NXP Semiconductors PCA9531PW,118
- Part No.:
- PCA9531PW,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9531PW,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN I2C 25MA 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:22,895
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
PCA9531PW,118 from NXP Semiconductors is an 8-bit I²C-bus LED dimmer IC with integrated oscillator, supporting 256-step PWM brightness control and dual programmable blink rates (0.59–152 Hz) for RGB color mixing and backlight applications. It features eight open-drain LED drivers (25 mA per channel, 100 mA total), three hardware address pins for multi-device bus configuration, and GPIO capability on unused LED pins. Designed for low-power embedded lighting control in consumer displays and industrial HMI panels.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9531PW,118 datasheet, PCA9531PW,118 pinout, PCA9531PW,118 application, or PCA9531PW,118 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions for TSSOP16 layout, real-world dimming performance metrics, and validated alternative options - all aligned to NXP's Rev. 06 (2009) product data sheet.
Technical Context
The PCA9531PW,118 implements a dedicated internal oscillator driving two independent PWM channels (BLINK0/BLINK1), each configurable via PSCx (frequency prescaler) and PWMx (duty cycle) registers. Blink period ranges from 6.58 ms to 1.69 s, with duty cycle resolution of 1/256. All eight outputs operate as open-drain sinks, requiring external pull-ups for LED anode connection.
It supports standard- and fast-mode I²C (up to 400 kHz), includes noise filtering on SCL/SDA, active-low RESET with Power-On Reset (POR), and hardware address selection (A0–A2). Unused LED pins function as bidirectional GPIOs with high-impedance, drive-high, or PWM-controlled output modes - no external components needed for oscillator or reset timing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| I²C Speed | Up to 400 kHz Fast-mode - enables rapid brightness updates without MCU polling overhead. |
| PWM Resolution | 256-step duty cycle (0–100 % in ~0.39 % increments) - provides smooth, perceptually linear LED dimming. |
| Blink Frequency Range | 0.59 Hz to 152 Hz (1.69 s to 6.58 ms period) - covers visible blinking and imperceptible flicker-free dimming (>100 Hz). |
| Output Sink Current | 25 mA per LED channel, 100 mA package max - drives standard 20 mA LEDs directly with margin. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - interoperable with 3.3 V and 5 V logic domains and mixed-voltage systems. |
| Standby Current | 1.9 µA typical at 5.5 V - suitable for battery-backed or energy-sensitive lighting subsystems. |
| ESD Rating | 2000 V HBM, 150 V MM, 1000 V CDM - robust handling in manufacturing and field service environments. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP16 package (SOT403-1): 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm lead pitch, thermally enhanced plastic thin shrink outline. Pin 1 index located at top-left corner; exposed pad not present (unlike HVQFN variant).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Hardware Address Input 0 | Configures LSB of 7-bit I²C slave address (100A2A1A0); must be pulled HIGH/LOW externally. |
| VDD | Power Supply | 2.3–5.5 V digital supply; powers internal oscillator, logic, and output drivers. |
| A1 | Hardware Address Input 1 | Second bit of address; enables up to eight PCA9531 devices on same I²C bus. |
| SDA | I²C Serial Data | Open-drain bidirectional line; requires external pull-up resistor (typically 2.2–10 kΩ). |
| A2 | Hardware Address Input 2 | MSB of address; combined with A1/A0 forms full 3-bit address select. |
| SCL | I²C Serial Clock | Input-only clock line; synchronizes all register reads/writes and PWM timing. |
| LED0–LED7 | Open-Drain LED Driver Outputs | Sink current up to 25 mA each; default HIGH-Z (LED off); configured via LS0/LS1 registers. |
| RESET | Active-Low Hardware Reset | Asynchronous reset; holds registers in default state (all outputs OFF) while LOW ≥6 ns. |
| VSS | Ground Reference | 0 V return path for VDD and all I/O; must be low-impedance connection for stable PWM operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual Independent PWM Channels | BLINK0 and BLINK1 each have dedicated prescaler and duty-cycle registers - enables simultaneous distinct dimming or blinking on different LEDs. |
| No External Oscillator Required | On-chip oscillator eliminates BOM cost and PCB area for crystal/capacitors - simplifies design and improves reliability. |
| GPIO Flexibility | Unused LED pins operate as true bidirectional I/Os - supports push-button inputs, status indicators, or fan control without additional ICs. |
| Robust Bus Interface | Integrated noise filters on SCL/SDA and edge-rate control on outputs - reduces EMI and improves I²C signal integrity in noisy environments. |
| Safe Power-Up Behavior | No glitch on power-up; POR initializes all registers to known state (outputs HIGH-Z) - prevents unintended LED activation during boot. |
Applications
| RGB Backlight Control | Industrial HMI Status Indicators |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving red, green, and blue LEDs behind LCD panels in portable media players and medical display units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531PW,118 acts as dedicated I²C-controlled PWM engine, generating synchronized 256-step brightness signals for each color channel. Use Value: Eliminates MCU timer resource contention and enables precise color point calibration via register-level duty-cycle tuning. |
Use Scenario: Providing status feedback (RUN, FAULT, COMM) on PLC operator panels and factory-floor HMIs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531PW,118 serves as remote LED controller, accepting commands over shared I²C bus from main controller to set blink patterns or solid states. Use Value: Reduces wiring complexity by replacing discrete transistors/resistors and supports standardized firmware-driven visual alerts. |
| Consumer Appliance UI Lighting | Automotive Infotainment Backlighting |
Use Scenario: Dimmable front-panel buttons and icons in smart home appliances (ovens, washers) with ambient light adaptation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531PW,118 executes local brightness scaling based on host MCU commands, using its internal oscillator for consistent timing. Use Value: Enables smooth fade transitions and low standby current (<2 µA) - critical for always-on appliance interfaces. |
Use Scenario: Controlling segment backlight intensity in automotive radio displays under varying cabin illumination conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9531PW,118 manages eight independent LED zones, applying different blink rates (e.g., warning vs. operational) via LS0/LS1 register mapping. Use Value: Supports ASIL-B compatible visual signaling through deterministic, non-software-dependent PWM generation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED dimmer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC59116IPWPR | 16-channel, I²C, 12-bit PWM (4096 steps); higher resolution but no dual-blink-rate feature; requires external clock for full spec. | Better suited for high-fidelity color rendering; less optimal for simple blink + dim combinations due to register complexity. | Select when >256 brightness levels or >8 outputs are required; verify layout compatibility (TSSOP24 vs. TSSOP16). |
| PCA9635PW,118 | Same 8-bit architecture, but adds auto-increment addressing and improved ESD (4000 V HBM); identical pinout and register map to PCA9531PW,118. | Drop-in replacement with enhanced robustness; supports same firmware without modification. | Preferred for new designs where long-term supply continuity and higher ESD immunity are prioritized. |
Compared with TLC59116IPWPR and PCA9635PW,118, the PCA9531PW,118 offers optimized simplicity for dual-mode (blink/dim) 8-LED control with minimal external components, making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where 256-step resolution suffices.
Availability
PCA9531PW,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RGB backlight control, industrial HMI status indication, consumer appliance UI lighting, and automotive infotainment backlighting requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for PCA9531PW,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 and low-power mixed-signal design.
The PCA9531PW,118 belongs to NXP's I²C-bus interface and LED driver product line, engineered specifically for embedded lighting control where deterministic PWM timing, minimal external components, and multi-device bus scalability are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum sink current per output on the PCA9531PW,118?
The PCA9531PW,118 supports up to 25 mA sink current per LED output (pins LED0–LED7), with a total package limit of 100 mA. This rating is specified under DC conditions with VOL ≤ 0.4 V at VDD = 5.0 V, enabling direct drive of standard indicator LEDs without external transistors.
Does the PCA9531PW,118 require external components to generate its PWM signals?
No - the PCA9531PW,118 integrates a precision internal oscillator, eliminating the need for external crystals, RC networks, or clock sources. Its dual PWM channels (BLINK0/BLINK1) are fully programmable via PSC0/PWM0 and PSC1/PWM1 registers, enabling complete dimming and blinking control from a single I²C interface.
Can unused LED pins on the PCA9531PW,118 be repurposed as general-purpose I/Os?
Yes - LED0 through LED7 can function as bidirectional GPIOs when configured to high-impedance mode via the LS0/LS1 registers. As inputs, they reflect external logic levels in the INPUT register; as outputs, they drive LOW (with 25 mA sink capability) or remain HIGH-Z, supporting push-buttons, status flags, and simple digital control tasks.
What I²C bus speeds does the PCA9531PW,118 support?
The PCA9531PW,118 supports both standard-mode (up to 100 kHz) and fast-mode (up to 400 kHz) I²C communication. Its SCL/SDA inputs include built-in noise filters, ensuring reliable operation in electrically noisy environments common in industrial and automotive applications.
How does the PCA9531PW,118 handle power-on and reset conditions?
The PCA9531PW,118 incorporates an internal Power-On Reset (POR) circuit that initializes all registers to their default states (outputs HIGH-Z, blink rates at factory settings) when VDD rises above VPOR (1.7–2.2 V). An active-low RESET pin provides asynchronous hardware reset, holding registers in default state while asserted ≥6 ns.
PCA9531PW,118 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm 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-TSSOP
PCA9531PW,118 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9531PW,118 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9531PW,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 PCA9531PW,118 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9531PW,118 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9531PW,118 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9531PW,118?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9531PW,118 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9531PW,118?
PCA9531PW,118 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9531PW,118 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 PCA9531PW,118?
For technical support, including PCA9531PW,118 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9531PW,118 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9531PW,118 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9531PW,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 PCA9531PW,118 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9531PW,118?
All PCA9531PW,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9531PW,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 PCA9531PW,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9531PW,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PCA9531PW,118 Tags

-
BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations

-
HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology

-
CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology

-
BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

