Power

PCF8574

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

China-madeNXPActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing IO expansion and I2C 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

PCF8574 is indexed as a power part from NXP. 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

FunctionGPIO expanderSource: NXP
InterfaceI2CSource: NXP
Working Voltage2.5V - 6VSource: NXP

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

Interfaces
I2C
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython verified
Data Integrity84% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.nxp.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SDAMCU I2C dataUse pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.
SCLMCU I2C clockKeep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.

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

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SDA

Use pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.

SCL

Keep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.

Arduino Example

#include <Wire.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.println("PCF8574 I2C wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this with the maintained PCF8574 library call.
  Serial.println("Check PCF8574 on the I2C bus, then read a sample.");
  delay(1000);
}

MicroPython Example

from machine import Pin, I2C
import time

i2c = I2C(0, scl=Pin(1), sda=Pin(0), freq=100000)
print("PCF8574 I2C devices:", i2c.scan())

while True:
    # Replace with the maintained PCF8574 driver call.
    print("read PCF8574 sample")
    time.sleep(1)

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

18650 Battery HolderPowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
74HC595PowerThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
A4988PowerThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
AMS1117-3.3PowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is PCF8574 best used for?

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

Does PCF8574 support Arduino or MicroPython?

PCF8574 has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.

What interfaces does PCF8574 use?

PCF8574 lists I2C; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare PCF8574 vs 18650 Battery Holder

Alternatives and Related Parts