Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) is the method microcontrollers use to set LED brightness and the position of servos, so it is a pretty well-understood technique. This 16-Channel 12-bit Interface lets you set these PWM signals to 16 devices through the convenient 2-wire I²C interface. Set your pin assignments over an I²C call, and forget it – the chip will keep generating the signals until told otherwise!

This breakout board is configured to allow up to 62 live in a single chain, letting you run up to 992 PWM outputs. That’s a lot of servos/LEDs under your control!

Specifications

• 1.6kHz Maximum PWM frequency
• 16 channels
• 12-bit resolution (set 4096 levels of timing; 4µs resolution at 60Hz update rate)
• 3.3V – 5V compliant (allows a 3.3V device drive up to 6V outputs on the chip)
• 62-device chain capable
• Configurable open-drain / push-pull driver output

• Dimensions (no headers or terminal block) 54mm x 70mm x 3mm (2.1″ x 2.7″ x 0.1″)

Features

• Power input terminal blocks with reverse-polarity protection, or 0.1″ headers
• Green and red “power-good” indicator LEDs
• 4 groups of 3-pin connectors for easy 16-servo attachment (servo plugs will “crowd” 0.1″ headers)
• Stackable design using 90 degree 3×4 headers
• Position for large power filter capacitor
• Output lines have 220 ohm protection resistors (also allows direct LED attachment to the board)
• Solder jumpers for the 6 address select pins