STMicroelectronics STMPE1601TBR

Overview

STMPE1601TBR from STMicroelectronics is a 16-bit GPIO port expander with integrated 8×8 keypad controller, four basic PWM channels for LED brightness control, and programmable level translation. It operates from 1.8–3.3 V dual supplies (VCC for core/I²C, VIO for GPIOs), supports hibernation-mode keypress detection, and delivers ultra-low hibernate current (0.5–3 µA). It targets mobile UI subsystems requiring compact, low-power I/O expansion in smartphones and portable media players.

For engineers reviewing the STMPE1601TBR datasheet, STMPE1601TBR pinout, STMPE1601TBR application, or STMPE1601TBR equivalent, this page provides verified technical context on its keypad scanning architecture, I²C address configuration via GPIO_13–GPIO_15, hibernate wake-up latency, and PWM resolution limitations per channel - all critical for battery-sensitive embedded UI designs.

Technical Context

The device implements an I²C slave interface compliant with Philips I²C spec v2.1, supporting standard (100 kbps) and fast (400 kbps) modes with 7-bit addressing (eight possible addresses via A2–A0 pins). Its keypad controller scans up to 64 keys (8 rows × 8 columns) using dedicated KP_X/KP_Y GPIO banks and detects presses during hibernate mode by monitoring edge-triggered transitions on configured key lines.

Four independent basic PWM controllers provide 8-bit resolution output with configurable period and duty cycle, each capable of driving LED loads directly. The GPIO bank is split into two voltage domains: GPIO_0–GPIO_7 powered by VCC (1.8–3.3 V), and GPIO_8–GPIO_15 powered by VIO (1.8–3.3 V, ≥ VCC), enabling level translation across logic domains without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TFBGA25 (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, top-through view).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar GPIO expansion and keypad interface applications.

Compared with TCA6424A and PCA9555, the STMPE1601TBR uniquely integrates keypad scanning, hibernate wake-up, and LED PWM in a single 3×3 mm package - making it irreplaceable in space-constrained, battery-operated UI subsystems where those functions are mandatory.

Availability

STMPE1601TBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone UI subsystems, portable media player keypads, handheld game console interfaces, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for STMPE1601TBR 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, analog ICs, MEMS, and power management solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The STMPE (STMicroelectronics Port Expander) product line targets mobile and portable electronics, delivering highly integrated, low-power I/O expansion with application-specific accelerators like keypad scanning and LED control.

FAQ

What is the minimum pulse width required for RESET_N to ensure reliable reset?

The RESET_N pin requires an active-low pulse width of at least 20 µs to guarantee full register initialization and exit from hibernate mode. This specification is validated across the full operating temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C) and both VCC supply conditions (1.8 V and 3.3 V). The pin is internally pulled up to VCC, so no external pull-up is needed unless driving from an open-drain source.

Can GPIO_13–GPIO_15 be used simultaneously as keypad inputs and I²C address pins?

No - GPIO_13–GPIO_15 sample their logic states only during power-on reset to configure the 7-bit I²C address (0x40–0x47); after reset, they function exclusively as GPIOs or keypad Y-lines. Using them for keypad operation post-reset is permitted, but doing so forfeits dynamic address reconfiguration and may increase leakage current if conflicting pull resistors are applied.

Does the STMPE1601TBR support automatic keypad debounce?

Yes - the hardware keypad controller includes built-in programmable debounce filtering with adjustable delay (0–127 ms in 1 ms steps) per key press/release event. This occurs entirely within the device, eliminating the need for host-side software debounce routines and reducing interrupt latency to under 100 µs for wake-up events.

What is the maximum sink current capability of the INT pin?

The INT pin is an open-drain output rated for 4 mA sink current at VCC = 1.8–3.3 V, as specified in Table 7 of the datasheet. It must be externally pulled up to VCC (or a compatible voltage ≤3.6 V); leaving it floating will prevent proper interrupt signaling. No internal pull-up is provided, and exceeding 4 mA risks latch-up or damage.