Power

TCA9548A

8-channel I2C multiplexer used to connect sensors with duplicate I2C addresses.

China-madeTexas InstrumentsActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing I2C mux and Address conflicts 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

TCA9548A is indexed as a power part from Texas Instruments. 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

FunctionI2C multiplexerSource: Texas Instruments
Working Voltage1.65V - 5.5VSource: Texas Instruments

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 Integrity88% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.ti.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("TCA9548A I2C wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this with the maintained TCA9548A library call.
  Serial.println("Check TCA9548A 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("TCA9548A I2C devices:", i2c.scan())

while True:
    # Replace with the maintained TCA9548A driver call.
    print("read TCA9548A 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.
74HC595PowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
A4988PowerSame-category alternative worth checking for pinout, library, and supply differences.
AMS1117-3.3PowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is TCA9548A best used for?

Projects needing I2C mux and Address conflicts with a commonly available power part.

Does TCA9548A support Arduino or MicroPython?

TCA9548A has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.

What interfaces does TCA9548A use?

TCA9548A lists I2C; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare TCA9548A vs 18650 Battery Holder

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