NXP Semiconductors PCA9958HNY
- Part No.:
- PCA9958HNY
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- LED Drivers
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- -
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PCA9958HNY.pdf
- Description:
- PCA9958HNY
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Product details
Overview
PCA9958HNY from NXP Semiconductors is a 24-channel SPI-controlled constant-current LED driver optimized for RGBA LED dimming and blinking, delivering up to 63 mA per channel with 5.5 V LED supply tolerance, 8-bit individual PWM (31.25 kHz), and group PWM (122 Hz to 16.8 s blink period), used in status indicators and keypad backlights.
For engineers reviewing the PCA9958HNY datasheet, PCA9958HNY pinout, PCA9958HNY application, or PCA9958HNY equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, gradation control timing parameters, open/short/thermal fault detection capability, HVQFN40 package details, and real-world selection guidance against comparable LED drivers.
Technical Context
The PCA9958HNY implements dual PWM architecture: per-channel 8-bit linear brightness control at 31.25 kHz and programmable group-level dimming/blinking via GRPPWM (0–255) and GRPFREQ (67 ms–16.8 s). It supports daisy-chained SPI operation up to 10 MHz with 4-wire interface (CS, SCLK, SDI, SDO) and includes an internal 8 MHz oscillator.
Gradation control is implemented across six independent groups, each configurable for ramp-up/ramp-down rate (6-bit step time: 0.5–512 ms), hold-on/hold-off time (3-bit: 0–6 s), final current level, and linear/exponential curve selection via EXP_EN bit - all without MCU intervention.
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 (set via REXT = 1 kΩ); ±7.5 % absolute accuracy at 60 mA |
| PWM Resolution | 8-bit (256 steps) individual brightness; 8-bit group dimming/blinking with adjustable frequency |
| Group Blink Range | Programmable from 15 Hz to once every 16.8 seconds (GRPFREQ register) |
| Supply Voltage | VDD = 2.7 V to 5.5 V; VDDIO = 2.7 V to 5.5 V; 5.5 V tolerant on non-LED pins |
| Operating Temp | −40 °C to +85 °C (PCA9958HN grade; confirmed for PCA9958HNY) |
| Interface Speed | SPI-compatible 4-wire bus up to 10 MHz clock rate; daisy-chain capable |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN40 wettable flanks package (6 mm × 6 mm × 0.85 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), thermal pad connected to VSS; requires soldering to PCB thermal pad with vias for thermal management.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| REXT (39) | Current reference input | Connects external resistor to ground to set full-scale output current (250 µA–63.75 mA) |
| OE (8) | Active-low output enable | Hardware blink/dim control for all LEDs simultaneously; overrides PWM states when asserted |
| CS (7) | Chip select | Active-low signal initiating SPI frame; enables daisy-chain read/write of (16 × n)-bit data |
| SCLK (5), SDI (6), SDO (4) | SPI interface signals | Supports 10 MHz clock; MSB-first transfer; CS-to-SCLK setup/hold timing critical for reliable daisy-chain |
| LED0–LED23 (13–20, 23–38) | Constant-current LED sinks | 24 dedicated output terminals; tolerate up to 5.5 V when OFF; support open/short load detection |
| VDD (1), VDDIO (3), VSS (9,21,40) | Power and ground | VDD powers core logic; VDDIO powers I/O; all VSS pins and exposed thermal pad must connect to system ground |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Gradation control engine | Six independent groups with programmable ramp rate, step time (0.5–512 ms), hold times (0–6 s), and exponential/linear curves |
| Integrated fault detection | Per-channel open/short load and overtemperature detection; error flags readable via EFLAG0–EFLAG5 registers |
| Hardware blink coordination | Active-low OE pin enables synchronized hardware dimming/blinking across multiple PCA9958HNY devices |
| EMI-reduction delay | Programmable output delay (OFFSET register) reduces surge currents and electromagnetic interference during state transitions |
| Thermal protection | Internal thermal shutdown activates above junction temperature limit; automatic recovery after cooldown |
Applications
| RGB Status Indicators | Keypad Backlighting |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Multi-color status feedback on industrial HMI panels requiring smooth color transitions and low EMI. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9958HNY drives 24 discrete RGB LEDs with synchronized gradation control across six groups for fade-in/fade-out effects. Use Value: Eliminates MCU overhead for breathing effects; 0.5–512 ms step time enables precise visual timing; OFFSET register minimizes inrush current. |
Use Scenario: Backlighting for membrane keypads in handheld medical devices operating from 3.3 V battery supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9958HNY delivers uniform 20 mA per LED with ±5 % channel-to-channel matching and 5.5 V LED supply headroom. Use Value: Enables consistent brightness across keys; built-in open-circuit detection alerts firmware to failed LEDs without external sensing. |
| Automotive Interior Lighting | Industrial Display Panels |
|
Use Scenario: Ambient lighting zones in automotive cabins using RGBA LEDs for dynamic mood lighting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9958HNY operates in −40 °C to +85 °C range; group blinking (15 Hz–16.8 s) creates slow-pulse ambient effects. Use Value: GRPPWM/GRPFREQ registers allow synchronized multi-device pulsing; thermal shutdown ensures reliability under dashboard heat exposure. |
Use Scenario: High-reliability LED status arrays on factory-floor HMIs exposed to vibration and wide temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PCA9958HNY provides 24-channel drive with latch-up immunity (>100 mA) and JESD22-compliant ESD protection (2 kV HBM). Use Value: Reduces BOM count by integrating PWM, gradation, and diagnostics; HVQFN40 wettable flanks aid automated optical inspection (AOI). |
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; requires external RSET; max 120 mA/channel | Lacks integrated ramp/hold timing and group blink programming; suited for high-resolution static dimming, not breathing effects | Choose TLC5947 when higher PWM resolution and higher current per channel are required, and gradation automation is handled externally. |
| IS31FL3731 | 18-channel, 8-bit PWM, integrated 256-step auto-breathing; I²C interface only; no SPI daisy-chain support | Fixed 18-channel count; no REXT-based current scaling; limited to I²C topology; lacks open/short detection | Choose IS31FL3731 for compact I²C-based designs needing simple auto-fade, where channel count and diagnostic features are secondary. |
Compared with TLC5947 and IS31FL3731, PCA9958HNY uniquely combines SPI daisy-chaining, REXT-adjustable current, six independent gradation groups with exponential curve support, and comprehensive fault reporting - making it optimal for scalable, diagnostics-aware LED systems requiring coordinated visual effects.
Availability
PCA9958HNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RGB status indicators, keypad backlights, and industrial display panels requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and automotive-grade reliability validation.
Supply support for PCA9958HNY 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 mixed-signal LED control and power management ICs.
The PCA9958HNY belongs to NXP's high-integration LED driver product line, designed specifically for applications demanding synchronized multi-LED effects, embedded diagnostics, and robust operation in thermally challenging environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED supply voltage supported by PCA9958HNY?
The PCA9958HNY LED outputs tolerate up to 5.5 V when OFF, allowing direct connection to common 3.3 V or 5 V LED strings without external voltage translation. This specification is explicitly stated in the General Description section and confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the datasheet.
How does the gradation control function in PCA9958HNY differ from standard PWM dimming?
Gradation control in PCA9958HNY automates LED current ramping without MCU involvement: each of six groups supports independent ramp-up/ramp-down rates, step times (0.5–512 ms), hold durations (0–6 s), and final current levels. Standard PWM only sets steady-state brightness; gradation adds time-domain behavior for breathing or transition effects.
Can PCA9958HNY detect open or shorted LEDs, and how is that information accessed?
Yes, PCA9958HNY integrates per-channel open/short load detection. Fault status is reported in five error flag registers (EFLAG0–EFLAG5), each covering a subset of the 24 channels. These registers are readable via the SPI interface, enabling firmware to identify and respond to individual LED failures without external circuitry.
What is the role of the REXT pin on PCA9958HNY, and how does it affect output current accuracy?
The REXT pin on PCA9958HNY connects to an external resistor that sets the full-scale output current (250 µA–63.75 mA). Accuracy is specified as ±7.5 % at 60 mA output and ±9 % at 30 mA, with channel-to-channel variation ≤±5 %. This analog current-setting method avoids DAC drift and simplifies calibration.
Does PCA9958HNY support daisy-chaining, and what is the maximum SPI clock frequency?
Yes, PCA9958HNY supports daisy-chained SPI configuration using SDO-to-SDI connections between devices. The interface supports clock frequencies up to 10 MHz, with data frames sized at (16 × n) bits where 'n' is the number of daisy-chained devices - enabling efficient control of large LED arrays from a single MCU SPI port.
PCA9958HNY Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Internal Switch(s):
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- -
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
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- Voltage - Supply (Max):
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- Voltage - Output:
- -
- 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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PCA9958HNY FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PCA9958HNY through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PCA9958HNY 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 PCA9958HNY reliable?
The price and inventory of PCA9958HNY are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PCA9958HNY is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PCA9958HNY?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PCA9958HNY transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PCA9958HNY?
PCA9958HNY orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PCA9958HNY 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 PCA9958HNY?
For technical support, including PCA9958HNY datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PCA9958HNY requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PCA9958HNY is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PCA9958HNY 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 PCA9958HNY meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PCA9958HNY?
All PCA9958HNY units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PCA9958HNY, 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 PCA9958HNY part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PCA9958HNY:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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