Power
74HC595
8-bit shift register used to expand outputs for LEDs, relays, and simple digital control.
Best For
Projects needing IO expansion and Shift register with a commonly available power part.
Avoid If
You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.
Quick Decision Notes
74HC595 is indexed as a power part from Nexperia. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.
Technical Specifications
Common Use Cases
- Maker prototypes
- Low-cost modules
- Educational hardware
Known Issues
- Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
- Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part
Interfaces and Library Support
Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.
Submit correctionSource Resources
Pinout Table
Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.
Common Wiring
Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
Share with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.
Required for most displays, radios, and writable devices.
Arduino Example
#include <SPI.h>
const int chipSelect = 10;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
pinMode(chipSelect, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
SPI.begin();
Serial.println("74HC595 SPI wiring smoke test");
}
void loop() {
// Replace this transaction with the maintained 74HC595 driver call.
digitalWrite(chipSelect, LOW);
SPI.transfer(0x00);
digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}MicroPython Example
from machine import Pin, SPI
import time
spi = SPI(0, baudrate=1_000_000, polarity=0, phase=0)
cs = Pin(5, Pin.OUT, value=1)
while True:
# Replace with the maintained 74HC595 driver call.
cs(0)
spi.write(bytes([0x00]))
cs(1)
time.sleep(1)Recommended Development Boards
Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.
Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.
Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.
Alternative Model Reasons
Common Questions
What is 74HC595 best used for?
Projects needing IO expansion and Shift register with a commonly available power part.
Does 74HC595 support Arduino or MicroPython?
74HC595 has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.
What interfaces does 74HC595 use?
74HC595 lists SPI, GPIO; wireless support is no wireless protocol.
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