PCA9685 16-Channel I2C Servo Driver Module 12-Bit PWM for Arduino ESP32 Raspberry Pi

This is a PCA9685-based I2C PWM controller board designed to let a microcontroller control up to 16 PWM outputs from just two I2C lines. It is widely used for hobby servos, robotics, motion projects, animatronics, and LED dimming because the onboard controller handles PWM generation without tying up multiple MCU pins or heavy timing overhead.

The PCA9685 16-Channel I2C Servo Driver Module is also known as a PCA9685 servo driver, PCA9685 PWM driver, 16-channel servo driver, I2C servo driver, I2C PWM controller, PWM servo controller board, servo driver board, 16-channel PWM module.

Guaranteed reliability: Our Servo Motor Driver Module - I2C Interface, PCA9685 16-Channel 12-bit PWM includes a 1 Year Techexpress New Zealand Guarantee!

Benefits of the PCA9685 16-Channel I2C Servo Driver Module

If you need to control multiple servos or PWM devices without running out of pins on your Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi, this PCA9685 module is one of the most practical upgrades you can add to a project. It gives you scalable multi-channel control, cleaner wiring, and more reliable PWM output for demanding robotics and automation builds.

• Controls up to 16 PWM outputs from a single board
• Uses I2C, so it only needs SDA and SCL from your controller
• Reduces microcontroller pin usage for larger servo projects
• 12-bit PWM resolution provides fine control with 4096 steps
• Suitable for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi and other I2C-capable platforms
• Chain multiple boards together for large multi-servo builds
• Excellent for robot arms, pan-tilt systems, animatronics and RC projects
• Useful for LED dimming as well as servo control
• Built-in PWM generation reduces timing overhead on the host MCU
• Best suited to projects that need tidy, expandable servo control

Guaranteed reliability: Our Servo Motor Driver Module - I2C Interface, PCA9685 16-Channel 12-bit PWM includes a 1 Year Techexpress New Zealand Guarantee!

Add dependable multi-channel PWM control to your next build with Techexpress NZ.

Features of the Servo Motor Driver Module - I2C Interface, PCA9685 16-Channel 12-bit PWM:

• PCA9685 16-channel PWM controller
• I2C interface for simple two-wire control
• 12-bit PWM resolution
• Up to 16 independent output channels
• Programmable PWM frequency
• Built-in oscillator
• 3.3V and 5V logic-friendly control
• Separate V+ power rail for servos or loads
• 6 hardware address pins for multi-board expansion
• Up to 62 boards on one I2C bus
• Output enable pin for fast global disable
• Selectable output structure at IC level
• Suitable for servos and LED dimming
• 3-pin output headers for direct servo connection
• Screw terminal power input
• Chainable board format
• Mounting holes for secure installation

Applications for the Servo Motor Driver Module - I2C Interface, PCA9685 16-Channel 12-bit PWM:

• Multi-servo robotics projects
• Robot arms and grippers
• Pan-tilt camera systems
• Animatronics and moving displays
• Quadruped and hexapod robots
• RC mechanisms and model movement systems
• Automated vents, flaps and linkages
• DIY mechatronics prototypes
• STEM and education projects
• Raspberry Pi servo control projects
• Arduino multi-servo builds
• ESP32 robotics and automation projects
• LED dimming and lighting effects
• Art installations with motion
• Motion control test rigs

Compatibility

This PCA9685 module is designed for use with controllers and development platforms that support I2C communication. In practical terms, that makes it suitable for many Arduino boards, ESP32 boards, Raspberry Pi systems, and other microcontrollers that expose SDA and SCL lines.

It is best suited to:
• Arduino Uno, Mega, Nano and similar Arduino-compatible boards with I2C support
• ESP32 development boards
• Raspberry Pi boards with I2C enabled
• Other 3.3V or 5V I2C-capable microcontrollers
• Standard hobby servo systems that use a separate external servo supply
• LED dimming projects that can work within the board and chip output limits

Important compatibility notes:
• The module communicates over I2C, so your controller must support I2C
• The control side is suitable for 3.3V and 5V logic use in common PCA9685 breakout designs
• The board generates PWM/servo control signals; it is not a high-current motor power stage
• Servo power should normally come from a separate external supply connected to the V+ rail
• All 16 channels share the same PWM frequency, so mixed-frequency use on one board is not ideal
• For standard hobby servos, a practical setup is usually around 50 to 60 Hz
• For LED use, higher PWM frequencies may be preferred depending on the application
• If you need more channels, multiple boards can be chained by changing addresses
• Address conflicts should be checked when using other I2C devices on the same bus
• Some versions of this module may arrive with unsoldered headers, so light assembly may be required

Please confirm compatibility for unusual, high-current, high-voltage, or less common setups before purchase.

Technical Specifications:

• Main IC: PCA9685
• Interface: I2C / IIC
• Output Channels: 16
• PWM Resolution: 12-bit
• PWM Steps: 4096
• PWM Frequency Range: Typical 24 Hz to 1526 Hz
• Typical Servo Frequency: Around 50 to 60 Hz
• I2C Bus Capability: Fast-mode Plus up to 1 MHz
• Hardware Address Pins: 6
• Multi-Board Expansion: Up to 62 devices on one I2C bus
• Maximum Scalable Outputs: Up to 992 outputs across chained boards
• Output Type: Software-selectable open-drain or totem-pole at IC level
• OE Pin: Yes, active low
• IC Supply Voltage: 2.3V to 5.5V
• Logic Compatibility: Commonly used with 3.3V and 5V I2C hosts
• Servo/Load Power Rail: Separate V+ input
• Practical Servo Supply Guidance: Best suited to standard hobby-servo power arrangements, typically 5V to 6V
• Internal Oscillator: 25 MHz typical
• IC Output Current Capability: Up to 25 mA sink and 10 mA source at 5V
• Common Connector Layout: 16 x 3-pin output headers, I2C/control header, 2-pin power terminal
• Board Format: Common breakout module with mounting holes
• Approx. Board Size: Commonly around 62.5 x 25.4 mm for this breakout style
• Applications: robotics, servo control, LED dimming, animatronics, pan-tilt, automation, RC projects, Arduino projects, ESP32 builds, Raspberry Pi projects

Package includes: 1x Servo Motor Driver Module - I2C Interface, PCA9685 16-Channel 12-bit PWM.

*Does not include a: servo motor, external power supply, Arduino board, ESP32 board, Raspberry Pi, jumper wires, breadboard, USB cable, batteries, or tools. The image is for illustrative purposes only. Due to variations in camera settings, lighting, manufacturing processes, monitors, and supply, colours may differ. Product appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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