Comparison page

74HC595 vs PCA9685

Side-by-side selection notes for specs, ecosystem readiness, known issues, and data confidence. This page is generated from structured component fields instead of a hand-written article.

74HC595

Projects needing IO expansion and Shift register with a commonly available power part.

PCA9685

Projects needing PWM and Servo with a commonly available power part.

Specification Matrix

Dimension74HC595 PCA9685

CategoryPowerPower

MakerNexperiaNXP

CoreNot specifiedNot specified

ClockNot specifiedNot specified

WirelessNot specifiedNot specified

Voltage3.3V3.3V

LibrariesArduino, MicroPythonArduino, MicroPython

Price$0.05 - $0.30$1.50 - $5.00

Known Tradeoffs

74HC595

Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

PCA9685

Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Open Individual Model Pages

74HC595

Nexperia

8-bit shift register used to expand outputs for LEDs, relays, and simple digital control.

China-madePower86% confidence

PCA9685

NXP

16-channel PWM controller used for servo control, LED dimming, and robotics projects.

China-madePower88% confidence