Please share your experience with the MCP23016 16-bit I2C IO Device with me.

Projects Programming
1

I am building an Arduino system that will need a bunch of IO primarily for buttons, switches and LEDs. There are a few out there, but the MCP23016 seems to be readily available at EBAY and comes a Dip package, which I like.

I am counting 8 LEDs (outputs) and 10 Switches (inputs) so I probably want to design with two of these.

I would likely then wire each device to do 8 inputs and 8 outputs. That would give me a total of 16 each, input and output on my circuit. That would be good for futureproofing my design.

I hope to be able to drive the LEDs directly.

I also looked at the PCF8575 but as far as I can tell, it is unavailable in Dip package.

I prefer Dip devices because I can't see those darn little pins and I haven't invested in a $400 soldering iron yet.

Anyway, I would be interested in any comments.

For example, do I need a specific Library to operate these, or just an I2C Library?, etc.

Thanks!

2

From the Microchip device overview.

The MCP23016 is not recommended for new designs. Please consider using the MCP23017 or MCP23018 instead.

I have used the MCP23017. It comes in a DIP package.

I used the wire library for I2C but my own code to setup, read and write to it. Here is an Adafruit library, though I have not used it so can't comment on its use.

The 23017 can be used as 2 8 bit registers, each with its own interrupt or as a single 16 bit register.

3

Don't use the MCP23016. It requires an external timing capacitor & resistor, and I have experienced compatibility problems with an ESP8266. As suggested, use the MCP23017 instead and note the different pinout.

4

Thanks guys -- works for me.

I just ordered a few and will begin my adventure.

Greg