NXP Semiconductors PCA9554ABS3,118 – 8‑bit I2C/SMBus GPIO Expander in HVQFN‑16
The NXP Semiconductors PCA9554ABS3,118 is an 8‑bit general‑purpose I/O (GPIO) expander that connects to a host via I2C/SMBus. Part of the PCA9554A family, it provides a simple and scalable way to add digital I/O lines to MCU/MPU‑based designs without increasing microcontroller pin count. This variant comes in a compact HVQFN‑16 package and includes an interrupt output to efficiently notify the host of input state changes. With a wide 2.3 V to 5.5 V supply range and Fast‑mode I2C support up to 400 kHz, it fits a broad range of embedded, industrial, and cost‑sensitive applications where reliable GPIO expansion is needed.
Highlights at a glance
- Brand / Manufacturer: NXP Semiconductors
- MPN: PCA9554ABS3,118 (PCA9554A series)
- Category: I/O Expanders
- Interface: I2C / SMBus (Fast‑mode up to 400 kHz)
- GPIO Channels: 8
- Interrupt: Yes (INT output)
- Address Pins: 3 (A0–A2) enabling up to 8 selectable I2C addresses
- Supply Voltage (VCC): 2.3 V to 5.5 V
- Package: HVQFN‑16
- Mounting Type: Surface Mount
- Operating Temperature: −40°C to +85°C
- RoHS: RoHS Compliant
Overview
Engineers frequently run out of GPIO on their microcontroller as requirements evolve—keypads, LEDs, configuration straps, and additional sensors can quickly exceed available pins. The NXP Semiconductors PCA9554ABS3,118 solves this by offering eight additional digital I/O lines controlled over a standard I2C/SMBus connection. Three hardware address pins (A0–A2) allow up to eight devices on the same I2C bus, enabling 64 total extra GPIOs with straightforward addressing. An interrupt output (INT) helps minimize host polling by flagging input changes, improving responsiveness and power efficiency.
The PCA9554ABS3,118 is part of the PCA9554A family and is supplied in a 16‑pin HVQFN package that conserves board space while maintaining robust electrical performance across a wide 2.3 V to 5.5 V operating range. Its Fast‑mode I2C capability up to 400 kHz simplifies integration alongside common sensors and controllers in modern embedded systems.
Key specifications
- Core Function: 8‑bit I2C/SMBus GPIO expander
- Interface: I2C / SMBus
- I2C Speed: Up to 400 kHz (Fast‑mode)
- Number of I/Os: 8
- Interrupt: Yes (INT output provided)
- Address Pins: 3 (A0–A2), up to 8 selectable addresses
- Supply Voltage (VCC): 2.3 V to 5.5 V
- Operating Temperature Range: −40°C to +85°C
- Package / Case: HVQFN‑16
- Mounting Type: Surface Mount
- Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)
- Environmental: RoHS Compliant
- Automotive Note: “S3” suffix commonly denotes AEC‑Q100 Grade 3 for NXP variants (verify against latest NXP ordering information)
Why choose the PCA9554ABS3,118 for your design
- Scalable I/O expansion: Add eight GPIOs per device, with up to eight devices per I2C bus (via three address pins) for easy scaling.
- Efficient event handling: The INT output allows the host to react to input changes without constant polling, which can reduce firmware complexity and system power.
- Broad supply compatibility: Operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, enabling use across 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V digital rails.
- Compact footprint: HVQFN‑16 package saves PCB area while providing sufficient pin access for signals and power.
- Seamless bus integration: SMBus support and Fast‑mode I2C (up to 400 kHz) align with common embedded ecosystem devices.
- Proven family: The PCA9554A series is a widely adopted solution for simple, reliable GPIO expansion.
Applications
- GPIO expansion for MCU/MPU‑based systems
- Keypad and switch monitoring
- LED control and simple output driving
- Embedded systems requiring additional digital I/O
These typical uses map well to industrial control panels, building automation nodes, consumer and white‑goods control boards, robotics control modules, and test/measurement fixtures, where additional digital lines are required without migrating to a larger microcontroller.
Electrical and interface details
- I2C/SMBus interface: The device communicates via a standard two‑wire bus. It supports Fast‑mode I2C up to 400 kHz, enabling relatively low‑latency I/O updates.
- Address flexibility: Three hardware address pins (A0–A2) allow up to eight address selections, letting multiple PCA9554A devices coexist on the same bus.
- Interrupt signaling: An INT output is provided so the host can detect input changes promptly. Consult the datasheet for electrical characteristics and configuration specifics of the interrupt pin.
- Supply domain: Operation is specified from 2.3 V to 5.5 V. Ensure logic‑level compatibility between the host controller and PCA9554ABS3,118 supply domain. Refer to the datasheet for input thresholds and output drive details (not specified here).
Note: This overview intentionally avoids parameters not present in the provided data. For timing budgets, output drive strength, input leakage, and register‑level behavior, always refer to the official NXP PCA9554A datasheet.
Package, footprint, and handling
- Package: HVQFN‑16
- Pin Count: 16
- Mounting: Surface Mount
- Packaging for shipment: Tape & Reel (TR)
HVQFN is a compact, leadless QFN‑style package suitable for automated assembly. For land pattern, coplanarity, and reflow guidance, follow the package drawing and PCB footprint recommendations in NXP documentation. Thermal and mechanical details are package‑specific and should be taken from the datasheet and NXP’s packaging guidelines.
Lifecycle, availability, and sourcing
- Lifecycle Status: Active (per provided data)
- RoHS / Environmental: RoHS Compliant
Sourcing guidance:
- Use the exact MPN “PCA9554ABS3,118” when requesting quotes or approving BOMs.
- Confirm packaging preference; this variant is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR), which is suitable for high‑volume automated assembly.
- Check latest lead times and inventory with authorized distributors; availability can vary.
- If you need alternates, consider other PCA9554A order codes or packages within the same family as potential options, but verify pinout, package dimensions, and any qualification differences before substitution. Specific drop‑in replacements are not specified in the provided data.
Replacement and cross‑reference notes:
- Direct replacements are not specified in the datasheet excerpt provided. If a pin‑compatible replacement is required, consult NXP’s PCA9554A family ordering guide and compare package codes, temperature grades, and any automotive qualifications.
Compliance and environmental notes
- RoHS: Lead‑free and RoHS compliant (per provided data)
- Automotive: The “S3” suffix commonly indicates AEC‑Q100 Grade 3 on NXP variants. Always verify the exact qualification level and test coverage in the latest NXP ordering information and qualification reports for the PCA9554ABS3,118.
- Operating Temperature: −40°C to +85°C as provided; check the datasheet for any derating or performance curves relevant to your application.
Design‑in checklist
- Power: Ensure VCC is within 2.3 V to 5.5 V and decouple per standard practice near the device supply pins.
- Bus pull‑ups: I2C/SMBus lines typically require pull‑up resistors sized for bus capacitance and the 400 kHz Fast‑mode timing. Choose values per your bus design; consult the datasheet and I2C specification.
- Address planning: Use A0–A2 to set unique addresses if multiple PCA9554A devices share the bus; document the scheme in your schematic notes.
- Interrupt handling: Route INT to a suitable host input and configure firmware to respond to interrupt‑driven events instead of heavy polling.
- Signal integrity: Keep I2C traces short where possible and observe good layout practices to meet timing at up to 400 kHz.
- Validation: If you are designing for harsh environments or automotive use, confirm that the specific “S3” variant meets your qualification requirements and operating conditions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the NXP Semiconductors PCA9554ABS3,118?
A: It is an 8‑bit I2C/SMBus GPIO expander from the PCA9554A series. It adds eight digital I/O lines under I2C control and includes an interrupt output.
Q: How many I2C addresses can I choose from?
A: Three hardware address pins (A0–A2) provide up to eight selectable I2C addresses, allowing multiple devices on the same bus.
Q: What I2C speed does it support?
A: It supports Fast‑mode I2C up to 400 kHz.
Q: What is the operating voltage range?
A: The supply voltage (VCC) range is 2.3 V to 5.5 V.
Q: Is there an interrupt pin?
A: Yes. An INT output is provided to signal input state changes to the host.
Q: What package does the PCA9554ABS3,118 use?
A: HVQFN‑16, suitable for surface‑mount assembly and supplied in Tape & Reel.
Q: What is the operating temperature range?
A: −40°C to +85°C per the provided data.
Q: Is this variant automotive qualified?
A: The “S3” suffix commonly denotes AEC‑Q100 Grade 3 for NXP parts. However, you should verify actual qualification status for PCA9554ABS3,118 against the latest NXP ordering and qualification documents.
Q: Is it RoHS compliant?
A: Yes, it is listed as RoHS Compliant.
Q: How many GPIOs does it add to my system?
A: Eight digital I/O lines are available per device.
Practical sourcing notes
- When sending RFQs, include: “NXP Semiconductors PCA9554ABS3,118, HVQFN‑16, Tape & Reel, RoHS.” Add your required temperature grade and any automotive qualification requirements.
- If your build requires alternates for risk mitigation, ask suppliers for other PCA9554A family order codes while confirming pinout/package equivalence and qualifications.
- Keep the I2C address plan in your AVL/BOM notes to avoid assembly or configuration ambiguity if multiple expanders are used.
Resources
- Datasheet: https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/PCA9554A.pdf
Summary
The NXP Semiconductors PCA9554ABS3,118 (PCA9554A series) is a compact, robust way to expand digital I/O over an I2C/SMBus interface. With eight GPIOs, Fast‑mode I2C up to 400 kHz, a wide 2.3 V to 5.5 V supply range, and an interrupt output for efficient host interaction, it simplifies designs that need more pins without upsizing the microcontroller. The HVQFN‑16 package is well‑suited for dense boards, and RoHS compliance supports environmentally conscious manufacturing. For projects targeting −40°C to +85°C operation or requiring automotive considerations, confirm the “S3” variant’s qualification in current NXP documentation. When you need reliable GPIO expansion with minimal firmware overhead, the PCA9554ABS3,118 is an excellent, well‑supported choice.