NXP Semiconductors PCA9959HN-ARD

Overview

PCA9959HN-ARD from NXP Semiconductors is an Arduino-compatible LED driver shield evaluation module featuring the PCA9959 16-channel constant-current LED driver IC, supporting I²C interface, 25 mA per channel, and programmable grayscale PWM control up to 12-bit resolution. It is designed for rapid prototyping of multi-color LED displays on NXP EVKs including MIMXRT1050-EVK, LPC55S69-EVK, and 8MMINILPD4-EVK.

For engineers reviewing the PCA9959HN-ARD datasheet, PCA9959HN-ARD pinout, PCA9959HN-ARD application, or PCA9959HN-ARD equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware integration details, GUI firmware workflow, supported EVK configurations, and functional context within NXP's Arduino Shield ecosystem.

Technical Context

The PCA9959HN-ARD implements a plug-and-play Arduino shield form factor (16-pin male headers) that interfaces via I²C to host microcontrollers on NXP evaluation kits. Its core function is to translate GUI commands into register writes targeting the onboard PCA9959 LED driver IC.

It requires pre-flashed EVK firmware (e.g., IMXRT1050_v1.0.8_3.bin) to operate as a USB-to-I²C bridge, enabling communication with the PCA995X LED GUI software. The shield itself contains no active microcontroller - all logic resides in the host EVK and PC-side GUI.

Key Specifications

Availability

PCA9959HN-ARD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED display prototyping, embedded UI development, and industrial status indicator validation requiring stable component supply and full NXP EVK compatibility.

Supply support for PCA9959HN-ARD 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, IoT, and mobile applications.

The PCA9959HN-ARD belongs to NXP's Arduino Shield evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate hardware-software co-development for LED control applications using NXP's i.MX and LPC microcontroller evaluation kits.

FAQ

What is the PCA9959HN-ARD and how does it differ from the PCA9959 IC?

The PCA9959HN-ARD is an Arduino shield evaluation module that integrates the PCA9959 16-channel LED driver IC onto a standardized PCB with Arduino headers. Unlike the bare PCA9959 IC, the PCA9959HN-ARD includes passive components, I²C pull-ups, LED test points, and mechanical mounting for direct stacking on NXP EVKs - it is not a standalone IC but a ready-to-use hardware interface platform.

Which NXP evaluation kits are compatible with the PCA9959HN-ARD?

The PCA9959HN-ARD is explicitly validated for use with three NXP EVKs: MIMXRT1050-EVK, LPC55S69-EVK, and 8MMINILPD4-EVK. Each requires specific firmware (e.g., IMXRT1050_v1.0.8_3.bin) and configuration steps - such as jumper settings or SD card image loading - to enable USB-to-I²C bridging required by the PCA995X LED GUI.

Does the PCA9959HN-ARD include its own microcontroller or firmware?

No, the PCA9959HN-ARD contains no onboard microcontroller or flash memory. It relies entirely on the host EVK (e.g., i.MX RT1050 or LPC55S69) to run firmware that acts as a USB-to-I²C bridge. All control logic, register configuration, and PWM timing originate from the PC-side PCA995X LED GUI and are relayed through the EVK's firmware stack to the PCA9959HN-ARD's PCA9959 IC.

How is the PCA9959HN-ARD powered during operation?

The PCA9959HN-ARD draws power directly from the host EVK's Arduino header - specifically +5 V and GND pins - and does not require external power. The PCA9959 IC's LED supply voltage (V_LED) must be provided separately via the EVK's power rails or an external source connected to the shield's V_LED terminal, as the PCA9959HN-ARD does not regulate or generate V_LED.

Can the PCA9959HN-ARD be used without the official NXP GUI software?

Yes - while the PCA995X LED GUI is the reference tool, the PCA9959HN-ARD exposes standard I²C registers of the PCA9959 IC. Engineers may implement custom host firmware (e.g., on the EVK) or PC applications using open I²C protocols to configure grayscale, current gain, and LED on/off states - provided the EVK's USB-to-I²C bridge firmware remains active and correctly configured.