PCA9685 16-Channel 12-bit PWM/Servo Driver

The PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver is an I2C-controlled PWM module with a built-in clock. It provides 16 independent PWM channels with 12-bit resolution. The board supports adjustable PWM frequency up to about 1.6 KHz. It is designed for applications that need multiple servo or LED outputs on a single I2C bus. The module is 5V compliant and can be controlled from a 3.3V microcontroller while driving up to 6V outputs. A single bus can support up to 62 modules for a total of 992 PWM outputs.

The board includes 3-pin connectors arranged in groups for easy servo connection. It also includes reverse polarity protection on the power input. Output configuration can be set to push-pull or open-drain. An output enable pin allows fast disabling of all outputs. The PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver is suited to electronics and robotics projects that require many PWM channels.

Features of PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver

• 16 independent PWM channels
• 12-bit PWM resolution
• I2C-controlled operation
• Built-in clock
• Adjustable PWM frequency up to about 1.6 KHz
• 5V compliant control
• Up to 62 modules on one I2C bus
• Reverse polarity protection
• Configurable push-pull or open-drain output
• Output enable pin

Specifications of PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver

• 16 channels
• 12-bit resolution
• 4096 levels
• Input voltage: 3.3 to 5 volts
• PWM frequency: up to 1.6 KHz
• I2C addressable modules: 62
• Total PWM outputs: 992
• Output voltage: up to 6 volts
• Dimensions: approximately 60 x 25 x 10 mm
• Dimensions without headers or terminal block: 62.5 mm x 25.4 mm x 3 mm
• Weight without headers or terminal block: 5.5 grams
• Weight with 3x4 headers and terminal block: 9 grams
• I2C 7-bit address: 0x60-0x80
• Starting I2C address: 0x40
• 3-pin connectors in groups of 4
• Terminal block for power input
• Green power indicator LED
• Reverse polarity protection at terminal block input
• Cascade design
• Large capacitor point on the V+ line
• 220 ohm series resistors on all output lines
• Solder jumpers to the 6 address select pins
• Output configuration: push-pull or open-drain
• Output enable pin for fast disable of all outputs

How to Use PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver

1. Connect the board to an I2C-compatible microcontroller using the SDA and SCL lines.
2. Provide power to VCC for the chip and use V+ for servo or LED power if needed.
3. Assign the I2C address using the address select jumpers when using multiple boards.

More Info

• Up to 62 driver boards can share one I2C bus.
• The board supports cascade connection.
• The output lines include 220 ohm series resistors for protection.
• The V+ line includes a point for adding a large capacitor.