PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM Servo Driver Module - I2C Interface Board

The PCA9685 Servo Driver is a 16-channel, 12-bit PWM controller module built around the NXP PCA9685 IC, designed to drive multiple servos, LEDs, and other PWM-controlled loads over a simple I2C interface. It generates 16 independent PWM outputs with 12-bit resolution (4096 steps), allowing precise control of servo angles or LED brightness without burdening the host microcontroller with timing-critical tasks. The module operates from a 2.3V to 5.5V logic supply and includes 5V-tolerant inputs, so it can be safely driven by 3.3V microcontrollers while controlling outputs up to 6V. Each output can sink up to 25mA, with a total package limit of 400mA, and the PWM frequency is adjustable from 24Hz to 1526Hz (up to about 1.6kHz), covering standard analog servos and many LED dimming applications. Six address-select pins allow up to 62 boards to be chained on a single I2C bus, providing up to 992 PWM outputs from just two signal wires. The board includes 220Ω series resistors on each output for protection, 16 status LEDs, and a power indicator LED. Measuring 62.5mm × 25.4mm × 3mm and weighing only 5.5g, this 16 channel PWM driver is suited to robotic arms, humanoid and multi-legged robots, RGB LED control, and any project that needs a compact I2C servo controller with reliable, high-resolution PWM generation.

Application

1. Robotic arms, humanoid robots, and multi-legged walking platforms with up to 16 servos per board.
2. RGB LED strips, display backlighting, and color-mixing applications requiring 12-bit dimming.
3. Animatronics, camera gimbals, pan-tilt platforms, and multi-servo test fixtures.
4. Automation projects and prototyping where multiple PWM outputs must be controlled over I2C.
5. Large installations chaining up to 62 boards for 992 total PWM channels.

Specifications

1. IC: NXP PCA9685
2. Number of PWM channels: 16
3. PWM resolution: 12-bit (4096 steps)
4. Interface: I2C (up to 1MHz)
5. Logic supply voltage (VDD): 2.3V to 5.5V
6. Input tolerance: 5V tolerant
7. Output current per channel: 25mA
8. Total package output current: 400mA
9. PWM frequency range: 24Hz to 1526Hz (≈1.6kHz)
10. Address pins: 6 (supports up to 62 chained boards)
11. Maximum chained outputs: 992 PWM channels
12. Output protection: 220Ω series resistors
13. Indicators: 16 output LEDs, 1 power LED
14. Dimensions: 62.5mm × 25.4mm × 3mm (L × W × H, without headers)
15. Weight: 5.5g (without headers)
16. Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C