NXP Semiconductors PCA9531D,118
- Part No.:
- PCA9531D,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9531D,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LINEAR I2C 25MA 16SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:12,224
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Product details
Overview
PCA9531D,118 from NXP Semiconductors is an 8-bit I²C-bus LED dimmer IC with integrated oscillator, two programmable PWM blink rates (0.59–152 Hz), 256-step brightness control, and open-drain LED drivers sinking up to 25 mA per channel. It enables RGB color mixing and backlight dimming in compact displays and user-interface panels.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9531D,118 datasheet, PCA9531D,118 pinout, PCA9531D,118 application, or PCA9531D,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C address configurability (A0–A2), dual independent PWM registers (PWM0/PWM1), internal oscillator operation without external components, and GPIO reuse capability for unused LED pins.
Technical Context
The PCA9531D,118 implements a dual-PWM architecture driven by an on-chip oscillator with two independent prescaler registers (PSC0/PSC1) and duty-cycle registers (PWM0/PWM1). Each of its eight LED outputs is individually controlled via LED selector bits (LS0/LS1) to select ON/OFF/BLINK0/BLINK1 modes.
It operates across 2.3 V–5.5 V supply voltage, supports Standard- and Fast-mode I²C (up to 400 kHz), includes noise filtering on SCL/SDA, active-low RESET, and Power-On Reset. All eight outputs are open-drain with edge-rate control and 25 mA sink capability per pin (100 mA package total).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| I²C Bus Speed | Up to 400 kHz Fast-mode - enables high-throughput LED state updates without MCU polling overhead. |
| Blink Frequency Range | 0.59 Hz to 152 Hz (1.69 s to 6.58 ms period) - supports both visible blinking and imperceptible >100 Hz dimming. |
| Brightness Resolution | 256 steps (8-bit PWM) - provides fine-grained luminance control for accurate RGB color mixing. |
| Output Sink Current | 25 mA per LED pin, 100 mA total package - drives standard LEDs directly without external drivers. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V systems, including mixed-voltage I²C buses. |
| Standby Current | 1.9 µA typical at 5.5 V - suitable for battery-powered UIs requiring ultra-low quiescent power. |
| ESD Protection | 2000 V HBM, 150 V MM, 1000 V CDM - robust handling in manufacturing and field environments. |
Pinout & Package
PCA9531D,118 is supplied in SO16 (SOT109-1) plastic small outline package, 16-pin, 3.9 mm body width, with gull-wing leads and exposed pad not present (unlike HVQFN variant). Pin functions are identical across SO16/TSSOP16/HVQFN16 packages per NXP documentation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A2 | Hardware I²C address inputs | Set slave address bits (0x40–0x47); must be pulled HIGH/LOW externally - no internal pull-ups. |
| LED0–LED7 | Open-drain LED driver outputs | Sink up to 25 mA each; configured as LED drivers or GPIOs via LS0/LS1 registers. |
| RESET | Active-low hardware reset | Holding LOW initializes all registers to default (outputs HIGH/LED off); requires external pull-up. |
| SCL/SDA | I²C serial clock/data lines | Support SMBus-compatible logic levels; include internal noise filters for EMI resilience. |
| VDD/VSS | Power supply and ground | Operates from 2.3–5.5 V; VSS must be connected to system ground for proper function. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent PWM generators | Separate PSC0/PWM0 and PSC1/PWM1 registers allow simultaneous control of two distinct blink/dim profiles (e.g., status indicator + backlight). |
| No external oscillator required | On-chip oscillator eliminates BOM cost and board space for crystal/capacitors - simplifies layout and reduces startup latency. |
| GPIO reuse capability | Unused LEDn pins function as configurable inputs/outputs via Input register and LSx bits - extends I/O count without adding discrete logic. |
| Hot insertion support | Internal power-on reset and glitch-free power-up behavior enable safe live insertion into powered I²C buses. |
| I²C address flexibility | Three hardware-selectable address pins (A0–A2) allow up to eight PCA9531D,118 devices on one bus - ideal for multi-zone lighting control. |
Applications
| RGB Status Indicator Panel | Backlight Dimming for Small LCD |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact front-panel interface with red/green/blue LEDs indicating system state (power, error, activity). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531D,118 acts as I²C-controlled LED driver with independent 256-step dimming per channel to generate precise color blends. Use Value: Eliminates need for MCU PWM peripherals and external current-limiting resistors per LED - reduces firmware complexity and component count. |
Use Scenario: Dimmable white LED backlight for 3.5″–5″ industrial display modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531D,118 delivers smooth, flicker-free dimming using >100 Hz BLINK0 mode with 256-level resolution. Use Value: Achieves consistent luminance across temperature and supply variation without closed-loop feedback circuitry. |
| ACPI Power Switch Interface | Fan Speed Monitoring & Control |
Use Scenario: Embedded controller managing power sequencing and sleep-state indicators in fanless industrial PCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531D,118 provides GPIO expansion (via LED6/LED7) for ACPI wake signals while driving status LEDs. Use Value: Single device handles both visual feedback and system-control signaling - avoids stacking separate I/O expander and LED driver ICs. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring tachometer pulses from cooling fans and adjusting LED brightness based on RPM thresholds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531D,118 reads fan tach signal on LED7 (configured as input) and dims status LED proportionally via PWM1. Use Value: Enables real-time thermal feedback visualization using only I²C commands - no additional ADC or comparator required. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED dimmer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCA6507PWR | 7-bit I²C LED driver with single PWM generator and no internal oscillator - requires external clock or MCU timing. | Limited to one blink rate; lacks 256-step resolution (only 16 intensity levels). | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs dimming precision and dual-rate flexibility. |
| PCA9635PW | 16-bit I²C LED driver with 12-bit PWM, higher current (25 mA), and auto-increment addressing - but larger TSSOP24 package. | Supports more LEDs and finer dimming; adds group dimming and LED error detection. | Choose for scalable multi-LED arrays where future expansion or diagnostics are required. |
Compared with TCA6507PWR and PCA9635PW, the PCA9531D,118 offers optimal balance of dual-PWM control, 256-step resolution, SO16 footprint, and zero-external-component oscillator - making it ideal for space-constrained RGB UIs needing two independent dimming profiles.
Availability
PCA9531D,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RGB status indicators, small-display backlights, and ACPI power switch interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.
Supply support for PCA9531D,118 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 connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in I²C peripheral integration.
The PCA9531D,118 belongs to NXP's I²C-bus I/O expander family, designed specifically for low-power, space-efficient LED control in human-machine interfaces and embedded status indication systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED blink period achievable with PCA9531D,118?
The PCA9531D,118 supports a maximum blink period of 1.69 seconds using BLINK0 or BLINK1 mode, derived from its internal oscillator and prescaler range (PSC0/PSC1 = 0–255). For longer periods, the host MCU must issue repeated ON/OFF commands - unlike standard GPIO expanders such as PCF8574, the PCA9531D,118 does not require software timing for sub-second intervals.
Can unused LED pins on PCA9531D,118 be used as general-purpose inputs?
Yes - LED0 through LED7 can be configured as inputs by setting their corresponding bits in the LS0/LS1 registers to '00' (high-impedance), then reading their state via the INPUT register. The PCA9531D,118 supports true bidirectional GPIO functionality without external components, enabling use cases like push-button monitoring or sensor status reporting alongside LED control.
Does PCA9531D,118 require external pull-up resistors on SCL and SDA lines?
Yes - the PCA9531D,118 requires external pull-up resistors on both SCL and SDA lines to ensure proper I²C bus operation, as specified in NXP's datasheet. Typical values are 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed; the device itself contains no internal pull-ups on these lines.
How does PCA9531D,118 achieve 256-step brightness control?
The PCA9531D,118 achieves 256-step brightness control via its 8-bit PWM registers (PWM0 and PWM1), where duty cycle = PWMx / 256. When configured for dimming (>100 Hz blink rate), the output remains LOW (LED on) for PWMx clock cycles out of 256, delivering precise average current control - a feature implemented entirely within the PCA9531D,118 without MCU intervention.
What is the purpose of the RESET pin on PCA9531D,118?
The RESET pin on PCA9531D,118 is an active-low hardware reset that forces all internal registers to their default states (outputs HIGH/LED off) when held LOW for ≥6 ns. It works independently of Power-On Reset and is essential for deterministic recovery after fault conditions or bus errors - the PCA9531D,118 requires an external pull-up resistor on this pin if not actively driven.
PCA9531D,118 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 8
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 25mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- I2C
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
PCA9531D,118 FAQ
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Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9531D,118 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 PCA9531D,118 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9531D,118 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9531D,118 is usually 5 days.
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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 PCA9531D,118?
For technical support, including PCA9531D,118 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9531D,118 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9531D,118 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9531D,118 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 PCA9531D,118 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9531D,118?
All PCA9531D,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9531D,118, 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 PCA9531D,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9531D,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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