TCA6408A-Q1

The TCA6408A-Q1 is a 16-bit I/O expander designed for automotive applications, manufactured by Texas Instruments. It operates with a supply voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, making it suitable for various power domains in modern vehicles. This device features eight general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins that can be individually configured as inputs or outputs, providing flexible signal expansion capabilities for microcontroller-based systems. The TCA6408A-Q1 supports both standard and fast-mode I²C interface protocols, allowing for communication speeds up to 400 kHz. Each GPIO pin includes programmable polarity inversion, enabling software-level control over the logic state interpretation without changing hardware connections. Additionally, the device offers configurable open-drain or push-pull output modes, enhancing compatibility with different load types and signal levels across automotive electronics. Designed for robustness in harsh environments, the TCA6408A-Q1 meets AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification standards, ensuring reliability under extreme temperature conditions (-40°C to +125°C). Its integrated protection features include ESD immunity up to ±4 kV HBM and latch-up immunity per JEDEC standards, which are essential for maintaining system integrity in automotive settings where electrical noise and transient events are common. This I/O expander is commonly used in automotive infotainment systems, body control modules, lighting controls, and sensor interfaces where additional GPIO resources are required beyond those available on the main microcontroller. The device also supports interrupt generation via a dedicated INT pin, reducing CPU overhead by notifying the host only when a GPIO state change occurs, thereby improving system efficiency. Each port has an independent configuration register, allowing individual pin direction setting, pull-up/pull-down resistor enable, and polarity control. The internal registers are accessible through the I²C interface, and the device supports multi-master configurations, simplifying integration into complex automotive networks. With low quiescent current—typically 3 µA in standby mode—it contributes to energy-efficient designs critical for battery-powered and electric vehicle platforms. In summary, the TCA6408A-Q1 provides a reliable, scalable solution for expanding digital I/O capabilities in automotive systems, combining high performance, fault tolerance, and compliance with industry-specific standards.