PCA9538APWJ Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PCA9538APWJ is an 8-bit I/O expander designed for I2C and SMBus communication at 400 kHz, manufactured by NXP USA Inc. This interface IC operates across a wide supply voltage range of 1.65V to 5.5V and is housed in a 16-TSSOP surface mount package. The device features push-pull output configuration with 10mA and 25mA source/sink capability, interrupt output functionality, and power-on reset (POR) protection. As an active product with ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating, the PCA9538APWJ serves applications requiring compact I/O expansion in embedded systems and industrial control circuits. Equivalent substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility within the same package footprint.

Substiute Parts

PCA9538APWJ

NXP USA Inc.In Stock: 3191PCA9538APWJ Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PCA9538PWR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 16821PCA9538PWR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PCA9538APWJ is determined by strict alignment with the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

• 8-bit I/O configuration
• I2C and SMBus protocol support at 400 kHz clock frequency
• Push-pull output type with 10mA and 25mA source/sink current ratings
• Interrupt output and power-on reset functionality
• Operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C
• Surface mount 16-TSSOP package with 0.173" (4.40mm) width

Supply Voltage Consideration: The PCA9538APWJ operates from 1.65V to 5.5V. Substitute parts must support the full operational voltage range of the main device or a subset thereof that encompasses the intended application voltage.

Compliance and Certification: All substitute parts must maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1) to ensure regulatory and environmental compatibility.

The PCA9538PWR meets all substitution criteria through identical I/O configuration, protocol support, output characteristics, temperature range, and package specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the PCA9538APWJ and PCA9538PWR are active products with ROHS3 compliance and identical functional specifications. Selection between these parts should be based on supply chain availability and application voltage requirements.

The PCA9538APWJ supports a lower minimum supply voltage of 1.65V, making it suitable for ultra-low-power applications and battery-operated systems requiring operation below 2.3V. The PCA9538PWR, with a minimum supply voltage of 2.3V, is appropriate for standard industrial and consumer applications operating within this voltage threshold.

Both devices maintain identical I/O count, protocol support, output characteristics, temperature range, and package footprint, ensuring direct functional interchangeability within their respective voltage operating windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PCA9538PWR directly replace the PCA9538APWJ in all applications?

A: Direct replacement is possible only when the application supply voltage remains at or above 2.3V. The PCA9538APWJ supports operation down to 1.65V, while the PCA9538PWR minimum is 2.3V. Verify your circuit's supply voltage before substitution.

Q: Are the pin configurations identical between these parts?

A: Yes. Both devices use the 16-TSSOP package with identical pinout and footprint dimensions (0.173" width, 4.40mm). PCB layout compatibility is assured.

Q: Do both parts support the same I2C and SMBus protocols?

A: Yes. Both the PCA9538APWJ and PCA9538PWR support I2C and SMBus communication at 400 kHz clock frequency with identical protocol implementation.

Q: What is the significance of the push-pull output configuration?

A: Push-pull output means the device actively drives both high and low logic states with 10mA and 25mA source/sink capability. This configuration provides strong signal integrity and is suitable for driving standard logic loads without external pull-up resistors.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between these parts?

A: No. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), ensuring equivalent environmental and regulatory compliance.

Q: Which part should be selected for new designs?

A: Selection depends on supply voltage requirements. For applications operating below 2.3V, the PCA9538APWJ is required. For applications at 2.3V and above, either part is suitable based on availability and lead time considerations.