NXP Semiconductors PCAL6416AEX1Z

Overview

PCAL6416AEX1Z from NXP Semiconductors is a 16-bit I²C-bus/SMBus I/O expander with bidirectional voltage-level translation, interrupt output, reset input, and Agile I/O configuration registers. It provides remote GPIO expansion for microcontrollers operating at 1.65 V–5.5 V, supports mixed-voltage interconnects (e.g., 1.8 V SDA/SCL to 3.3 V or 5 V Port P), and delivers 25 mA sink capability per port pin for direct LED driving in battery-powered mobile and sensor interface applications.

For engineers reviewing the PCAL6416AEX1Z datasheet, PCAL6416AEX1Z pinout, PCAL6416AEX1Z application, or PCAL6416AEX1Z equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-supply level-shifting operation (VDD(I2C-bus) and VDD(P)), programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors, latchable inputs with interrupt status reporting, maskable interrupt functionality, and X2QFN24 package compatibility for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The PCAL6416AEX1Z implements a dual-rail architecture with independent VDD(I2C-bus) (1.65 V–5.5 V) for SDA/SCL interface level translation and VDD(P) (1.65 V–5.5 V) for Port P I/O voltage setting. Its Agile I/O feature set includes four programmable output drive strengths, bit-wise interrupt masking, and input latching that retains edge-triggered state changes until register read.

It uses a fixed 7-bit I²C slave address (0x20 or 0x21) selected via the ADDR pin, supports Fast-mode I²C up to 400 kHz, and powers up with all 16 I/Os configured as high-impedance inputs and all interrupts masked - eliminating spurious wakeups during system bring-up.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

X2QFN24 (2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.35 mm, land grid array, 24-terminal thermal-enhanced package) with exposed center pad recommended for grounding.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/O expander applications.

Compared with PCA6416APW,118 and TPS65987DRLR, the PCAL6416AEX1Z uniquely combines I²C-based expandability with per-pin Agile I/O configurability - enabling reduced component count, lower firmware overhead, and flexible mixed-voltage system integration without protocol dependencies.

Availability

PCAL6416AEX1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor hubs, portable medical devices, automotive body control modules, and smart home gateways requiring stable component supply and long-term design-in support.

Supply support for PCAL6416AEX1Z 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with leadership in ARM-based MCUs, RF power, and interface ICs.

The PCAL6416AEX1Z belongs to NXP's Agile I/O expander product line, designed specifically to simplify mixed-voltage system design by integrating level shifting, programmable GPIO conditioning, and intelligent interrupt management into a single compact package.

FAQ

What is the package type and dimensions of the PCAL6416AEX1Z?

The PCAL6416AEX1Z uses the X2QFN24 package: a 2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.35 mm land grid array with 24 terminals and an exposed thermal pad. This ultra-compact thermal-enhanced package supports high-density PCB layouts and efficient heat dissipation in space-constrained applications like wearables and sensor nodes.

How does the PCAL6416AEX1Z handle voltage level translation between I²C bus and I/O ports?

The PCAL6416AEX1Z achieves bidirectional level translation using two independent supplies: VDD(I2C-bus) sets the logic threshold for SDA/SCL (1.65–5.5 V), while VDD(P) determines the voltage and drive strength of all 16 I/O pins. This allows seamless interfacing - for example, a 1.8 V microcontroller can communicate with 5 V sensors without external translators.

Does the PCAL6416AEX1Z support interrupt generation for individual I/O pins?

Yes, the PCAL6416AEX1Z supports per-pin interrupt masking and status reporting. Each of the 16 I/O pins can independently trigger the open-drain INT output when its input state differs from the Input Port register value. The interrupt mask registers (4Ah/4Bh) and interrupt status registers (4Ch/4Dh) enable precise event filtering and source identification in software.

What is the default power-up behavior of the PCAL6416AEX1Z?

At power-on, the PCAL6416AEX1Z configures all 16 I/O pins as high-impedance inputs, disables all internal pull-up/pull-down resistors, sets all interrupt mask bits to 1 (disabling interrupts), and initializes output and polarity registers to default states. This ensures glitch-free startup and prevents spurious interrupts during system initialization.

Can the PCAL6416AEX1Z drive LEDs directly, and what is its maximum sink current?

Yes, the PCAL6416AEX1Z can drive LEDs directly: each of its 16 I/O pins supports up to 25 mA sink current. This eliminates the need for external driver transistors in indicator and status-light applications. Drive strength is programmable in four levels (0.25× to 1×) to optimize for speed, power, or EMI in different trace environments.