NXP Semiconductors PCA9538PW/Q900,118
- Part No.:
- PCA9538PW/Q900,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- I/O Expanders
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9538PW/Q900,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC XPND 400KHZ I2C SMBUS 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
PCA9538PW/Q900,118 from NXP Semiconductors is an 8-bit I²C-bus/SMBus GPIO expander with interrupt and active-low reset, operating from 3.0 V to 5.5 V, supporting up to 400 kHz clock frequency, featuring 5 V-tolerant I/Os, polarity inversion register, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive applications.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9538PW/Q900,118 datasheet, PCA9538PW/Q900,118 pinout, PCA9538PW/Q900,118 application, or PCA9538PW/Q900,118 equivalent, this device serves as a low-power, high-temperature I/O expansion solution for systems requiring interrupt-driven input monitoring, configurable I/O direction, and robust reset control in space-constrained TSSOP16 layouts.
Technical Context
The PCA9538PW/Q900,118 implements an I²C slave interface with fixed 7-bit address (11100xx) determined by A0/A1 pins, supporting standard- and fast-mode speeds up to 400 kHz. Its register map includes Input Port (read-only), Output Port (read/write), Polarity Inversion (read/write), and Configuration (read/write) registers - all accessible via command-byte addressing without auto-increment.
It features an open-drain active-low INT output that asserts when any configured input changes state relative to its Input Port register value, and an active-low RESET input that performs full register initialization without power cycling. The device defaults all eight I/Os to high-impedance inputs at power-on or reset, with no internal pull-ups - reducing standby current to ≤1 μA at 5.5 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V - enables direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers without level shifters. |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +125 °C - AEC-Q100 qualified for under-hood automotive use and industrial edge controllers. |
| I²C Clock Frequency | 0 Hz to 400 kHz - supports both standard- and fast-mode I²C buses for flexible system timing integration. |
| I/O Count & Type | 8 bidirectional, 5 V-tolerant CMOS I/Os - allows mixed-voltage signal handling and safe connection to 5 V peripherals. |
| Standby Current | ≤1 μA at 5.5 V - critical for battery-powered telematics modules and always-on sensor hubs. |
| Interrupt Output | Open-drain, active-low INT - simplifies wired-OR interrupt aggregation across multiple expanders on one controller interrupt line. |
| Reset Input | Active-low asynchronous RESET - enables deterministic recovery from firmware hangs without power cycle. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP16 package (SOT403-1), 4.4 mm body width, 16-pin surface-mount with exposed pad not present - compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated optical inspection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Hardware Address LSB | Selects bit-1 of 7-bit I²C address (11100xx); tied HIGH/LOW to enable up to four devices on same bus. |
| A1 | Hardware Address MSB | Selects bit-2 of 7-bit I²C address (11100xx); combined with A0, defines unique slave address. |
| RESET | Asynchronous Reset Input | Active-low signal that initializes all registers and state machine; requires external pull-up to VDD. |
| IO0–IO7 | Bidirectional I/O Ports | Configurable as inputs or outputs via Configuration register; default to high-Z inputs at reset; 5 V tolerant. |
| INT | Interrupt Output | Open-drain, active-low output asserting when input state differs from Input Port register value. |
| SCL | I²C Clock Input | Accepts standard/fast-mode clock signals; includes noise filter for robust operation in noisy environments. |
| SDA | I²C Data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional data line with integrated noise filtering and 5 V tolerance. |
| VDD | Power Supply | 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply input; powers internal logic and I/O buffers; decoupling capacitor required. |
| VSS | Ground Reference | Primary ground return path; must be low-impedance connection to system GND plane. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Polarity Inversion Register | Per-bit inversion of Input Port register values - eliminates software-level XOR logic for active-low sensor inputs. |
| No Internal Pull-Ups | Removes 100 kΩ internal resistors present in PCA9554 - reduces quiescent current by >90 % when I/Os held LOW. |
| Input Noise Filtering | Digital filtering on SCL/SDA pins - suppresses spikes ≤50 ns, enabling reliable operation in EMI-prone automotive harnesses. |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Internal POR circuit triggers at VPOR = 1.7–2.2 V - ensures deterministic initialization during brown-out conditions. |
| ESD Robustness | ≥2000 V HBM, ≥1000 V CDM - meets stringent automotive board-level ESD requirements per ISO 10605. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Digital I/O Expansion |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Monitoring door latch switches, seatbelt sensors, and ambient light detectors in a centralized BCM. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/O expander providing interrupt-driven edge detection on 8 discrete inputs, reducing MCU polling overhead. Use Value: AEC-Q100 qualification and −40 °C to +125 °C operation ensure reliability in under-dash environments; low standby current extends battery life during vehicle sleep mode. |
Use Scenario: Adding isolated digital inputs/outputs to a modular PLC backplane for field device interfacing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configurable GPIO node on I²C backplane, enabling hot-swappable I/O modules with shared interrupt signaling. Use Value: 400 kHz I²C support enables rapid status updates across multi-drop bus; 5 V-tolerant I/Os interface directly with legacy 24 V optocoupler circuits via level-shifting resistors. |
| Smart HVAC Controller | Medical Infusion Pump UI Panel |
|
Use Scenario: Reading push-button inputs and driving LED indicators on a wall-mounted HVAC thermostat. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local I/O hub managing user interface signals while freeing main MCU GPIOs for communication and motor control. Use Value: Polarity inversion register simplifies firmware handling of normally-closed vs. normally-open buttons; open-drain INT enables shared interrupt line across multiple UI subassemblies. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring emergency stop buttons, door interlocks, and flow sensor alerts in a Class II medical device. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-critical input monitor with deterministic reset behavior and interrupt confirmation via Input Port register read-back. Use Value: Active-low RESET pin allows external watchdog IC to force recovery without power interruption; latch-up immunity (>100 mA) meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/O expander applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCA9538PW,118 | Same silicon, −40 °C to +85 °C rating, non-AEC-Q100; identical pinout, registers, and electrical specs except temp range. | Not qualified for automotive or extended-temperature industrial use; suitable for commercial-grade consumer electronics. | Select PCA9538PW,118 only if AEC-Q100 compliance and 125 °C operation are unnecessary. |
| TCA6408AIPWR | TI part with identical 8-bit I²C I/O, interrupt, and reset; adds internal 100 kΩ pull-ups and wider 1.65–5.5 V supply range. | Lacks AEC-Q100 qualification; higher standby current due to internal pull-ups; better for low-voltage battery systems. | Choose TCA6408AIPWR when operating below 3.0 V or when internal pull-ups simplify BOM; avoid for automotive AEC-Q100 designs. |
Compared with PCA9538PW,118, the PCA9538PW/Q900,118 delivers guaranteed operation up to +125 °C and formal AEC-Q100 qualification - essential for automotive safety-critical functions - while TCA6408AIPWR offers broader voltage flexibility but sacrifices automotive compliance and ultra-low standby performance.
Availability
PCA9538PW/Q900,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC I/O expansion, smart HVAC interfaces, and medical device safety monitoring requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for PCA9538PW/Q900,118 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 ecosystem components and functional safety design.
The PCA9538 product line was developed to extend NXP's I²C-bus I/O expander family with low-power, interrupt-capable, automotive-qualified devices - targeting space-constrained, thermally demanding systems needing deterministic GPIO expansion.
FAQ
What is the maximum ambient temperature rating for PCA9538PW/Q900,118?
The PCA9538PW/Q900,118 is rated for operation from −40 °C to +125 °C ambient temperature and is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. This exceeds the −40 °C to +85 °C range of standard PCA9538 variants like PCA9538PW,118, making PCA9538PW/Q900,118 suitable for under-hood or high-temperature industrial deployments where thermal margin is critical.
Does PCA9538PW/Q900,118 include internal pull-up resistors on its I/O pins?
No, PCA9538PW/Q900,118 does not include internal pull-up resistors - a key distinction from the PCA9554. This design choice eliminates static current draw when I/Os are held LOW, reducing standby current to ≤1 μA at 5.5 V. External pull-ups must be added where needed, giving designers full control over rise time and power trade-offs.
How does the interrupt functionality work on PCA9538PW/Q900,118?
The PCA9538PW/Q900,118 features an open-drain, active-low INT pin that asserts when any I/O configured as an input changes state relative to its corresponding bit in the Input Port register. The interrupt de-asserts automatically upon reading the Input Port register, enabling edge-triggered notification without polling - a core feature used in PCA9538PW/Q900,118 for efficient event-driven system design.
Can PCA9538PW/Q900,118 operate with a 3.3 V microcontroller I²C bus?
Yes, PCA9538PW/Q900,118 supports I²C operation with 3.3 V controllers: its VDD range is 3.0 V to 5.5 V, and its SCL/SDA inputs accept VIH ≥ 2.0 V and VIL ≤ +0.8 V - fully compatible with 3.3 V logic thresholds. Additionally, all I/O pins are 5 V tolerant, allowing safe interfacing with higher-voltage peripherals even when VDD = 3.3 V.
What package type is used for PCA9538PW/Q900,118?
PCA9538PW/Q900,118 uses the TSSOP16 package (SOT403-1), a plastic thin shrink small outline package with 16 leads and 4.4 mm body width. It is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly and reflow soldering - identical in footprint to PCA9538PW,118, enabling drop-in replacement in existing TSSOP16 layouts.
PCA9538PW/Q900,118 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
- 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/Q900,118 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9538PW/Q900,118 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9538PW/Q900,118 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 PCA9538PW/Q900,118 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9538PW/Q900,118 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9538PW/Q900,118 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9538PW/Q900,118?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9538PW/Q900,118 transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for PCA9538PW/Q900,118?
PCA9538PW/Q900,118 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9538PW/Q900,118 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 PCA9538PW/Q900,118?
For technical support, including PCA9538PW/Q900,118 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9538PW/Q900,118 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9538PW/Q900,118 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9538PW/Q900,118 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 PCA9538PW/Q900,118 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9538PW/Q900,118?
All PCA9538PW/Q900,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9538PW/Q900,118, 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 PCA9538PW/Q900,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9538PW/Q900,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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