8-Channel Open Collector Driver MCP23008 with I2C Interface

This device consists of a MCP23008 general purpose input-output port expander connected to a ULN2803 open-collector output controller.  This device can be used to control up to 80ma of current per channel using I2C communications. Applications include control of small incandescent lights, relays, super-bright LEDs and other low-power devices.

This device will connect or disconnect external loads to ground to turn them on or off. Voltage is applied to the external load with the ground connection flowing through this controller.  Up to eight of these devices can be daisy-chained to a single I2C port using 3 on-board address jumpers.

The MCP23008 should be programmed to 8-Bit Output mode for proper operation, each open collector output is activated when bits are turned on. Eight on-board status LEDs are dim when outputs are off. LEDs glow bright when outputs are activated.  Our example library makes it easy to use this device across many platforms.

What is the NCD I2C Interface?

NCD is the creator of plug and play modular hardware using the NCD I2C Interface connector standard.  NCD I2C devices allow you to chain together several devices on the I2C bus, and communicate to each device individually at high speed (subject to the limitations of I2C).  The NCD I2C Interface uses a standard 4-Pin I2C Input and I2C Output connector.  NCD I2C devices communicate 5V I2C data and provides 5V DC power through this connector.  NCD I2C devices use standard I2C communications for all data transport, which is supported by nearly every microcontroller in production today.  The NCD I2C Interface is strictly a 5V standard, which is ideal for transport across longer cables.  NCD I2C devices always include a 6″ (152mm) 4-conductor I2C cable.  NCD I2C Mini Modules always include a 3″ (76mm) 4-conductor I2C cable.  Cables and connectors are available separately for designers who would like to include their own NCD I2C Interface into their designs.

Plug and Play Connectivity

NCD I2C devices will plug in to any available NCD I2C Output.  This includes just about everything we make in the NCD IoT Category, including all NCD IoT devices.  We also manufacture a wide range of I2C adapters that make it easy to plug NCD I2C Devices directly into most computing platforms.  The NCD I2C Interface adapters are available for Arduino, Banana Pi, BeagleBone, Bluz, C.H.I.P., ESP8266, Onion Omega, Particle Photon and Electron, PyCom, Raspberry Pi, 2, 3, and Zero, and Windows.  We are always working to add new platform support for NCD I2C devices.  NCD I2C Interface devices are compatible with just about everything in the microcontroller industry.

Unlimited I2C Expansion

Based on our plug-and-play I2C interface standard, all NCD I2C devices are equipped with a I2C output port, making it easy to expand to a wide variety of sensors, current monitors, relay controllers, PWM controllers, and much more!  We are always designing new expansions for our modular plug-and-play I2C framework.  We are dedicated to building a product line of interconnected devices to simplify all forms of automation.  Re-use or upgrade your hardware in seconds by selecting the modules that best fit your needs, and chaining them together using the included I2C expansion cables!

Powering NCD I2C Interface Devices

Some NCD I2C devices require a external power supply, others may be powered through the 4-Pin I2C bus connector at 5VDC, and other devices are jumper selectable between external and I2C bus power.  All I2C mini modules are powered through the 5V I2C bus connector, greatly simplifying connectivity.

Features

• 8-Channels of Open Collector Outputs
• Up to 80ma per Channel
• High-speed I2C Interface using MCP23008
• Up to 8 Devices per I2C Port
• 8 On-Board OC Output Status LEDs
• Ideal for use with PC using Windows 8/10 via USB
• Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Onion, PyCom