NXP Semiconductors PCA9633D16,118

Overview

The PCA9633D16,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a 4-bit Fast-mode Plus (Fm+) I²C-bus LED driver optimized for RGBA color mixing, featuring four independent 8-bit PWM channels (97 kHz, 0–99.6% duty cycle), one group PWM controller (190 Hz fixed or 24 Hz–10.73 s programmable), 2.3–5.5 V supply operation, and 5.5 V-tolerant outputs-used in keypad backlights and status indicators in handheld devices.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9633D16,118 datasheet, PCA9633D16,118 pinout, PCA9633D16,118 application, or PCA9633D16,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C address scalability (up to 126 devices via 7 hardware address pins), active-low Output Enable (OE) for hardware-synchronized dimming/blinking, totem-pole or open-drain output configuration, and software-reset capability via SWRST call.

Technical Context

The PCA9633D16,118 implements dual-layer PWM control: per-channel 97 kHz individual brightness modulation with 256-step linear resolution, and a shared group controller supporting either 190 Hz global dimming or programmable blinking (24 Hz to 10.73 s period, 0–99.6% duty cycle). Its Fm+ interface operates up to 1 MHz with 30 mA SDA drive strength, enabling robust communication on high-capacitance buses.

Internal 25 MHz oscillator eliminates external timing components. The device supports volatile register programming-including MODE1/MODE2 for output state, polarity, and auto-increment behavior-and features hardware address pins (A0–A6), LEDOUT state control (off/on/individual/group), and dedicated OE pin for asynchronous hardware-level output gating-exclusive to the 16-pin variant.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCA9633D16,118 is housed in a 16-lead SO (small outline) package (SOT109-1), 3.9 mm body width, with exposed pad not present. Pin functions are validated per NXP datasheet Rev. 05 (2008), Table 4 and Fig. 5.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLC59116IPWPR and IS31FL3728-QFLS4-TR, the PCA9633D16,118 uniquely combines 4-channel RGBA optimization, hardware OE for synchronized control, 7-pin address scalability, and Fm+ 1 MHz I²C-making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-device RGB indicator systems requiring deterministic blink/dim coordination.

Availability

PCA9633D16,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for keypad backlights, RGB status indicators, LED display segments, and system status panels requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for PCA9633D16,118 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 focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in interface, power, and LED control ICs.

The PCA9633D16,118 belongs to NXP's Fm+ I²C LED driver family, designed specifically for low-power, multi-LED color-mixing and status indication in space- and cost-sensitive consumer and industrial interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum I²C bus speed supported by the PCA9633D16,118?

The PCA9633D16,118 supports Fast-mode Plus (Fm+) I²C operation up to 1 MHz. This is enabled by its 30 mA SDA output drive strength, allowing reliable communication on buses with up to 4000 pF total capacitance-significantly higher than standard Fast-mode (400 kHz) devices. The PCA9633D16,118 maintains timing compliance across its full 2.3–5.5 V supply range.

How does the Output Enable (OE) pin function on the PCA9633D16,118?

The OE pin on the PCA9633D16,118 is an active-low hardware control that overrides all LED output states. When OE is HIGH, outputs enter a programmable state (logic HIGH, LOW, or high-impedance) defined by OUTNE[1:0] in MODE2. When OE is LOW, outputs follow LEDOUT register settings. This enables synchronized dimming/blinking across multiple PCA9633D16,118 devices using a shared external clock-functionality exclusive to the 16-pin version.

Can the PCA9633D16,118 drive LEDs directly without external components?

Yes, the PCA9633D16,118 can drive standard LEDs directly: its totem-pole outputs deliver 25 mA sink / 10 mA source at 5 V, and open-drain mode supports 25 mA sink. Outputs are 5.5 V tolerant, allowing direct connection to LEDs with forward voltages up to 5.5 V. For higher-current or high-voltage LEDs, external MOSFET drivers are recommended-configured via INVRT bit in MODE2 register.

What is the purpose of the GRPFREQ and GRPPWM registers in the PCA9633D16,118?

The GRPPWM register sets the 256-step duty cycle (0–99.6%) for group-level control, while GRPFREQ programs the blinking period from 24 Hz to 10.73 s-when DMBLNK=1 in MODE2. When DMBLNK=0, GRPPWM controls global dimming at 190 Hz and GRPFREQ is ignored. These registers allow unified brightness or blink behavior across all four LED outputs without modifying individual PWM registers-reducing I²C traffic in dynamic lighting applications.

Does the PCA9633D16,118 require an external crystal or resonator?

No, the PCA9633D16,118 integrates a 25 MHz internal oscillator and requires no external timing components. This oscillator powers all internal logic and PWM generators, ensuring stable 97 kHz individual PWM and 190 Hz group PWM frequencies across temperature and voltage. Startup time after exiting sleep mode is ≤500 µs, with guaranteed timing only after this stabilization window.