NXP Semiconductors PCA9552BS,118

Overview

PCA9552BS,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a 16-bit I²C-bus LED driver with dual programmable blink rates (0.172–44 Hz), 25 mA per output sink capability, and GPIO expansion functionality in a 4 × 4 × 0.85 mm HVQFN24 package. It operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, integrates an internal oscillator, and supports SMBus-compatible communication for embedded status indication and panel lighting.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9552BS,118 datasheet, PCA9552BS,118 pinout, PCA9552BS,118 application, or PCA9552BS,118 equivalent, this device delivers autonomous LED blinking without MCU timer overhead-critical for low-latency industrial HMI, telecom front-panel indicators, and battery-sensitive IoT displays requiring deterministic visual feedback and minimal bus traffic.

Technical Context

The PCA9552BS,118 implements two independent PWM generators (BLINK0/BLINK1) driven by dedicated prescaler and duty-cycle registers (PSC0/PWM0, PSC1/PWM1), enabling simultaneous control of up to 16 outputs at distinct frequencies and duty cycles. Its internal oscillator eliminates external timing components while maintaining ±20% frequency stability across temperature and voltage.

Each of the 16 open-drain LED outputs can be individually configured via four LED selector registers (LS0–LS3) to operate as static ON/OFF, high-impedance (input), or one of two blink modes. The I²C interface supports standard (100 kHz) and fast-mode (400 kHz) operation with noise-filtered SCL/SDA inputs and active-low hardware reset.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN24 package (SOT616-1): 4 × 4 × 0.85 mm body, no leads, thermally enhanced exposed pad (must be soldered to PCB ground for thermal/electrical performance). Pin 1 index marked on top surface.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with TCA6507PWR and IS31FL3728-QFLS4-TR, the PCA9552BS,118 uniquely balances 16-channel capacity, dual independent blink engines, GPIO reuse, and ultra-low standby current-making it optimal for industrial and medical HMI where reliability, timing autonomy, and resource efficiency are non-negotiable.

Availability

PCA9552BS,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, telecom front-panel indicators, and IoT sensor gateway displays requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for PCA9552BS,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 over 50 years of analog and mixed-signal design heritage.

The PCA9552 product line targets embedded visual feedback systems requiring autonomous, low-power LED control-designed to reduce MCU firmware complexity and improve system-level timing predictability in safety-critical and resource-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum sink current per output on the PCA9552BS,118?

The PCA9552BS,118 supports up to 25 mA sink current per LED output (LED0–LED15). The total package sink current must not exceed 200 mA, meaning no more than eight outputs may operate at full 25 mA simultaneously. This rating is validated across the full −40 °C to +85 °C operating range and ensures reliable LED drive without thermal derating in typical PCB layouts.

How does the PCA9552BS,118 achieve autonomous LED blinking without MCU involvement?

The PCA9552BS,118 achieves autonomous blinking through two dedicated hardware PWM engines (BLINK0 and BLINK1), each controlled by its own prescaler (PSC0/PSC1) and duty-cycle (PWM0/PWM1) registers. Once configured via I²C, the device independently toggles selected outputs at programmed rates-eliminating continuous bus polling or timer interrupts required by general-purpose I/O expanders like the PCA9554.

Can unused LED outputs on the PCA9552BS,118 be repurposed as general-purpose inputs or outputs?

Yes. Unused LEDn pins on the PCA9552BS,118 can function as GPIOs: set the corresponding bit in LS0–LS3 to '01' for high-impedance input mode (read via INPUT0/INPUT1 registers), or drive low via '00' with external pull-up for output mode. This dual-role capability allows flexible board-level I/O expansion without adding discrete buffers or shift registers.

What is the role of the exposed thermal pad on the PCA9552BS,118 HVQFN24 package?

The exposed center pad on the PCA9552BS,118 HVQFN24 package serves as both thermal dissipation path and electrical ground connection. It must be soldered to a PCB thermal pad tied to system ground-failure to do so risks thermal shutdown under sustained 200 mA load and compromises ESD robustness. Thermal vias beneath the pad are recommended for optimal heat conduction in high-density layouts.

Does the PCA9552BS,118 support hot insertion into an active I²C bus?

Yes. The PCA9552BS,118 incorporates bus arbitration safeguards, noise-filtered SCL/SDA inputs, and a robust Power-On Reset (POR) circuit that holds internal logic in reset until VDD stabilizes. This enables safe insertion into live I²C systems-common in modular telecom chassis and field-replaceable compute blades-without disrupting communication on adjacent nodes.