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NXP Semiconductors PCA9538APWJ — Analog & Data Acquisition
NXP Semiconductors

NXP PCA9538APWJ I²C I/O Expander, 400 kHz, 16-TSSOP

MPNPCA9538APWJ
End of Life

NXP PCA9538APWJ 8-bit I²C/SMBus I/O expander, 400 kHz, 1.65-5.5 V, push-pull outputs, POR, interrupt, -40 to 85°C, 16-TSSOP.

$1.75Ref. price · indicative, final on quote
PCA9538APWJ datasheet
Packaging16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
StockContact for availability
MOQ1 pcs
  • 100% new & originalTraceable channels only — no refurbs, no pulls, no remarked parts.
  • Date & lot codes on quoteStated per line before you commit; label photos on request.
  • MSL-compliant ESD packingMoisture-sealed bags with indicator cards; reels photo-verified.
  • PayPal buyer protectionPay by T/T, PayPal or Payoneer — card payments covered end to end.

Specifications

PCA9538APWJ Technical Specifications
ParameterValue
Output typePush-Pull
Mounting typeSurface Mount
Voltage1.65V ~ 5.5V
Current - output source (Sink)10mA, 25mA
Frequency400 kHz
InterfaceI²C, SMBus
Operating temperature-40°C ~ 85°C
PackageTape & Reel (TR); Cut Tape (CT)
FeaturesPOR
Number of i (O)8
Case16-TSSOP (0.173\", 4.40mm Width)
Interrupt outputYes

Product details

I/O expander for I²C bus — 8 GPIOs with interrupt

The NXP PCA9538APWJ is an 8-bit I²C- and SMBus-compatible GPIO expander in a 16-TSSOP package. It provides eight push-pull I/O lines that can be configured as inputs or outputs, plus a dedicated interrupt output. The part operates from a 1.65 V to 5.5 V supply and communicates at clock frequencies up to 400 kHz.

Output drive and direct LED control

Each I/O pin can source 10 mA or sink 25 mA. That sink current is enough to light a standard indicator LED with a series resistor — no external transistor or driver IC for simple panel indicators. The push-pull output structure means no pull-up resistors needed on output pins; only the I²C bus lines (SCL, SDA) require external pull-ups per the I²C specification.

Temperature grade and environment

Rated for -40°C to 85°C, this part suits industrial control cabinets, outdoor telecom equipment, and factory-floor sensor hubs. It is not AEC-Q100 qualified, so it is not intended for under-hood automotive or engine-bay applications. The 16-TSSOP package (4.4 mm width) fits on compact PCBs where board area is tight.

Lifecycle and sourcing

There is no end-of-life notice, no last-time-buy window. For new designs, this part is a safe choice with no imminent obsolescence risk.

Frequently asked questions

Is PCA9538APWJ compatible with 3.3V logic?

Yes. The supply range of 1.65 V to 5.5 V covers 3.3 V logic directly. The I²C bus operates at 3.3 V, and the I/O pins are 5.5 V tolerant, so the expander can interface with both 3.3 V and 5 V peripherals without level shifting.

What is the closest pin-compatible alternative to PCA9538APWJ?

The PCA9538 series includes several package variants. The PCA9538PW (16-TSSOP) is the same die in the same footprint; the PCA9538BS (HVQFN) offers a smaller package. For a different feature set (e.g., open-drain outputs), look at the PCA9554 series, but verify the pinout and register map — they are not drop-in replacements.