PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX - 48-bit I2C I/O Expander 56-TQFN | Diodes Inc
MPN: PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.32 | $3.32 |
| 10 | $2.95 | $29.50 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.32 | $1,160.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.1 | $2,100.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.86 | $5,580.00 |
PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX Overview
An I2C I/O expander is a digital IC that multiplies the limited GPIO resources of a host microcontroller by exposing additional general-purpose input/output pins addressable over the two-wire I2C serial bus. In the broader component hierarchy, this places the device within the interface IC category (I/O expanders), itself a subclass of digital logic and bus-interface semiconductors that sit between a controller and peripheral signals. The PI4IOE5V96248 specifically targets MCUs whose GPIO count is the limiting factor for keypads, switches, LEDs and other human-machine interfaces.
Key features include built-in LED driver capability with selectable drive strength (25 mA / 30 mA per pin), 250 nA typical standby current, push-pull and open-drain output modes, hardware reset, and cascading capability through user-configurable I2C addresses. The 56-TQFN exposed-pad package provides a low thermal resistance path that sustains continuous high-current LED drive without derating. The device integrates 5 V tolerant I/O on a 2.3 V-5.5 V supply, allowing direct interface to 3.3 V and 5 V rails without level shifters.
Internally the chip implements six 8-bit I/O banks (P0..P5), each with independent control registers for direction, pull-up enable, output value, and interrupt-on-change masking. The interrupt output aggregates any unmasked change across the 48 pins and signals the host, while the reset pin simplifies multi-chip synchronization and cascaded configurations. The 1 MHz I2C clock and cascading address expansion make it suitable for very large GPIO fanouts in industrial control panels.
Typical applications include industrial keypads and control panels, multi-LED status indicators, white goods human-machine interfaces, point-of-sale terminals, and any MCU-limited system requiring 48 or more general-purpose I/O lines. The integrated LED driver also makes it a strong fit for RGB lighting arrays that otherwise occupy multiple MCU pins with software PWM.
When designing with this part, route the 56-TQFN exposed pad to a contiguous ground copper pour for both thermal dissipation and low-impedance return. The I2C pull-ups must be sized for the 1 MHz Fast-mode Plus clock; values in the 1 kOhm to 2.2 kOhm range are typical for 3.3 V and 5 V rails. Multiple PI4IOE5V96248 devices may share the bus by setting their A0/A1/A2 address straps to unique values, expanding the system to 192 I/O or more without any firmware change to the bus protocol layer.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical I2C expander design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PI4IOE5V96248ZHEX
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PI4IOE5V96248ZLCEX
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PI4IOE5V96224ZLEX
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PI4IOE5V96240ZLEX
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PI4IOE5V96216ZLEX
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | 48-bit I2C-bus I/O Expander |
| Number of I/O Pins | 48 |
| Interface | I2C (serial, 2-wire) |
| I2C Clock Frequency | 1 MHz (Fast-mode Plus) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Output Drive Current per Pin | 25 mA / 30 mA (selectable) |
| Standby Current | 250 nA (typical) |
| Logic Low Output Voltage (max) | 500 mV |
| Output Type | Push-Pull or Open-Drain (programmable) |
| Interrupt Output | Yes (open-drain, INT) |
| Reset Pin | Yes (active-low hardware reset) |
| Address Pins | A0, A1, A2 (hardware-selectable I2C address for cascade) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | QFN-56-EP (7x7 mm) - TQFN with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| I/O Tolerance | 5 V tolerant on 2.3 V-5.5 V supply |
| Cascade / Expansion | Yes (up to 8 devices per bus) |
| Built-in LED Driver | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX qfn-56-ep (7x7 mm) - tqfn with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX (qfn-56-ep (7x7 mm) - tqfn with exposed pad package). This power device features gate, drain, and source terminals. For non-polarized packages, refer to the manufacturer datasheet for exact pin 1 orientation and footprint details. Common applications include power supply design, motor driving, and load switching.
No detailed pinout data available for PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Keypad / Control Panel GPIO Expansion, White Goods Human-Machine Interface (Washer / Oven / Dishwasher), Multi-LED Status Indicator Arrays (Server / Switch / Router), Point-of-Sale Terminal I/O Expansion, Building Automation Sensor / Actuator Fan-out, Medical Device Front-Panel Keypad and Indicator Control, Automotive Dashboard Switch and Backlight Matrix (Non-Safety Domain).
Industrial Keypad / Control Panel GPIO Expansion
The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX delivers 48 individually-addressable GPIOs over a single I2C bus, allowing a low-pin-count MCU to scan a 6x8 matrix keypad plus status LEDs without external scan logic. The 1 MHz I2C (Fast-mode Plus) keeps key-scan latency below 1 ms even with full matrix polling, while the 25 mA / 30 mA selectable drive directly sinks LED current without MOSFETs. The 56-TQFN exposed-pad package provides the thermal headroom needed for continuously-illuminated panel indicators in 24/7 industrial environments.
Recommended
White Goods Human-Machine Interface (Washer / Oven / Dishwasher)
White goods HMI boards typically combine a 7-segment or LCD display with multiple LEDs, capacitive touch keys, and rotary encoders - often exceeding the GPIO budget of an entry-level MCU. The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX aggregates all of these onto one I2C-expander chip, with built-in LED drive eliminating the discrete transistors normally required. Its 2.3 V to 5.5 V supply range supports both 3.3 V MCU + 5 V LED-mix designs common in appliance boards, and the 250 nA standby current keeps sleep-mode power budgets on target for energy-rated appliances.
Recommended
Multi-LED Status Indicator Arrays (Server / Switch / Router)
In a managed Ethernet switch or 1U server, dozens of per-port LEDs must report link, activity, and speed states. The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX drives up to 48 LEDs directly at 25 mA each (or 30 mA in high-drive mode), with all LEDs software-PWM-dimmed through the I2C register map - no host MCU pin time required. The 56-TQFN exposed pad dissipates the package heat from sustained multi-LED drive, and the cascadable I2C addressing (up to 8 devices) lets a single I2C bus light 384 status LEDs across a 48-port switch.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal I/O Expansion
POS terminals combine a printer, cash drawer, customer display, magnetic-stripe reader, NFC reader, and keypad - each requiring 1 to 8 GPIOs for status and control. The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX consolidates this peripheral I/O onto a single I2C bus, freeing the host application processor for transaction logic. Hardware reset and open-drain interrupt output simplify reliable bring-up after firmware update or watch-dog reset in the field, both critical for unattended POS kiosks.
Recommended
Building Automation Sensor / Actuator Fan-out
Building-automation controllers aggregate inputs from many sensors (PIR, temperature, door, window, smoke) and outputs to relays, valves, and dimmers. The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX's 48-bit I/O bank supports up to 48 sensor-input or actuator-output channels per chip, with cascade addresses allowing several chips on the same I2C bus. Its 5 V tolerant I/O and 2.3 V-5.5 V supply make it easy to interface with both 3.3 V sensor ICs and 5 V relay-driver rails common in HVAC and lighting-control cabinets.
Recommended
Medical Device Front-Panel Keypad and Indicator Control
Patient monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic equipment use membrane keypads and multi-segment status indicators that must respond deterministically under EMC stress. The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX's 1 MHz I2C and hardware reset provide predictable response after transient upset, while its 5 V tolerant open-drain outputs can pull up to long cable harnesses to remote front panels. The exposed-pad 56-TQFN aids thermal dissipation for always-on backlit indicators in continuous-use clinical equipment.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard Switch and Backlight Matrix (Non-Safety Domain)
Automotive center-stack and HVAC panels combine illuminated push-buttons, rotary encoders, and backlit LCD segment drivers - usually exceeding a body-domain MCU's native GPIO budget. The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX provides 48 GPIOs with built-in LED drive for backlight PWM dimming, suitable for non-safety domains such as infotainment HMI. For safety-critical domains, designers should verify that the part meets the AEC-Q100 grade required by the application.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PI4IOE5V96248ZHEX | PI4IOE5V96248ZLCEX | PI4IOE5V96224ZLEX | PI4IOE5V96240ZLEX | PI4IOE5V96216ZLEX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFN-56-EP (7x7) | TQFN-56-EP (7x7) - same | TQFN-56-EP (7x7) - same | TQFN-56-EP (7x7) - same | TQFN-56-EP (7x7) - same | TQFN-56-EP (7x7) - same |
| Brand | Diodes Incorporated | Diodes Incorporated | Diodes Incorporated | Diodes Incorporated | Diodes Incorporated | Diodes Incorporated |
| Number of I/O Pins | 48 | 48 | 48 | 24 | 40 | 16 |
| Interface | I2C (1 MHz Fast-mode Plus) | I2C (1 MHz Fm+) - same | I2C (1 MHz Fm+) - same | I2C (1 MHz Fm+) | I2C (1 MHz Fm+) | I2C (1 MHz Fm+) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Output Drive per Pin | 25 mA / 30 mA | 25 mA / 30 mA - same | 25 mA / 30 mA - same | 25 mA / 30 mA | 25 mA / 30 mA | 25 mA / 30 mA |
| Interrupt Output | Yes (INT, open-drain) | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware Reset | Yes (active-low) | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- 48 GPIOs in a single chip with built-in 25/30 mA LED driver (vs MCP23017 (16-bit))
- 1 MHz I2C (Fast-mode Plus) for high-throughput register access (vs PCF8574 (400 kHz))
- Exposed-pad TQFN-56 package for sustained high-current LED drive (vs MCP23017 in SSOP-28)
Design Notes
The 56-TQFN exposed pad must be soldered to a contiguous ground copper pour, ideally with thermal vias to inner ground planes. This serves both electrical return and thermal dissipation paths; the part dissipates meaningful heat only when many I/O pins are sourcing LED current simultaneously. Estimated: at 48 pins x 25 mA with VDD=5 V and full LED string of 3 V forward drop, package power can reach ~2.4 W - the exposed pad keeps junction temperature rise manageable. Allow at least 1 oz copper and a via array of 4-9 thermal vias for the pad.
Place 100 nF and 4.7 uF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the VDD pin (within 2 mm), with short, wide traces to ground. The PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX includes internal slope control on the I2C SDA/SCL drivers, but a stable local supply is still required to prevent logic errors on the address-matching comparator during heavy I/O switching. Add a 10 kOhm pull-up on the RESET pin if the host does not actively drive it.
Do not omit the I2C pull-up resistors - the PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX has open-drain SDA/SCL drivers only and cannot drive the bus high on its own. Estimated: for 1 MHz Fast-mode Plus with a bus capacitance of ~50 pF, a pull-up value in the 1 kOhm to 2.2 kOhm range is appropriate at 3.3 V; lower values are needed at 5 V. Always verify with a scope that the rise time is below 120 ns for Fm+ compliance, otherwise downgrade to standard Fast-mode (400 kHz).
Keep the I2C traces short and length-matched. For multi-drop buses at 1 MHz with several PI4IOE5V96248ZLEX chips, keep total bus capacitance under 400 pF and consider series resistors in the SCL line near the master to dampen ringing. The hardware RESET pin has an internal pull-up; drive it from the MCU with an open-drain line so multiple expander reset signals can be wire-OR'd if required by the system architecture.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per JLCPCB part listing. AEC-Q100 not specified - confirm with Diodes for automotive safety-domain use. Halogen-free status not explicitly published in the verified web data.
