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Green circuit board with 16 rows of three-pin headers and I2C connector

Adafruit

Adafruit 16-Channel 12-bit PWM/Servo Shield I2C

SKU CH-TYJ7-9XWP0

Controls 16 PWM or servo channels via I2C with 12-bit resolution and adjustable frequency up to 1.6 KHz

  • Product typeEngineering Development Tools
  • Controls 16 PWM outputs using only two I2C pins
  • 12-bit resolution gives about 4 µs servo precision at 60 Hz
  • Stack up to 62 shields for 992 total outputs
  • Adjustable PWM frequency up to about 1.6 KHz
  • 5 V compliant so a 3.3 V board can drive 6 V outputs

16-Channel PWM Shield

The Adafruit 16-Channel 12-bit PWM/Servo Shield adds sixteen free-running pulse-width modulation outputs to a microcontroller using only two I2C pins. It suits robotics builders, LED lighting designers and students who need many servo or dimming channels without consuming processor time.

I2C bus limits

The shield operates at a fixed address of 0x40 and provides six address select pins, allowing up to 62 boards on one bus for a total of 992 outputs. Other I2C devices may share the same SCL and SDA lines provided their addresses do not conflict with the chosen range.

Stackable design and voltage tolerance

The board is 5V compliant so a 3.3V logic host can safely drive outputs up to 6V. Servo connectors are grouped in fours on .1 inch headers; the slightly wider plug spacing means only four fit side by side, which dictates cable routing when all sixteen channels are populated.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Engineering Workstations & Dev Kits, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $13.99
Pricier than about 60% of the 170 comparable items (median $11.49).

Specifications

Product
Product typeEngineering Development Tools

Questions about this item

Should I choose a single shield or stack multiple units to reach the 992-output maximum?

One shield gives you 16 channels. Each board has 6 address select pins so you can stack up to 62 shields on one I2C bus, reaching 992 outputs if your project needs that scale.

What does the 12-bit resolution mean when I am driving servos at a 60Hz update rate?

At 60Hz the 12-bit resolution translates to roughly 4us steps per channel, giving smooth position control for standard hobby servos.

How does the I2C interface limit the number of shields I can connect and the address space used?

The shield uses address 0x40 by default and the 6 address pins let you assign 62 unique addresses, so up to 62 shields share the same two I2C pins without conflict.

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