NXP Semiconductors PCA9955TW,118
- Part No.:
- PCA9955TW,118
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9955TW,118.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV LIN PWM 57MA 28HTSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,229
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
PCA9955TW,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a 16-channel Fast-mode Plus (Fm+) I²C-bus constant current LED driver optimized for RGBA LED dimming and blinking in amusement products. It delivers up to 57 mA per channel with 8-bit individual PWM (31.25 kHz) and 8-bit group PWM (122 Hz fixed or 15 Hz–16.8 s programmable), supports 3 V–5.5 V supply, and features open/short/overtemperature detection. Its HTSSOP28 package enables high-density LED array control in compact entertainment lighting systems.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9955TW,118 datasheet, PCA9955TW,118 pinout, PCA9955TW,118 application, or PCA9955TW,118 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases in RGB signage and automotive lighting, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional differences - all derived from NXP's Rev. 7.3 product data sheet dated 27 September 2024.
Technical Context
The PCA9955TW,118 implements dual-layer PWM control: each of its 16 constant-current sink outputs is individually adjustable via 256-step (8-bit) 31.25 kHz PWM, while a shared group PWM register (GRPPWM/GRPFREQ) enables synchronized dimming or blinking across all channels at 122 Hz or programmable frequencies from 15 Hz to once every 16.8 seconds. Output current is set externally via REXT, enabling linear DAC-adjusted current from 225 μA to 57 mA with ±6% channel-to-channel accuracy.
It integrates Fm+ I²C interface (up to 1 MHz, 30 mA SDA drive), four hardware address pins (supporting up to 16 devices on one bus), three software-configurable Sub Call addresses, and an All Call address (E0h) for broadcast commands. Built-in error detection reports open/short load and overtemperature conditions via dedicated status registers readable over I²C, and thermal shutdown activates above junction limit.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED Channels | 16 independent constant-current sink outputs, each configurable as off/on/individual PWM/group PWM mix |
| Max Output Current | 57 mA per channel, adjustable via external REXT; tolerates up to 40 V LED supply when OFF |
| PWM Resolution & Frequency | 8-bit (256-step) individual PWM at fixed 31.25 kHz; 8-bit group PWM at 122 Hz fixed or 15 Hz–16.8 s programmable |
| I²C Interface | Fm+ compliant: supports up to 1 MHz clock rate and 4000 pF bus capacitance; 30 mA SDA drive strength |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V VDD; non-LED pins are 5.5 V tolerant |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C ambient; AEC-Q100 qualified (Q900 variant) |
| Package | HTSSOP28 (SOT1172-2): 28-pin thermally enhanced thin shrink small outline, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed die pad |
Pinout & Package
PCA9955TW,118 uses the HTSSOP28 (SOT1172-2) package: 28-lead plastic thermal enhanced thin shrink small outline, 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm lead pitch, with exposed die pad connected to VSS for thermal and electrical performance. Three VSS pins (10, 19, 24) and the exposed pad must be soldered to system ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| REXT (1) | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to ground to set full-scale output current (225 μA–57 mA); defines DAC gain |
| A0–A3 (2–5) | Hardware I²C address inputs | Four binary-selectable address bits; enable up to 16 unique PCA9955TW,118 devices on same I²C bus |
| LED0–LED15 (6–9, 11–18, 20–23) | Constant-current LED sink outputs | 16 open-drain outputs capable of sinking up to 57 mA each; tolerate 40 V when OFF |
| RESET (25) | Active-low asynchronous reset | Hard-resets all registers to power-on defaults (outputs OFF); overrides I²C state during assertion |
| SCL / SDA (26 / 27) | I²C clock and bidirectional data | Fm+ interface pins with 30 mA SDA drive; include noise filtering for robust bus operation |
| VDD (28) / VSS (10,19,24) | Power and ground | VDD: 3.0–5.5 V supply; VSS pins and exposed pad require low-impedance ground connection for thermal stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Individual + Group PWM Control | Each LED independently controlled at 31.25 kHz (256 steps), plus synchronized global dimming/blinking via programmable GRPPWM/GRPFREQ registers |
| Multi-Device Addressing | Four hardware address pins + three software-programmable Sub Call addresses + All Call (E0h) enable coordinated control of mixed-channel LED arrays |
| Integrated Fault Detection | Dedicated open-load, short-load, and overtemperature detection per channel; status readable via EFLAG0/EFLAG1 registers over I²C |
| Thermal & Electrical Robustness | AEC-Q100 qualified; 2000 V HBM / 500 V CDM ESD protection; latch-up tested to JEDEC JESD78 Class II, Level B |
| Low-Power & Glitch-Free Operation | SLEEP mode disables oscillator (reducing standby current); no output glitch on power-up; internal POR ensures known initial state |
Applications
| RGB LED Marquee Signage | Automotive Interior Lighting |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Dynamic color-chasing text and graphics in arcade cabinets and carnival rides using discrete RGBA LEDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9955TW,118 acts as the primary constant-current LED driver, executing synchronized group blinking (via GRPFREQ) and per-pixel brightness (via PWMx) under microcontroller I²C command. Use Value: Enables smooth 15 Hz–16.8 s blink patterns and flicker-free 31.25 kHz dimming without MCU timing overhead, reducing firmware complexity and improving visual consistency. |
Use Scenario: Ambient lighting and status indicators in instrument clusters and door panels requiring AEC-Q100 compliance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9955TW,118 drives multiple LED strings with precise current matching (±6% channel-to-channel) and integrated fault reporting for functional safety monitoring. Use Value: Eliminates need for external current-setting resistors per channel; built-in open/short detection reduces diagnostic firmware burden and improves field reliability. |
| Amusement Ride Status Panels | Keypad Backlight for Industrial Handhelds |
|
Use Scenario: High-visibility status indicators on ride control panels where vibration, temperature extremes, and long service life are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9955TW,118 provides stable 57 mA sink per LED with thermal shutdown and −40 °C to +85 °C operation, ensuring consistent luminance across environmental stress. Use Value: Maintains LED brightness within specification despite ambient shifts; thermal shutdown prevents damage during sustained high-current operation in enclosed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Low-power, space-constrained keypad backlighting in ruggedized handheld terminals used in logistics and warehousing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9955TW,118 delivers uniform illumination across 16 keys using individual PWM registers, with I²C broadcast (All Call) enabling simultaneous brightness adjustment. Use Value: Reduces I²C transaction count by >80% vs. per-LED writes; low standby current extends battery life in always-on industrial devices. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar constant-current LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5940RTAT | 16-channel, 12-bit PWM (4096 steps), 30 MHz SPI interface, no group PWM, no built-in fault detection | Requires external MCU GPIO/SPI resources; suited for high-resolution static displays but lacks synchronized blinking or diagnostics | Select when ultra-fine brightness gradation is required and I²C bus loading must be minimized; not drop-in due to interface and feature mismatch |
| IS31FL3728-QFLS4-TR | 18-channel, 8-bit PWM, I²C interface, integrated auto-breathing (fade-in/out), no REXT-based current tuning | Fixed 26 mA max per channel; includes hardware fade engine but lacks programmable group blink frequency range (15 Hz–16.8 s) | Prefer for consumer-grade UI lighting where fade effects matter more than wide current range or diagnostic capability; not pin-compatible |
Compared with TLC5940RTAT and IS31FL3728-QFLS4-TR, PCA9955TW,118 uniquely combines Fm+ I²C scalability (16-device bus), wide group blink frequency (15 Hz–16.8 s), and per-channel fault reporting - making it optimal for industrial amusement and automotive applications demanding both synchronization and diagnostics.
Availability
PCA9955TW,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RGB signage, automotive interior lighting, and amusement equipment requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for PCA9955TW,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 mixed-signal IC design and automotive qualification.
The PCA9955TW,118 belongs to NXP's PCA99xx family of I²C-controlled LED drivers, engineered specifically for high-reliability, multi-color LED control in amusement, automotive, and industrial human-machine interfaces.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED supply voltage supported by PCA9955TW,118?
The PCA9955TW,118 LED output drivers are rated to tolerate up to 40 V when in the OFF state. This allows direct connection to common 24 V or 36 V LED string supplies without external voltage clamping, provided the VDD supply remains within its 3.0 V–5.5 V range. The 40 V rating applies to all 16 LEDn pins (6–9, 11–18, 20–23) and is specified under DC conditions with proper thermal management via the exposed die pad.
How does PCA9955TW,118 differ from PCA9952TW,118 in pin configuration?
The PCA9955TW,118 uses pin 5 as hardware address input A3, whereas PCA9952TW,118 uses that same pin as active-low Output Enable (OE). This means PCA9955TW,118 supports four address bits (A0–A3) for up to 16 devices on one I²C bus, while PCA9952TW,118 supports only three (A0–A2) and adds OE functionality for hardware-level blinking. Pinouts for all other signals-including LED0–LED15, SCL, SDA, RESET, REXT, VDD, and VSS-are identical between the two variants.
Can PCA9955TW,118 drive LEDs with different forward voltages on the same device?
Yes. PCA9955TW,118 operates as a constant-current sink, so each LEDn output independently regulates current regardless of forward voltage variation-provided the LED supply voltage stays within the 40 V maximum rating and exceeds the sum of the LED's VF and driver saturation voltage (~0.4 V typical). This makes it suitable for mixing red (1.8 V), green (3.2 V), and blue (3.4 V) LEDs on the same PCA9955TW,118, as long as the common anode supply meets worst-case VF + headroom requirements.
What is the purpose of the REXT pin on PCA9955TW,118?
The REXT pin (Pin 1) connects to an external resistor to ground and sets the full-scale output current for all 16 channels. Using the formula IOUT = 12.8 V / REXT, a 224 Ω resistor yields the maximum 57 mA per channel, while a 56.8 kΩ resistor sets the minimum 225 μA. This single-point calibration eliminates per-channel resistor networks and ensures tight ±6% channel-to-channel current matching across temperature and supply variations.
Does PCA9955TW,118 support broadcast commands to multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes. PCA9955TW,118 supports three levels of broadcast addressing: (1) All Call (default E0h) addresses all devices on the bus; (2) three programmable Sub Call addresses (SUBADR1–3) allow grouping of devices by function (e.g., all red LEDs); and (3) hardware address pins (A0–A3) permit individual addressing of up to 16 units. This hierarchical scheme minimizes I²C traffic in large LED arrays and enables effects like marquee chasing without MCU intervention.
PCA9955TW,118 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Linear
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- Yes
- Number of Outputs:
- 16
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 3V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output:
- 40V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 57mA
- Frequency:
- -
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-HTSSOP
PCA9955TW,118 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9955TW,118 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9955TW,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 PCA9955TW,118 reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9955TW,118 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9955TW,118 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9955TW,118?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9955TW,118 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9955TW,118?
PCA9955TW,118 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9955TW,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 PCA9955TW,118?
For technical support, including PCA9955TW,118 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9955TW,118 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9955TW,118 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9955TW,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 PCA9955TW,118 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9955TW,118?
All PCA9955TW,118 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9955TW,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 PCA9955TW,118 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9955TW,118:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PCA9955TW,118 Tags

-
BCR402RE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR430UXTSA2
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR420UE6433HTMA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR420UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BCR421UE6327HTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
LYT1604D-TL
Power Integrations

-
HV9910CLG-G
Microchip Technology

-
CL2N8-G
Microchip Technology

-
BCR420UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
BCR421UW6-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
BCR420UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
BCR421UFD-7
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

