ChipScout

Comparison page

BSS138 Level Shifter 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.

BSS138 Level Shifter

Projects needing Level shifting and I2C with a commonly available power part.

PCA9685

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

Specification Matrix

DimensionBSS138 Level ShifterPCA9685
CategoryPowerPower
MakerGenericNXP
CoreNot specifiedNot specified
ClockNot specifiedNot specified
WirelessNot specifiedNot specified
Voltage3.3V3.3V
LibrariesArduinoArduino, MicroPython
Price$0.30 - $1.50$1.50 - $5.00

Known Tradeoffs

BSS138 Level Shifter

  • 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

BSS138 Level Shifter

Generic

MOSFET-based bidirectional level shifter module used for I2C 3.3V/5V conversion.

China-madePower72% confidence

PCA9685

NXP

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

China-madePower88% confidence