NXP Semiconductors PCA9958HN/Q900Y
- Part No.:
- PCA9958HN/Q900Y
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
PCA9958HN/Q900Y.pdf
- Description:
- PCA9958HN/Q900Y
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Product details
Overview
PCA9958HN/Q900Y from NXP Semiconductors is a 24-channel SPI-controlled constant current LED driver optimized for RGBA LED dimming and blinking in automotive lighting systems. It delivers up to 63 mA per channel at 5.5 V, features 8-bit individual PWM (31.25 kHz), 8-bit group PWM (122 Hz or 15 Hz–16.8 s blink), and integrated open/short/overtemperature detection. Designed for AEC-Q100 Grade 0 compliance, it supports fade-in/fade-out breath lighting in instrument clusters and ambient lighting modules.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9958HN/Q900Y datasheet, PCA9958HN/Q900Y pinout, PCA9958HN/Q900Y application, or PCA9958HN/Q900Y equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed gradation control timing parameters, and automotive-grade alternative options with documented thermal and functional distinctions.
Technical Context
The PCA9958HN/Q900Y implements a daisy-chainable 4-wire SPI interface (up to 10 MHz) with hardware-based gradation control across six independent groups. Each group supports programmable ramp-up/ramp-down rates, step time (0.5–512 ms), hold-on/hold-off times (0–6 s), and final output current-enabling synchronized LED transitions without MCU intervention.
Its dual PWM architecture separates individual brightness (31.25 kHz, 256-step linear) from group-level dimming or blinking (122 Hz fixed or 15 Hz–16.8 s programmable). The active-low OE pin enables hardware-synchronized global blinking, while REXT sets output current (250 µA–63.75 mA) with ±5 % channel-to-channel matching and ±7.5 % absolute accuracy at 60 mA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LED Channels | 24 constant-current sink outputs, each programmable for off/on/PWM/brightness+group control |
| Max Output Current | 63.75 mA per channel with REXT = 1 kΩ; tolerates 5.5 V when OFF |
| PWM Frequencies | Individual: 31.25 kHz (256-step); Group: 122 Hz fixed or 15 Hz–16.8 s programmable |
| Gradation Control | Six independent groups; ramp/step/hold timing fully configurable per group |
| Supply Voltage | VDD = 2.7 V–5.5 V; VDDIO = 2.7 V–5.5 V; 5.5 V tolerant on non-LED pins |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +125 °C (AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualified) |
| Package | HVQFN40 (6 mm × 6 mm × 0.85 mm), wettable flanks, exposed thermal pad |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN40 package with 40 terminals, 0.5 mm pitch, 6 mm × 6 mm body, and exposed center thermal pad connected to VSS. Requires soldering of thermal pad with vias for thermal management per datasheet Section 6.2 footnote [1].
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| REXT (39) | Current set reference input | Connects external resistor to ground to calibrate all 24 output currents linearly |
| SDO (4), SDI (6), SCLK (5), CS (7) | SPI serial bus interface | Full-duplex 4-wire interface supporting daisy-chaining and 10 MHz clock rate |
| OE (8) | Active-low output enable | Hardware blink/dim control for all LEDs simultaneously; overrides software PWM states |
| RESET (2) | Active-low reset input | External 10 kΩ pull-up required; initiates power-on reset sequence and clears error flags |
| LED0–LED23 (13–20, 23–38) | Constant-current LED sink outputs | 24 dedicated outputs; each supports individual/group PWM, gradation mode, or static ON/OFF |
| VDD (1), VDDIO (3), VSS (9,21,40) | Power and ground rails | VDD powers core logic; VDDIO powers I/O; three VSS pins plus thermal pad ensure low-impedance grounding |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Automotive qualification | AEC-Q100 Grade 0 (−40 °C to +125 °C), including latch-up >100 mA and ESD >2 kV HBM |
| Hardware gradation engine | Six independent groups with programmable ramp rate, step time (0.5–512 ms), and hold duration (0–6 s) |
| Dual-mode group control | Configurable via DMBLNK bit: 122 Hz dimming or 15 Hz–16.8 s blinking with 0–99.6 % duty cycle |
| Error detection | On-chip open-load, short-circuit, and overtemperature monitoring with readable EFLAG registers |
| Output current precision | ±5 % channel-to-channel variation; ±7.5 % absolute accuracy at 60 mA output |
Applications
| Automotive Instrument Clusters | RGB Ambient Lighting Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dynamic backlighting for TFT-LCD gauges and warning indicators in vehicle dashboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink driver with synchronized group PWM for uniform dimming and individual PWM for icon-specific brightness. Use Value: Enables AEC-Q100-compliant, flicker-free illumination with precise 31.25 kHz individual PWM and 122 Hz group dimming for human-eye comfort. |
Use Scenario: Multi-zone interior lighting with smooth color transitions and breathing effects in premium vehicle cabins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Hardware-accelerated gradation controller managing six independent LED groups for fade-in/fade-out sequences. Use Value: Eliminates MCU overhead by executing ramp-up/down, hold, and final current settings autonomously per group using internal timing engine. |
| Automotive HVAC Control Panels | ADAS Status Indicators |
Use Scenario: Keypad backlighting with adjustable intensity and soft-on/off behavior for tactile feedback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 24-channel LED driver with per-channel LDRx state control and REXT-based current calibration. Use Value: Delivers consistent luminance across diverse LED forward voltages (RGBA) while maintaining ±5 % channel matching for uniform appearance. |
Use Scenario: High-reliability status signaling for lane departure, blind spot, or collision warnings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-tolerant LED driver with real-time open/short/overtemperature detection reported via EFLAG registers. Use Value: Provides fail-safe operation through automatic error flagging and CLRERR register support for diagnostic recovery without firmware intervention. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLC5947 | 24-channel, 12-bit PWM (4096 steps), no gradation engine, 30 MHz SPI, no AEC-Q100 rating | Targeted at industrial displays; lacks automotive temperature range and built-in error detection | Select when higher grayscale resolution is critical and automotive qualification is not required |
| IS31FL3731 | 18-channel, 8-bit PWM, integrated auto-breathing, −40 °C to +85 °C, no REXT current calibration | Designed for consumer wearables; lower channel count and narrower temp range than PCA9958HN/Q900Y | Choose for space-constrained designs needing embedded fade control but not automotive reliability |
Compared with TLC5947 and IS31FL3731, the PCA9958HN/Q900Y uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 0 operation, hardware gradation across six groups, REXT-based current calibration, and comprehensive fault detection-making it the only option qualified for safety-critical automotive lighting where thermal robustness and autonomous LED sequencing are mandatory.
Availability
PCA9958HN/Q900Y is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, RGB ambient lighting modules, HVAC control panels, and ADAS status indicators requiring stable component supply under extended temperature and long lifecycle conditions.
Supply support for PCA9958HN/Q900Y 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 high-reliability mixed-signal ICs.
The PCA9958 product line targets automotive LED lighting systems requiring AEC-Q100 qualification, autonomous gradation control, and robust fault diagnostics-designed specifically for instrument clusters, ambient lighting, and status indication in harsh environments.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for PCA9958HN/Q900Y?
The PCA9958HN/Q900Y is rated for −40 °C to +125 °C and qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 0 standards. This extended range supports deployment in under-hood and dashboard-mounted automotive lighting applications where ambient temperatures exceed standard commercial-grade limits. The device includes thermal shutdown protection that activates if internal junction temperature exceeds safe process limits.
How does the gradation control function in PCA9958HN/Q900Y?
The PCA9958HN/Q900Y implements six independent gradation control groups, each with dedicated registers for ramp rate, step time (0.5–512 ms), hold-on/hold-off duration (0–6 s), and final output current. Once configured, the hardware engine executes fade-in/fade-out sequences autonomously-eliminating MCU polling or timer interrupts. Each of the 24 LED channels can be assigned to any group and operate in either gradation or normal PWM mode.
What is the purpose of the REXT pin on PCA9958HN/Q900Y?
The REXT pin on PCA9958HN/Q900Y connects an external resistor to ground to set the full-scale output current for all 24 LED drivers. With REXT = 1 kΩ, the device delivers 63.75 mA per channel; scaling is linear across 250 µA–63.75 mA. This single-point calibration ensures tight channel-to-channel matching (±5 %) and simplifies production test by avoiding per-channel trimming.
Does PCA9958HN/Q900Y support daisy-chaining?
Yes, PCA9958HN/Q900Y supports daisy-chaining via its 4-wire SPI interface (SDI → SDO). Multiple devices can be cascaded using a single CS line, with data shifted through each device's 16-bit register frame. The datasheet confirms compatibility with multi-target chains where total data width equals (16 × n) bits, enabling scalable LED control across large display or lighting arrays without additional GPIO overhead.
What fault detection capabilities does PCA9958HN/Q900Y provide?
The PCA9958HN/Q900Y integrates real-time open-load, short-circuit, and overtemperature detection per LED channel. Error status is latched in six EFLAG registers (EFLAG0–EFLAG5), readable via SPI. The MODE2 register includes an AUTO_SWITCHOFF_DIS bit to prevent automatic channel disable on fault, and a CLRERR bit to clear all error flags in one write-supporting flexible diagnostic strategies in automotive safety architectures.
PCA9958HN/Q900Y Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
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- Number of Outputs:
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- Voltage - Supply (Min):
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- Voltage - Supply (Max):
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- Voltage - Output:
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- Current - Output / Channel:
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- Frequency:
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- Dimming:
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- Applications:
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- Operating Temperature:
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- Grade:
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- Qualification:
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- Mounting Type:
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- Supplier Device Package:
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PCA9958HN/Q900Y FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9958HN/Q900Y through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9958HN/Q900Y 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 PCA9958HN/Q900Y reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9958HN/Q900Y are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9958HN/Q900Y is usually 5 days.
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PCA9958HN/Q900Y orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9958HN/Q900Y 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 PCA9958HN/Q900Y?
For technical support, including PCA9958HN/Q900Y datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9958HN/Q900Y requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9958HN/Q900Y is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9958HN/Q900Y 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 PCA9958HN/Q900Y meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9958HN/Q900Y?
All PCA9958HN/Q900Y units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9958HN/Q900Y, 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 PCA9958HN/Q900Y part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9958HN/Q900Y:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PCA9958HN/Q900Y 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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