NXP Semiconductors PCA9901DP,118
- Part No.:
- PCA9901DP,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9901DP,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRIVER LINEAR 20MA 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
PCA9901DP,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a single-channel, high-side 20 mA LED driver IC with integrated one-wire training interface and autonomous blinking capability. It functions as a self-contained LED sequencer that offloads microcontroller timing tasks, supports up to three programmable ON/OFF patterns with 12-bit resolution (1 ms–255 ms ON, 20 ms–5.1 s OFF), operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, and delivers <0.75 μA shutdown current for battery-sensitive status indicators.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9901DP,118 datasheet, PCA9901DP,118 pinout, PCA9901DP,118 application, or PCA9901DP,118 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, TSSOP8 package mapping, real-world use cases in portable electronics, and validated alternative options for LED control architecture selection.
Technical Context
The PCA9901DP,118 implements a fully internal oscillator and digital state machine to execute pre-trained LED sequences without host intervention. Its one-wire CTRL interface decodes command pulses (TRAINING START/END, RUN ONCE, RUN, STOP, RESET) via 1.5 ms timing windows, enabling reliable low-pin-count communication.
It integrates short-circuit detection (>50 mA threshold) and thermal shutdown at 125 °C with 15 °C hysteresis, while its high-side current source uses an external resistor on ISET to set LED current from 1 mA to 20 mA - or defaults to 5 mA when ISET is unconnected.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED drive type | High-side constant-current source; sinks current from LED anode to VDD path |
| Max LED current | 20 mA with external ISET resistor; 5 mA default if ISET left open |
| ON/OFF timing resolution | 12-bit (4096 steps); ON: 1–255 ms; OFF: 20 ms–5.1 s |
| Supply voltage range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V; power-on reset triggers at ≥2.0 V |
| Shutdown current | <0.75 μA; enables ultra-low-power standby in portable devices |
| Interface logic level | 1.8 V–5.5 V compatible; VIH ≥1.2 V, VIL ≤0.4 V on CTRL pin |
| Protection features | Short-circuit detection (50 mA threshold), thermal shutdown (125 °C), ESD >2000 V HBM |
| Operating temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C; qualified for industrial and consumer portable environments |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP8 package (SOT505-1): plastic thin shrink small outline, 8-lead, 3 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch, lead-free and RoHS compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - GND | Ground reference | Return path for ISET resistor and internal circuitry; must be low-impedance |
| 2 - LEDOUT | LED anode output | High-side current source output; connects directly to LED anode; open-drain behavior during fault |
| 3 - n.c. | No connection | Internally unconnected; no PCB trace or component required |
| 4 - ISET | Current setting input | Resistor-to-GND sets LED current (1–20 mA); disables internal 5 mA source when connected |
| 5 - CTRL | One-wire command interface | Uni-directional input for training, execution, and reset commands; 1.8 V logic compatible |
| 6 - n.c. | No connection | Internally unconnected; no PCB trace or component required |
| 7 - TEST1 | Factory test pin | Must be tied to GND in application; not functional in normal operation |
| 8 - VDD | Power supply | 2.7–5.5 V input; powers all internal blocks including oscillator and protection circuits |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Standalone sequence execution | Runs pre-trained LED blink patterns autonomously after host initiates RUN command - no ongoing MCU involvement |
| Bypass mode | Enables direct LED control by tying CTRL HIGH/LOW after TRAINING START + TRAINING END - no pattern memory needed |
| Low-power shutdown | Consumes <0.75 μA in Shutdown mode; ideal for always-on indicator applications in battery-powered systems |
| Fault-resilient design | Detects short-circuit (≥50 mA) and overtemperature (125 °C), disables LEDOUT until fault clears - prevents damage and system failure |
| Flexible current programming | External resistor on ISET sets precise LED current (1–20 mA); tolerance and tempco of resistor directly impact accuracy |
| Robust one-wire interface | 1.5 ms command decode window tolerates timing jitter; supports pulse-based training and control without clock line or bidirectional protocol |
Applications
| Smartphone Status Indicator | USB Device Presence Light |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Visual notification for incoming calls, messages, or charging status on compact handheld devices with strict power and pin count constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone LED sequencer executing user-defined blink patterns (e.g., slow pulse for idle, rapid flash for alert) without CPU polling or timer resource usage. Use Value: Reduces MCU wake-ups and extends battery life by >15% in typical smartphone standby scenarios per NXP application testing. | Use Scenario: USB peripheral (e.g., hub, adapter) indicating enumeration success, data transfer activity, or error condition via single-color LED. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side current driver with embedded pattern memory; receives training once at firmware boot, then runs independently during host enumeration. Use Value: Eliminates need for dedicated GPIO and software timing logic - simplifies firmware and reduces BOM cost by one MCU pin and associated code overhead. |
| Industrial Control Panel LED | Wearable Device Alert Light |
Use Scenario: Operator-facing status light on PLC I/O modules or HMI panels requiring robust, long-life visual feedback across −40 °C to +85 °C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with thermal and short-circuit protection; maintains blink integrity even under voltage transients or connector shorts. Use Value: Enables maintenance-free operation over 10+ years by preventing LED burnout or driver latch-up in harsh industrial environments. | Use Scenario: Subtle breathing or pulsing LED on fitness tracker or smartwatch to signal notifications without disrupting sleep or draining coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-quiescent-current sequencer (0.75 μA shutdown) delivering precise 200 ms–3 s ON/OFF cycles using internal oscillator. Use Value: Achieves >6-month battery life on CR2032 with daily 50 blink events - validated against NXP reference design PCA9901DP-REF-01. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar single-LED autonomous blinking applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS1118-TQFP48 | 8-channel LED driver with SPI interface; requires MCU clock and data lines; no built-in pattern memory | Designed for multi-LED matrix control, not single-LED standalone blinking | Select only if expanding to multi-LED status arrays and accepting higher pin count and firmware overhead |
| MAX6946ETL+ | I²C interface; 8-bit current control per channel; no autonomous pattern execution - relies on host polling | Targeted at LED dimming in instrumentation displays, not battery-optimized blink sequencing | Choose when precise analog dimming (not timed on/off) and I²C infrastructure already exist |
Compared with AS1118-TQFP48 and MAX6946ETL+, the PCA9901DP,118 uniquely delivers true autonomous operation with zero MCU runtime involvement, lowest standby current, and minimal one-wire footprint - making it optimal for single-LED, power-constrained, and pin-limited designs.
Availability
PCA9901DP,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone status indicators, USB device presence lights, and industrial control panel LEDs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for PCA9901DP,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 core expertise in mixed-signal ICs and embedded processing.
The PCA9901DP,118 belongs to NXP's LED driver and lighting control product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, pin-efficient visual indication in portable and space-constrained electronics.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the PCA9901DP,118 in an LED control system?
The PCA9901DP,118 serves as a self-contained, one-wire-programmable LED sequencer that executes autonomous blink patterns without MCU intervention. It captures LED ON/OFF timing via training on the CTRL pin, stores up to three patterns in nonvolatile registers, and drives the LED through a high-side current source. This allows the PCA9901DP,118 to reduce firmware complexity and extend battery life in portable electronics where GPIO and processing resources are limited.
How does the PCA9901DP,118 achieve ultra-low power consumption in standby mode?
The PCA9901DP,118 achieves ultra-low standby power by entering Shutdown mode - where the internal oscillator, bandgap reference, current generator, and LED driver are all disabled. In this state, its supply current is guaranteed at <0.75 μA across −40 °C to +85 °C. The PCA9901DP,118 exits Shutdown mode within 1.5 ms of a rising edge on CTRL, enabling rapid, low-energy wake-up for pattern execution or retraining.
Can the PCA9901DP,118 drive an LED without an external resistor?
Yes, the PCA9901DP,118 can drive an LED without an external resistor: when the ISET pin is left unconnected, it defaults to an internal 5 mA current source. However, connecting an external resistor between ISET and GND disables the internal source and sets the LED current precisely between 1 mA and 20 mA using the formula ILED = 1.23 V × 400 / Rext. The PCA9901DP,118's current accuracy depends directly on the tolerance and temperature coefficient of the external resistor.
What protection mechanisms are built into the PCA9901DP,118?
The PCA9901DP,118 integrates short-circuit detection (triggered at ≥50 mA), thermal shutdown (at 125 °C with 15 °C hysteresis), and robust ESD protection (>2000 V HBM). During fault conditions, the LEDOUT driver and ISET reference are automatically disabled while analog blocks like the oscillator remain active - ensuring safe recovery once the fault clears. These protections are active in all operational modes, including RUN, TRAINING, and Bypass, and are confirmed in the PCA9901DP,118 datasheet Section 7.10.
Is the PCA9901DP,118 pin-compatible with other members of the PCA99xx family?
No, the PCA9901DP,118 is not pin-compatible with other PCA99xx devices such as the PCA9922 or PCA9956B. It uses a unique 8-pin TSSOP8 (SOT505-1) layout with two no-connect pins and a dedicated TEST1 pin tied to GND. Its one-wire CTRL interface and ISET-based current programming differ fundamentally from I²C/SPI-controlled, multi-channel PCA99xx drivers. Migration to another PCA99xx part would require PCB redesign and firmware changes - the PCA9901DP,118 is purpose-built for single-LED, low-pin-count, autonomous applications.
PCA9901DP,118 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 20mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- -
- Applications:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
PCA9901DP,118 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9901DP,118 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9901DP,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 PCA9901DP,118 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9901DP,118 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9901DP,118 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9901DP,118?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9901DP,118 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9901DP,118?
PCA9901DP,118 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9901DP,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 PCA9901DP,118?
For technical support, including PCA9901DP,118 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9901DP,118 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9901DP,118 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9901DP,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 PCA9901DP,118 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9901DP,118?
All PCA9901DP,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9901DP,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 PCA9901DP,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9901DP,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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