PCA9538DGVR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PCA9538DGVR is an 8-bit I/O expander designed for I2C and SMBus communication at 400 kHz, manufactured by Texas Instruments in a 16-TVSOP surface mount package. This device is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating discontinued production with limited inventory availability. Finding equivalent substitute parts is necessary to ensure design continuity and long-term component sourcing for applications requiring I/O expansion functionality.

Substiute Parts

PCA9538DGVR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 3216PCA9538DGVR Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TCA9538DBR

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 999TCA9538DBR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PCA9538DGVR is determined by the following critical parameters:

• I/O Count: Must provide 8 I/O lines
• Interface Protocol: Must support I2C communication at 400 kHz minimum
• Interrupt Output: Must include interrupt output capability
• Output Configuration: Must use Push-Pull output type
• Operating Temperature Range: Must cover -40°C ~ 85°C
• Supply Voltage Compatibility: Must operate within overlapping voltage ranges
• RoHS Compliance: Must maintain ROHS3 compliance status
• Mounting Type: Surface mount configuration required

The TCA9538DBR qualifies as a direct substitute based on these parameters, with functional equivalence in I/O expansion, I2C protocol support, interrupt capability, and environmental specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The TCA9538DBR serves as a functional equivalent to the PCA9538DGVR for I/O expansion applications. Both devices are manufactured by Texas Instruments and maintain ROHS3 compliance. The substitute part offers the advantage of Active product status, ensuring continued availability and supply chain stability compared to the Last Time Buy status of the main part.

The primary design consideration is the package footprint difference: the PCA9538DGVR uses 16-TFSOP (4.40mm width) while the TCA9538DBR uses 16-SSOP (5.30mm width). PCB layout modifications are required to accommodate this package change. The voltage supply range of the TCA9538DBR (1.65V ~ 5.5V) provides extended low-voltage capability compared to the PCA9538DGVR (2.3V ~ 5.5V), offering greater design flexibility for low-power applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TCA9538DBR directly replace the PCA9538DGVR without firmware changes?

A: The TCA9538DBR provides functional equivalence in I/O expansion, I2C protocol support, and interrupt capability. No firmware modifications are required for I2C communication. However, PCB layout redesign is necessary due to the different package footprints (16-TFSOP vs. 16-SSOP).

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

A: The primary difference is the package type and physical dimensions. The PCA9538DGVR uses a narrower 16-TFSOP package (4.40mm width), while the TCA9538DBR uses a 16-SSOP package (5.30mm width). Both devices provide identical I/O expansion functionality and electrical performance.

Q: Is the TCA9538DBR suitable for low-voltage applications?

A: Yes. The TCA9538DBR supports a supply voltage range of 1.65V ~ 5.5V, extending lower than the PCA9538DGVR (2.3V ~ 5.5V). This makes it suitable for applications requiring operation below 2.3V.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the PCA9538DGVR and TCA9538DBR are ROHS3 compliant and meet environmental regulatory requirements.

Q: Why is the PCA9538DGVR marked as Last Time Buy?

A: Last Time Buy status indicates that Texas Instruments has discontinued production of this part number. The TCA9538DBR, with Active product status, represents the current production alternative for continued sourcing.