Adafruit 16-Channel 12-bit PWM/Servo Shield - I2C interface

The Adafruit 16-Channel PWM/Servo Shield brings PCA9685-based servo and PWM control to any Arduino in a convenient shield format. Using only I2C (SCL and SDA), the shield provides 16 channels of 12-bit PWM output with a built-in clock — no continuous signal from your microcontroller needed.

Up to 62 shields can be stacked on a single I2C bus for a total of 992 PWM outputs. The shield also features a 5×20 prototyping area for additional wiring, and is 5V compliant for driving outputs up to 6V from a 3.3V Arduino.

Key Features

• 16 PWM Channels – 12-bit resolution (4,096 steps) per output
• PCA9685 Driver – Free-running I2C-controlled PWM with built-in clock (address 0x40)
• Stackable – Up to 62 shields on one I2C bus (12 of 16 outputs accessible when stacked)
• 5V Compliant – Control from 3.3V logic, drive up to 6V outputs
• Adjustable Frequency – PWM up to ~1.6 kHz
• Configurable Output – Push-pull or open-drain
• 220Ω Series Resistors – Output protection and easy LED driving
• Reverse Polarity Protection – On terminal block power input
• 5×20 Proto Area – Extra space for custom wiring
• Servo Connectors – 3-pin headers in groups of 4 for up to 16 servos

Also Available

• 16-Channel PWM/Servo Driver Breakout – Breadboard-friendly breakout format

Ideal For

• Arduino-based robotics with multiple servos
• Precise LED dimming and colour mixing
• Kinetic art and animatronics
• Large-scale PWM output expansion

Package Contents

• 1× Adafruit PCA9685 16-channel PWM/Servo shield (assembled and tested)
• 4× 3×4 male straight headers (for servo plugs)
• 1× 2-pin terminal block (for power input)
• 1× 0.1" header strip

Specifications

• Driver Chip – PCA9685
• Channels – 16
• PWM Resolution – 12-bit (4,096 steps)
• Servo Resolution – ~4µs at 60Hz update rate
• Max PWM Frequency – ~1.6 kHz
• Output Voltage – Up to 6V
• Interface – I2C (6 address select pins)
• Form Factor – Arduino R3 shield