The 7Semi MCP23017 breakout board is designed to expand the digital I/O capabilities of microcontrollers and SBCs using I2C communication. It offers 16 additional bidirectional GPIO pins through a simple 2-wire I2C interface. It is ideal for applications that require more I/O lines than what the host device provides.

Technical Specification:

• IC: MCP23017
  
• Interface: I2C (standard and fast mode up to 1.7 MHz)
  
• Operating Voltage: 1.8V to 5.5V
  
• GPIO Count: 16 (2 ports of 8 bits each)
  
• Addressable Devices: Up to 8 on one I2C bus using 3 address pins
  
• Interrupts: Dual interrupt outputs (INTA, INTB)
  
• Current Consumption (Standby): ~1 µA max
  
• Logic Compatibility: 3.3V and 5V systems
  
• Package: Breakout board with header pins
  
• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +85°C (typical)

Features:

• Adds 16 GPIOs to any microcontroller using only 2 I2C lines
  
• All GPIOs are individually programmable as input or output
  
• Supports optional pull-up resistors and polarity inversion
  
• Interrupt-on-change feature for efficient signal monitoring
  
• Compatible with wide supply voltages
  
• Compact breakout board ideal for prototyping
  
• Supports multiple boards on a single I2C bus
  
• Low power consumption suitable for battery-powered systems

Applications:

• GPIO expansion for microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP32, STM32, etc.)
  
• I/O extension for Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers
  
• Button matrix reading and keypad interfaces
  
• LED control, display row/column driving
  
• Industrial monitoring and automation
  
• Robotics and hobby electronics projects
  
• Low-power embedded systems needing extra digital lines