing controlled by SYNC pin in cascaded topologies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Display Capacity | Up to 40 segments × 4 backplanes (160 elements); supports 20×7-seg or 10×14-seg alphanumeric displays. |
| I²C Interface | Standard-mode (100 kHz) compatible; SDA/SCL pins support bidirectional communication with auto-incremented addressing. |
| Display RAM | 40 × 4-bit static RAM; one-to-one mapping between RAM bits and LCD elements; enables direct on/off control per segment/backplane combination. |
| Drive Modes | Configurable static, 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4 multiplexing; bias selectable as static, 1/2, or 1/3 - determines RMS voltage ratios and contrast performance. |
| Supply Ranges | VDD: 2 V to 6 V logic supply; VLCD: independent 2 V to 6 V LCD supply - supports low-threshold and high-threshold twisted nematic LCDs. |
| Power Modes | Normal-power mode (ffr = 69 Hz @ fclk = 200 kHz) and power-saving mode (ffr = 65 Hz @ fclk = 31 kHz) reduce current draw in battery-operated applications. |
| AEC-Q100 Grade | Qualified to Grade 2 (−40 °C to +105 °C ambient), enabling use in automotive instrument panels and center consoles. |
Pinout & Package
PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y uses the VSO56 (SOT190-1) package: plastic very small outline, 56 leads, body size 12.8 × 7.5 × 2.35 mm, lead pitch 0.65 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SDA (Pin 1) | I²C serial data I/O | Bidirectional data line for command/data transfer; requires pull-up resistor; supports auto-incremented RAM writes. |
| SCL (Pin 2) | I²C serial clock input | Master-generated clock synchronizing all I²C transactions; minimum 100 kHz for full-speed operation. |
| SYNC (Pin 3) | Cascade synchronization I/O | Propagates timing alignment across multiple PCA8576C devices; ensures synchronized frame updates in large displays. |
| CLK (Pin 4) | External clock input / output | Accepts external clock when OSC = VDD; outputs internal oscillator signal when OSC = VSS for daisy-chained devices. |
| VDD (Pin 5) | Logic supply | 2–6 V digital core supply; powers I²C interface, RAM, and control logic - separate from VLCD for bias flexibility. |
| OSC (Pin 6) | Oscillator enable input | Connect to VSS to enable internal oscillator; connect to VDD to select external clock source on CLK pin. |
| A0–A2 (Pins 7–9) | Hardware subaddress inputs | Set 3-bit device subaddress for cascaded I²C addressing; enables up to 8 PCA8576C devices on same bus. |
| SA0 (Pin 10) | I²C slave address bit 0 | Defines LSB of 7-bit I²C address (base 0x70 or 0x71); allows two PCA8576C groups per bus segment. |
| VSS (Pin 11) | Ground reference | Common return for VDD, VLCD, and logic signals; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling. |
| VLCD (Pin 12) | LCD supply voltage | Independent 2–6 V supply for LCD bias generation; externally temperature-compensated to stabilize contrast over temperature. |
| BP0–BP3 (Pins 13–16) | LCD backplane outputs | Four time-multiplexed outputs; configured per drive mode - all active in 1:4, paired in 1:2/1:3, paralleled in static mode. |
| S0–S39 (Pins 17–56) | LCD segment outputs | 40 dedicated segment drivers; directly connected to LCD electrodes; unused pins left open-circuit. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LCD bias generator | Eliminates external resistive divider or charge pump; provides precise 1/2 or 1/3 bias via internal voltage-follower buffers. |
| Cascadable architecture | SYNC pin and hardware subaddressing (A0–A2) enable seamless expansion to 2560 segments using multiple PCA8576C devices. |
| Power-saving mode | Reduces frame rate and clock frequency by factor of ~6, cutting dynamic power consumption significantly in portable automotive modules. |
| No external components required | Operates with only VDD, VSS, VLCD, and LCD panel - no external capacitors, resistors, or oscillators needed even in multi-device systems. |
| Flexible drive configuration | Single IC supports static, 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4 multiplexing via software command; simplifies design reuse across display variants. |
Applications
| Automotive Instrument Cluster | Infotainment Display Panel |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving information display (speed, fuel, warnings) in analog/digital hybrid gauges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LCD controller driving 4-backplane segmented display with blinking indicators and dynamic refresh. Use Value: AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability at 105 °C; power-saving mode extends battery life during key-off monitoring. |
Use Scenario: Secondary status display for HVAC, media, or navigation in center console. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Segment driver interfacing MCU via I²C; handles 14-segment alphanumeric characters and icon elements. Use Value: Hardware subaddressing allows integration with other peripherals on shared I²C bus without address conflict. |
| Telematics Control Unit | Commercial Vehicle Dashboard |
Use Scenario: Real-time GPS, connectivity, and diagnostics display in fleet management terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cascaded LCD driver managing >40 segments across dual PCA8576C devices synchronized via SYNC pin. Use Value: Auto-incremented RAM addressing minimizes I²C transaction overhead during full-screen updates. |
Use Scenario: Multi-function dashboard for trucks/buses with gear position, air pressure, and brake status indicators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Static or 1:2 multiplexed driver for ruggedized 7-segment numeric readouts and warning icons. Use Value: Wide VLCD range (2–6 V) accommodates diverse LCD modules from different suppliers without redesign. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LCD driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCF8576T/1Y | Same VSO56 package and I²C interface; lower max segment count (32 vs. 40); no 1:3 multiplex mode. | Suitable for smaller displays (≤16 digits); lacks support for 3-backplane LCDs and some blink patterns. | Select when display size and drive mode requirements are reduced - saves cost but limits scalability. |
| MAX6955ATL+T | 32-segment LED/LCD driver in 40-pin TQFN; supports LED multiplexing; no AEC-Q100 qualification. | Targeted at non-automotive consumer/industrial displays; requires external bias network for LCD use. | Choose only for mixed LED/LCD designs outside automotive environments; not drop-in compatible. |
Compared with PCF8576T/1Y and MAX6955ATL+T, PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y uniquely delivers 40-segment capacity, full 1:2/1:3/1:4 multiplex support, AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification, and zero-external-component operation - making it the sole fit for scalable, high-reliability automotive LCD subsystems.
Availability
PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, telematics displays, and commercial vehicle dashboards requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in mixed-signal and interface ICs.
The PCA8576C product line was designed specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant automotive LCD interfaces - delivering integrated bias generation, I²C efficiency, and cascading scalability for modern digital cockpits.
FAQ
What is the maximum LCD segment count supported by PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y?
The PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y supports up to 40 segments and 4 backplanes, enabling 160-element displays (e.g., 20×7-segment digits or 10×14-segment characters). When cascaded with additional PCA8576C devices using the SYNC pin and subaddressing, total segment count scales to 2560 - confirmed in the official NXP datasheet Rev. 3, Section 1.
Does PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y require external components for basic LCD operation?
No - the PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y requires no external components for standard operation. Its internal LCD bias generator, oscillator (when OSC = VSS), and display RAM eliminate need for external resistors, capacitors, or clock sources, even in multi-device cascades - as verified in Section 2 "Features and benefits" and Section 7.2 of the datasheet.
How does PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y handle I²C address conflicts in multi-device systems?
The PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y uses hardware subaddressing via pins A0–A2 (3-bit) and SA0 (1-bit) to define unique I²C addresses within a cascade. This allows up to eight devices per bus segment with distinct subaddresses - enabling reliable communication without software arbitration, per Section 6.2 and Table 12 of the datasheet.
What LCD drive modes and bias configurations does PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y support?
The PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y supports static, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 multiplex drive modes with corresponding bias configurations: static, 1/2, or 1/3. These are selected via mode-set commands and determine RMS voltage ratios (e.g., D = 1.732 for 1:4/1/3), directly impacting contrast - detailed in Tables 5, 6, and Figures 7–11 of the datasheet.
Is PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y qualified for automotive use?
Yes - the PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y is explicitly AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications (Grade 2: −40 °C to +105 °C), as stated in Section 2 "Features and benefits" and confirmed in Table 2 "Ordering options" of the NXP datasheet Rev. 3.
PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 56-BSOP (0.435", 11.05mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Display Type:
- LCD
- Configuration:
- 7 Segment + DP, 14 Segment + DP + AP, Dot Matrix
- Interface:
- I2C
- Digits or Characters:
- 10 Characters, 20 Characters, 160 Elements
- Current - Supply:
- 120 µA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2V ~ 6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 56-VSO
PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y 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 PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y?
PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y 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 PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y?
For technical support, including PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y 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 PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y?
All PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y, 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 PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA8576CT/Q900/1Y:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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