NXP Semiconductors PCA9685BS,118
- Part No.:
- PCA9685BS,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 28-VQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9685BS,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR LIN PWM 25MA 28HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:12,546
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Product details
Overview
PCA9685BS,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a 16-channel, 12-bit PWM I²C-bus LED controller in HVQFN28 package, optimized for RGB/RGBA backlighting and status indication. It delivers 4096-step brightness control per channel, programmable PWM frequency from 24 Hz to 1526 Hz, and supports open-drain or totem-pole LED outputs with 25 mA sink capability at 5 V. It operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V and features staggered channel on/off timing to suppress current surges.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9685BS,118 datasheet, PCA9685BS,118 pinout, PCA9685BS,118 application, or PCA9685BS,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) compatibility, external clock input (up to 50 MHz), software-reset capability, 6 hardware address pins enabling up to 62 devices on one bus, and independent per-channel turn-on/turn-off delay programming.
Technical Context
The PCA9685BS,118 implements a synchronized 16-channel PWM architecture driven by either an internal 25 MHz oscillator or an external clock input (EXTCLK), with prescaler-adjustable output frequency. All 16 LED outputs share the same PWM base frequency but support individual 12-bit ON/OFF timing registers for precise brightness and staggered switching.
Its I²C interface complies with Fast-mode Plus (Fm+), supporting 1 MHz operation and 30 mA SDA drive strength for high-capacitance buses. The device includes six hardware address pins (A0–A5), four programmable I²C addresses (All Call + three Sub Call), and active-low Output Enable (OE) for hardware-level blinking or global output disable.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| PWM resolution | 12-bit (4096 steps) per channel - enables fine-grained linear brightness control from fully off to maximum intensity |
| PWM frequency range | 24 Hz to 1526 Hz - adjustable via PRE_SCALE register; default 200 Hz at 25 MHz oscillator |
| I²C interface | Fast-mode Plus (1 MHz) - supports dense bus loading up to 4000 pF with enhanced drive strength |
| Supply voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V systems; inputs tolerant to 5.5 V |
| LED output type | Software-selectable totem-pole (25 mA sink / 10 mA source) or open-drain (25 mA sink) - no external components needed for standard LEDs |
| Operating temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for industrial and consumer embedded applications |
| Address capacity | Up to 62 devices on one I²C bus - enabled by six hardware address pins (A0–A5) |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN28 package: plastic thermal-enhanced very thin quad flat package, 6 × 6 × 0.85 mm, no leads, 28 terminals, exposed thermal pad requiring PCB soldering and thermal vias for optimal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0–A5 | Hardware address inputs | Set unique I²C slave address; enable up to 62 devices on same bus |
| SDA / SCL | I²C bidirectional data / clock | Fm+ compliant; SDA drives 30 mA for high-capacitance bus robustness |
| OE | Active-low output enable | Asynchronously disables all LED outputs; enables hardware blinking when toggled |
| EXTCLK | External clock input | Accepts DC–50 MHz clock; replaces internal 25 MHz oscillator for multi-device synchronization |
| LED0–LED15 | 16-channel LED drivers | Each configurable as on/off/PWM; supports staggered timing to reduce inrush current |
| VDD / VSS | Power supply / ground | VDD: 2.3–5.5 V; VSS connects to die ground and exposed thermal pad - must be grounded |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Staggered channel timing | Independent programmable on/off delay per channel - minimizes peak current during simultaneous LED activation |
| Multi-device synchronization | External clock input (EXTCLK) + programmable prescaler - aligns PWM edges across multiple PCA9685BS,118 units |
| Group addressing | Four software-configurable I²C addresses (All Call + three Sub Call) - enables coordinated control of LED subsets without repeated commands |
| Robust bus interface | Noise filtering on SDA/SCL + edge rate control on outputs - improves noise immunity in electrically noisy environments |
| Safe power-up behavior | Power-On Reset sets all LEDn outputs LOW - prevents unintended illumination at startup |
Applications
| RGB LED Backlighting | Smartphone Keypad Illumination |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving red, green, and blue LEDs behind LCD panels in monitors or TVs to achieve wide color gamut and dynamic contrast. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 16-channel PWM controller providing independent 12-bit brightness control per color subpixel, with synchronized refresh and staggered turn-on to limit inrush. Use Value: Enables smooth dimming, flicker-free operation at 200 Hz default refresh, and precise white-point tuning via per-channel calibration. | Use Scenario: Illuminating alphanumeric keypads in handheld devices where space and power efficiency are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED driver managing discrete indicator LEDs with low quiescent current and software-programmable fade-in/fade-out timing. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by eliminating discrete current-limiting resistors and enables uniform brightness scaling across keys using I²C commands. |
| Industrial Status Indicators | Architectural Ambilight Systems |
Use Scenario: Providing fault, run, and warning status lighting on PLC modules and HMI panels in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configurable LED output controller supporting both steady-state and blinking modes via OE pin or register writes. Use Value: Simplifies firmware logic by offloading blink timing to hardware; supports hot insertion and 5.5 V-tolerant I/O for rugged field environments. | Use Scenario: Controlling perimeter LED strips behind TVs or displays to extend on-screen color ambiance into the room. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multi-channel PWM generator synchronizing dozens of LEDs across multiple PCA9685BS,118 devices using shared EXTCLK and prescaler tuning. Use Value: Eliminates visible PWM beat frequencies between adjacent controllers, ensuring seamless ambient light transitions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947RTQT | 24-channel, 12-bit PWM; SPI interface; no I²C or external clock input; requires external VREF | Better suited for high-channel-count, non-synchronized LED arrays where I²C bus loading is a concern | Select TLC5947RTQT when SPI-native microcontrollers are used and >16 channels are required without bus arbitration complexity |
| IS31FL3731-QFLS4-TR | 18-channel, 8-bit PWM; I²C interface; built-in breathing effect engine; no external clock input or staggered timing | Optimized for animated UI indicators with minimal MCU overhead; lacks per-channel timing control for surge suppression | Choose IS31FL3731-QFLS4-TR for battery-powered devices needing auto-breathing effects and lower standby current |
Compared with TLC5947RTQT and IS31FL3731-QFLS4-TR, the PCA9685BS,118 uniquely combines I²C Fast-mode Plus scalability, external clock synchronization, and per-channel staggered timing-making it the only option among the three that supports coordinated, surge-minimized backlighting across multiple synchronized controllers.
Availability
PCA9685BS,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RGB backlighting, industrial status indication, and smart-device keypad illumination requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for PCA9685BS,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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The PCA9685 product line was designed specifically for high-fidelity LED backlighting and ambient lighting systems requiring precise multi-channel PWM control, bus scalability, and EMI-conscious current management.
FAQ
What is the default PWM frequency of PCA9685BS,118 at power-up?
The PCA9685BS,118 defaults to a PWM frequency of approximately 200 Hz at power-up, determined by the default value (0x1E) in the PRE_SCALE register when using the internal 25 MHz oscillator. This value can be reprogrammed over I²C to set any frequency between 24 Hz and 1526 Hz. The PCA9685BS,118 does not require external components to adjust this setting.
Does PCA9685BS,118 support open-drain LED outputs?
Yes, PCA9685BS,118 supports software-selectable open-drain LED outputs with 25 mA sink capability at 5 V. This mode is configured via the MODE2 register and is the alternative to the default totem-pole output (25 mA sink / 10 mA source). The PCA9685BS,118 allows per-device selection - all 16 channels follow the same output type setting.
Can multiple PCA9685BS,118 devices be synchronized to eliminate PWM beat frequencies?
Yes, PCA9685BS,118 supports synchronization via its dedicated EXTCLK pin, accepting an external clock signal up to 50 MHz. When multiple PCA9685BS,118 units share the same EXTCLK source and matching PRE_SCALE values, their PWM edges align precisely - eliminating visible beat frequencies in multi-controller LED systems.
How many PCA9685BS,118 devices can share the same I²C bus?
Up to 62 PCA9685BS,118 devices can operate on a single I²C bus, enabled by six hardware address pins (A0–A5). Two addresses (Software Reset and LED All Call) are reserved at power-up, leaving 62 usable combinations. Each PCA9685BS,118 also supports group addressing via three programmable Sub Call addresses for efficient broadcast control.
What is the function of the OE pin on PCA9685BS,118?
The OE (Output Enable) pin on PCA9685BS,118 is an active-low hardware control that asynchronously forces all 16 LED outputs into a defined state - either HIGH, LOW, or high-impedance - regardless of register settings. Toggling OE enables hardware-level blinking without I²C traffic, and asserting OE HIGH provides fail-safe output disable during system faults. The PCA9685BS,118 retains register contents during OE assertion.
PCA9685BS,118 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-VQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 16
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 5.5V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 25mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-HVQFN (6x6)
PCA9685BS,118 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9685BS,118 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9685BS,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 PCA9685BS,118 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9685BS,118 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9685BS,118 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9685BS,118?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9685BS,118 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9685BS,118?
PCA9685BS,118 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9685BS,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 PCA9685BS,118?
For technical support, including PCA9685BS,118 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9685BS,118 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9685BS,118 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9685BS,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 PCA9685BS,118 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9685BS,118?
All PCA9685BS,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9685BS,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 PCA9685BS,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9685BS,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PCA9685BS,118 Tags

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BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

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BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies

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BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies

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BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

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BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

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LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations

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HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology

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CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology

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BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

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BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

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BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated

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BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
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