Adafruit 16-Channel 12-bit PWM/Servo Driver - I2C interface [PCA9685]

The Adafruit 16-Channel PWM/Servo Driver uses the PCA9685 chip to provide 16 channels of 12-bit PWM output over I2C. With a built-in clock, the driver runs independently — no need to continuously send signals from your microcontroller. Ideal for controlling servos, LEDs, or any PWM-driven device.

Up to 62 boards can be chained on a single I2C bus using solder-jumper address selection, giving you control over up to 992 PWM outputs. The board is 5V compliant, so you can control it from a 3.3V microcontroller while driving outputs up to 6V.

Key Features

• 16 PWM Channels – 12-bit resolution (4,096 steps) per output
• PCA9685 Driver – Free-running I2C-controlled PWM with built-in clock
• Chainable – Up to 62 boards on one I2C bus (992 total outputs)
• 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, with output enable pin
• 220Ω Series Resistors – Output protection and easy LED driving
• Reverse Polarity Protection – On terminal block power input
• Servo Connectors – 3-pin headers in groups of 4 for up to 16 servos

Also Available

• 16-Channel PWM/Servo Shield – Arduino shield format with prototyping area

Ideal For

• Multi-servo robotics (hexapods, robotic arms)
• Precise LED dimming and colour mixing
• Kinetic art with many moving parts
• Large-scale PWM output expansion

Package Contents

• 1× Adafruit PCA9685 16-channel PWM/Servo driver breakout (assembled and tested)
• 4× 3×4 male straight headers (for servo plugs)
• 1× 2-pin terminal block (for power input)
• 1× 6-pin 0.1" header

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)
• Max Chainable – 62 boards (992 outputs)