PCA9685 16-Channel 12-bit PWM Servo Motor Driver (Pre-Soldered) – I2C Interface, 5V Compatible Module for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and DIY Robotics

Product Description

The PCA9685 16-Channel Servo Driver is a powerful $I^2C$-controlled PWM expansion module that allows you to drive up to 16 servo motors using only two pins from your microcontroller. This "Soldered" version comes ready-to-use with all header pins pre-installed, saving you time and effort in your Pimpri workshop. Each of the 16 outputs has a 12-bit resolution, providing 4096 steps of precision for ultra-smooth servo positioning. At Robogears, we recommend this module for complex robotics projects like hexapods, robotic arms, and animatronics, where the built-in clock ensures that once a position is set, the microcontroller is free to perform other tasks without having to continuously send pulses.

Detailed Key Features

• $I^2C$ Control Efficiency: Uses only two pins (SDA/SCL) to control 16 servos, leaving the rest of your Arduino or ESP32 pins free for sensors and peripherals.

• Chainable Design: Features address-select jumpers, allowing you to chain up to 62 drivers on a single $I^2C$ bus to control a staggering 992 servos.

• Dedicated Power Input: Includes a terminal block for external power input, ensuring that the high current draw of multiple servos doesn't damage your microcontroller.

• 12-bit PWM Precision: Delivers a 4096-step resolution for extremely fine control over servo angles and LED brightness.

• Pre-Soldered Convenience: Arrives with all male headers and terminal blocks pre-soldered, making it perfect for rapid prototyping and educational environments.

All Technical Details

• Internal Clock: The PCA9685 has its own internal 25MHz clock, so it doesn't require a continuous signal from the MCU to maintain PWM duty cycles.

• Configurable Outputs: Each channel can be configured as a push-pull or open-drain output.

• Safety Resistors: Integrated 220-ohm series resistors on all output lines protect the driver and make driving LEDs easy.

• Power Protection: Includes a reverse-polarity protection transistor on the external power input.

• Standard 3-Pin Headers: Output pins are arranged in the standard Signal-VCC-GND format compatible with almost all hobby servos (SG90, MG90S, MG996R, etc.).