NXP Semiconductors PCA9538PW,112
- Part No.:
- PCA9538PW,112
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- I/O Expanders
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9538PW,112.pdf
- Description:
- IC XPND 400KHZ I2C SMBUS 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,083
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
PCA9538PW,112 from NXP Semiconductors is an 8-bit I²C-bus/SMBus GPIO expander with interrupt and active-LOW reset, operating from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, supporting up to 400 kHz clock frequency, featuring 5 V-tolerant I/Os and polarity inversion register. It serves as a low-power remote I/O interface for microcontroller systems requiring additional digital control and monitoring in space-constrained industrial and embedded applications.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9538PW,112 datasheet, PCA9538PW,112 pinout, PCA9538PW,112 application, or PCA9538PW,112 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specifications, TSSOP16 package details, I²C address configuration (A0/A1), interrupt timing (tv(INT) = 4 µs), and real-world use cases including LED driver control and sensor interface expansion.
Technical Context
The PCA9538PW,112 implements a register-mapped I²C slave interface with four dedicated 8-bit registers: Input Port (read-only), Output Port (read/write), Polarity Inversion (read/write), and Configuration (read/write). All I/Os default to high-impedance inputs at power-on reset or active-LOW RESET assertion.
Its interrupt output (INT) is open-drain and activates when any input state differs from its corresponding Input Port register value - requiring external pull-up. The device includes noise filtering on SCL/SDA inputs and supports standard-mode (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) I²C operation with no glitch on power-up.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - enables direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V logic domains without level shifters |
| I²C Clock Frequency | 0 Hz to 400 kHz - supports both standard and fast-mode I²C buses for flexible system integration |
| I/O Count & Type | 8 bidirectional I/O pins - configurable per-bit as input or output via Configuration register |
| Interrupt Output | Active-LOW open-drain INT - requires external pull-up; asserts when input state changes relative to Input Port register |
| Reset Input | Active-LOW RESET pin - performs full register initialization without cycling VDD supply |
| ESD Protection | >2000 V HBM, >1000 V CDM - meets robustness requirements for industrial board-level handling |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for commercial and industrial ambient environments |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP16 package (SOT403-1): plastic thin shrink small outline, 16 leads, body width 4.4 mm, lead pitch 0.65 mm, recommended for automated surface-mount assembly and PCB space optimization.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | I²C address bit 0 | Hardware-selectable LSB of 7-bit slave address (1110000A1A0); enables up to four devices on same bus |
| A1 | I²C address bit 1 | Hardware-selectable MSB of address bits; combined with A0 defines unique I²C address |
| RESET | Active-LOW reset input | Asserting LOW initializes all registers and state machine; requires external pull-up if unused |
| IO0–IO7 | Bidirectional I/O ports | Configurable per-bit as input (high-Z) or output (push-pull); 5 V tolerant regardless of VDD |
| INT | Open-drain interrupt output | Signals input state change; must be externally pulled up to VDD or another valid logic rail |
| SCL / SDA | I²C serial clock/data lines | Compliant with I²C-bus and SMBus protocols; include internal noise filters |
| VDD / VSS | Power supply and ground | VDD accepts 2.3–5.5 V; VSS is reference ground; no internal regulator or LDO |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Polarity Inversion Register | Per-bit inversion of Input Port data allows active-HIGH or active-LOW signal interpretation without external logic |
| Low Standby Current | <1 µA standby current (IstbL/IstbH) enables battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications |
| No Glitch on Power-Up | Internal power-on reset ensures deterministic I/O states (all inputs) before firmware initialization |
| 5 V-Tolerant I/Os | I/O pins tolerate up to 5.5 V regardless of VDD voltage - simplifies mixed-voltage system design |
| Interrupt with State Change Detection | INT asserts only on actual input transitions - avoids spurious triggers during configuration changes |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Interface | LED Status Panel Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Monitoring discrete status signals from temperature sensors, limit switches, and flow meters in PLC backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Remote GPIO expander providing interrupt-driven edge detection on sensor inputs; reduces polling overhead on host MCU. Use Value: Enables immediate response to critical events (e.g., overtemperature alarm) with <4 µs INT assertion delay and no software latency. | Use Scenario: Driving 8-channel LED indicators for equipment status (power, fault, communication, mode) in medical diagnostic devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I²C-controlled constant-current sink for LEDs; configured as outputs with polarity inversion disabled. Use Value: Eliminates need for 8 discrete transistors and current-limiting resistors; supports 10 mA per I/O at VOL = 0.5 V (VDD = 3.0 V). |
| Push-Button Keypad Expansion | Fan Speed Monitor & Control |
Use Scenario: Scanning mechanical keypads with debounced inputs in HVAC control panels and building automation interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configured with IO0–IO3 as inputs (with internal pull-ups omitted), IO4–IO7 as outputs for row/column scanning. Use Value: Reduces host MCU GPIO usage by 8 pins; INT pin alerts MCU only on keypress, minimizing wake-up cycles. | Use Scenario: Reading tachometer feedback from 3-pin DC fans and controlling PWM speed via external driver in server power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: IO0–IO1 used as fan RPM input (open-collector compatible), IO2–IO3 as control outputs to external MOSFET gate drivers. Use Value: Supports 400 kHz I²C updates for real-time thermal management; 5 V-tolerant inputs accept 5 V tach signals directly. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar GPIO expander applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCA9554PW,112 | Includes internal 100 kΩ I/O pull-up resistors; otherwise identical register map and pinout | Eliminates need for external pull-ups on inputs but increases standby current (~1 µA vs. <0.25 µA) | Select PCA9554PW,112 only when board space constraints prevent adding external pull-ups and higher standby current is acceptable |
| TCA9538PWR | TI variant with identical functionality, 2.3–5.5 V range, TSSOP16, but different I²C address mapping (1001xxx vs. 1110000x) | Requires firmware address update; pin-compatible but not drop-in replacement due to address conflict risk | Choose TCA9538PWR only when sourcing diversification is required and I²C address allocation permits reconfiguration |
Compared with PCA9538PW,112, PCA9554PW,112 trades ultra-low standby current for integrated pull-ups, while TCA9538PWR offers second-source availability but mandates I²C address revision - neither is pin- or firmware-compatible without validation.
Availability
PCA9538PW,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical diagnostics, and building control systems requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and AEC-Q100-optional qualification traceability.
Supply support for PCA9538PW,112 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 core expertise in interface, power management, and embedded processing technologies.
The PCA9538 product line delivers low-power, interrupt-capable I²C GPIO expansion for resource-constrained microcontroller systems - designed specifically to reduce BOM count and simplify firmware I/O management in space- and power-sensitive designs.
FAQ
What is the I²C address range supported by PCA9538PW,112?
The PCA9538PW,112 uses a fixed 7-bit I²C slave address prefix of 1110000, with the two least significant bits determined by hardware pins A0 and A1. This yields four possible addresses: 0x20 (A1=0, A0=0), 0x21 (A1=0, A0=1), 0x22 (A1=1, A0=0), and 0x23 (A1=1, A0=1). No software address configuration is required - addressing is purely hardware-defined.
Does PCA9538PW,112 require external pull-up resistors on SCL and SDA lines?
Yes, PCA9538PW,112 requires external pull-up resistors on both SCL and SDA lines to ensure proper I²C bus operation. The device does not integrate internal pull-ups on these lines. Typical values range from 2.2 kΩ to 10 kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed; 4.7 kΩ is commonly used for 100 kHz operation with ≤400 pF total capacitance.
Can PCA9538PW,112 drive LEDs directly, and what current limits apply?
Yes, PCA9538PW,112 can drive LEDs directly when configured as outputs, with each I/O capable of sinking up to 10 mA (VOL = 0.5 V, VDD = 3.0 V) or 17 mA (VOL = 0.5 V, VDD = 4.5 V). Total sourced current across all I/Os must not exceed 85 mA, and individual pin current must remain ≤25 mA - external current-limiting resistors are mandatory for LED anode connections.
How does the RESET pin function on PCA9538PW,112, and what timing is required?
The RESET pin on PCA9538PW,112 is active-LOW and initiates full register initialization identical to power-on reset. A minimum pulse width of 4 ns is required (tw(rst)), and the device remains held in reset until RESET returns HIGH. An external pull-up resistor to VDD is mandatory if the pin is not actively driven, ensuring reliable startup behavior in uncontrolled power sequencing scenarios.
Is PCA9538PW,112 pin-compatible with PCA9538PW/Q900?
Yes, PCA9538PW,112 and PCA9538PW/Q900 share identical TSSOP16 (SOT403-1) packaging, pinout, and register-level functionality. The sole difference is qualification: PCA9538PW/Q900 is AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified (−40 °C to +125 °C), while PCA9538PW,112 is rated for −40 °C to +85 °C. Both use the same footprint and electrical interface.
PCA9538PW,112 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Number of I/O:
- 8
- Interface:
- I2C, SMBus
- Interrupt Output:
- Yes
- Features:
- POR
- Output Type:
- Push-Pull
- Current - Output Source/Sink:
- 10mA, 25mA
- Clock Frequency:
- 400 kHz
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.3V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP
PCA9538PW,112 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9538PW,112 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9538PW,112 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 PCA9538PW,112 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9538PW,112 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9538PW,112 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9538PW,112?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9538PW,112 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9538PW,112?
PCA9538PW,112 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9538PW,112 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 PCA9538PW,112?
For technical support, including PCA9538PW,112 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9538PW,112 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9538PW,112 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9538PW,112 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 PCA9538PW,112 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9538PW,112?
All PCA9538PW,112 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9538PW,112, 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 PCA9538PW,112 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9538PW,112:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PCA9538PW,112 Tags

-
TCA6408ARSVR
Texas Instruments
-
TCA9535RTWR
Texas Instruments

-
FXL6408UMX
onsemi

-
PCF8574ADWR
Texas Instruments

-
PCF8574APWR
Texas Instruments

-
TCA9555PWR
Texas Instruments
-
TCA9554PWR
Texas Instruments
-
TCA9554APWR
Texas Instruments

-
TCA9539PWR
Texas Instruments
-
TCA9534PWR
Texas Instruments
-
TCA9555RTWR
Texas Instruments

-
TCA9535PWR
Texas Instruments
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…

