Comparison page

PCA9685 vs PCF8574

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.

PCA9685

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

PCF8574

Projects needing IO expansion and I2C with a commonly available power part.

Specification Matrix

DimensionPCA9685 PCF8574

CategoryPowerPower

MakerNXPNXP

CoreNot specifiedNot specified

ClockNot specifiedNot specified

WirelessNot specifiedNot specified

Voltage3.3V3.3V

LibrariesArduino, MicroPythonArduino, MicroPython

Price$1.50 - $5.00$0.20 - $1.00

Known Tradeoffs

PCA9685

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

PCF8574

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

Open Individual Model Pages

PCA9685

NXP

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

China-madePower88% confidence

PCF8574

NXP

I2C GPIO expander often used in LCD backpacks and small IO expansion modules.

China-madePower84% confidence