PCA9685 16 Channel 12 Bit Servo Motor Driver – Without Solder Headers

Product Description

The PCA9685 16 Channel 12 Bit Servo Motor Driver is an I2C-controlled PWM driver module designed to provide up to 16 independent PWM outputs using only two I2C communication pins from a microcontroller. It is ideal for applications requiring multiple servo motors, LEDs, or other PWM-controlled devices when the microcontroller has limited PWM outputs.

The module uses the PCA9685 PWM controller with an integrated clock, allowing it to continuously generate PWM signals without requiring the microcontroller to constantly refresh the outputs. This reduces the processing load on the controller and makes it suitable for multi-servo robotics applications such as robotic arms, hexapod robots, and other projects with multiple moving mechanisms.

With 12-bit PWM resolution, the module provides precise control over PWM output timing. The PWM frequency can be adjusted up to approximately 1.6 kHz, making it suitable for both servo control and LED brightness control.

The PCA9685 module is 5V compliant and can be controlled by common 3.3V microcontrollers while providing suitable output levels for compatible loads. Multiple modules can also be connected to the same I2C bus by configuring their addresses, allowing a large number of PWM outputs to be controlled from a single microcontroller.

For servo applications, the module provides 16 three-pin servo connectors, arranged in groups of four, making it convenient to connect multiple servo motors. A separate terminal block is provided for supplying power to the connected servos or other loads.

Features

• 16-channel PWM output
• 12-bit PWM resolution
• I2C-controlled interface
• Requires only two communication pins
• Adjustable PWM frequency up to approximately 1.6 kHz
• Integrated clock for free-running PWM output
• Compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers
• 5V-compliant operation
• Push-pull or open-drain output configuration
• Output Enable pin for quickly disabling all outputs
• 16 three-pin servo connectors
• Terminal block for external power input
• Reverse polarity protection on terminal block input
• Multiple modules can be chained on a single I2C bus
• Suitable for servo and LED control

Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Product Type	16 Channel PWM / Servo Driver
PWM Controller	PCA9685
Number of Channels	16
PWM Resolution	12-bit
Interface	I2C
Communication Pins	2
PWM Frequency	Up to approximately 1.6 kHz
Output Configuration	Push-Pull / Open-Drain
Output Enable	Yes
Servo Connectors	16 × 3-Pin Connectors
Power Input	Terminal Block
Microcontroller Compatibility	3.3V / 5V Logic
Address Selection	6 Address Select Pins
Maximum Modules on I2C Bus	Up to 62
Maximum PWM Outputs with 62 Modules	Up to 992
Reverse Polarity Protection	Yes

Design and Construction

The PCA9685 driver module features a compact PCB designed for convenient connection of multiple servo motors and PWM-controlled devices. It includes 16 three-pin connectors for connecting standard servo motors, with the connectors arranged in groups for easier wiring.

A dedicated terminal block power input allows an external power supply to be connected for powering the servos or other connected loads. This helps prevent the microcontroller from having to supply the current required by multiple servos.

The module also provides address selection pins, allowing multiple PCA9685 boards to share the same I2C bus. This makes the module scalable for projects requiring a large number of PWM channels.

Working Principle

The PCA9685 receives commands from a microcontroller through the I2C interface. The microcontroller sends the required PWM settings to the PCA9685, and the onboard controller continuously generates the corresponding PWM signals on its 16 output channels.

For servo control, each servo is connected to one of the available three-pin channels. The PWM signal determines the servo’s position, allowing multiple servos to be controlled independently.

For LED applications, the PWM duty cycle can be adjusted to control brightness. Since the PCA9685 has its own clock, the microcontroller does not need to continuously generate the PWM signals.

Multiple PCA9685 modules can be connected to the same I2C bus using different addresses, significantly increasing the total number of available PWM outputs.

Applications

• Multi-servo robotics
• Robotic arms
• Hexapod robots
• Humanoid robots
• Robot joints and mechanisms
• Arduino robotics projects
• ESP32 and other microcontroller projects
• Pan-tilt camera systems
• RC and hobby projects
• LED brightness control
• RGB LED control
• Automated mechanisms
• Animatronics
• DIY electronics
• PWM-controlled devices
• Projects requiring multiple PWM outputs

Package Includes

• 1 × PCA9685 16 Channel 12 Bit Servo Motor Driver Module

Product Disclaimer

The PCA9685 module is a PWM signal driver and does not replace a dedicated high-current power supply for servo motors. An appropriate external power source should be used when operating multiple or high-current servos.

Arduino, ESP32, servo motors, jumper wires, batteries, power supplies, and other accessories shown or mentioned for application purposes are not included unless specifically stated in the package contents.

Always verify the voltage, current requirements, connector polarity, and wiring before connecting servos or other loads.

Product images are for representation only. The actual product may vary slightly in colour, component placement, PCB markings, or appearance depending on the manufacturing batch.