PCA9538DB Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PCA9538DB is an 8-bit I/O expander designed for I2C and SMBus communication at 400 kHz, manufactured by Texas Instruments in a 16-SSOP surface mount package. This device provides push-pull output capability with interrupt functionality and power-on reset (POR) features, operating across a 2.3V to 5.5V supply voltage range and -40°C to 85°C temperature range.

The PCA9538DB is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status. Identifying compatible substitute parts is essential for design continuity and long-term component availability in production environments.

Substiute Parts

PCA9538DB
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 70881PCA9538DB Datasheet
PCA9538DB
Current Part
TCA9538DBR
Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 999TCA9538DBR Datasheet
TCA9538DBR
MFR Recommended

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number PCA9538DB
Manufacturer Texas Instruments
Category Interface
Number of I/O 8
Interface Protocol I2C, SMBus
Clock Frequency 400 kHz
Voltage Supply Range 2.3V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C
Output Type Push-Pull
Current Output Source/Sink 10mA, 25mA
Interrupt Output Yes
Package / Case 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
Mounting Type Surface Mount
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status Last Time Buy

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PCA9538DB is determined by the following critical parameters:

  • I/O Count: Must be 8 bits
  • Interface Protocol: Must support I2C at 400 kHz minimum
  • Package Type: Must be 16-SSOP with identical 0.209" (5.30mm) width for PCB compatibility
  • Output Configuration: Must provide push-pull output with interrupt capability
  • Voltage Supply Range: Must encompass or exceed the operating range of the original part
  • Operating Temperature: Must support -40°C to 85°C minimum
  • Surface Mount Compatibility: Must be suitable for automated assembly processes
  • Regulatory Compliance: Must maintain ROHS3 and REACH compliance status

The TCA9538DBR meets all substitution criteria while offering extended voltage supply capability and active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter PCA9538DB TCA9538DBR Compatibility
Manufacturer Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Same
Number of I/O 8 8 Match
Interface Protocol I2C, SMBus I2C Compatible
Clock Frequency 400 kHz 400 kHz Match
Voltage Supply Range 2.3V ~ 5.5V 1.65V ~ 5.5V Extended Range
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C -40°C ~ 85°C Match
Output Type Push-Pull Push-Pull Match
Interrupt Output Yes Yes Match
Package / Case 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) 16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) Match
Mounting Type Surface Mount Surface Mount Match
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Match
Product Status Last Time Buy Active Improved

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TCA9538DBR is the qualified substitute for the PCA9538DB based on the following engineering criteria:

Functional Equivalence: Both devices provide 8-bit I/O expansion with I2C interface at 400 kHz, push-pull output configuration, and interrupt capability. Pin-to-pin compatibility is maintained within the identical 16-SSOP package.

Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain ROHS3 and REACH compliance status, ensuring consistency with environmental and hazardous substance regulations.

Product Lifecycle: The TCA9538DBR carries Active product status, providing long-term availability and supply chain stability compared to the Last Time Buy status of the PCA9538DB.

Voltage Supply Advantage: The TCA9538DBR operates across 1.65V to 5.5V, providing extended low-voltage capability while maintaining full compatibility with the 2.3V to 5.5V operating range of the original design.

Packaging and Assembly: Tape & Reel (TR) packaging of the TCA9538DBR supports high-volume automated assembly processes, maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the PCA9538DB and TCA9538DBR pin-compatible?

A: Yes. Both devices use the 16-SSOP package with identical 0.209" (5.30mm) width and pin configuration, enabling direct PCB layout compatibility without redesign.

Q: What is the key difference between these two parts?

A: The primary differences are product status and voltage supply range. The TCA9538DBR is Active (versus Last Time Buy) and supports 1.65V minimum supply voltage (versus 2.3V for the PCA9538DB). Both maintain identical I/O count, interface protocol, clock frequency, and operating temperature range.

Q: Can I use the TCA9538DBR in a design currently specified for the PCA9538DB?

A: Yes. The TCA9538DBR meets or exceeds all electrical and mechanical parameters of the PCA9538DB. The extended voltage supply range provides additional design flexibility without compromising existing circuit performance.

Q: Does the TCA9538DBR support SMBus in addition to I2C?

A: The TCA9538DBR specification lists I2C interface support. If SMBus compatibility is a critical requirement, verify protocol support with the device datasheet before final design selection.

Q: What packaging options are available for these parts?

A: The PCA9538DB is supplied in Tube packaging, while the TCA9538DBR is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. Both are surface mount 16-SSOP packages suitable for automated assembly.

Q: Are there any temperature or compliance differences?

A: Both parts operate across -40°C to 85°C and maintain ROHS3 and REACH compliance. No differences exist in these critical parameters.

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