PCF8591 Module Analog to Digital / Digital-Analog Converter Module

PCF8591 Module Analog to Digital / Digital-Analog Converter Module is an essential expansion board that equips your microcontrollers, like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, with versatile analog capabilities. Built around the PCF8591 IC, this module provides four 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) inputs and a single 8-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) output. This allows your digital system to accurately read multiple real-world analog signals (such as temperature or light intensity) and, conversely, to generate a variable analog voltage output. Communicating via the simple I²C protocol, the PCF8591 is easy to integrate, making it perfect for projects where you need to overcome the limited analog pins of your main processor or require a dedicated analog voltage source.

Key Features:

• Bi-directional Conversion: Features a 4-channel ADC for input and a single DAC for output on one compact module.
• 8-bit Resolution: Provides 256 steps of conversion accuracy for both analog input and output signals.
• I²C Communication: Uses a standard two-wire interface (SDA and SCL), simplifying wiring and allowing multiple modules to share the same bus.
• Onboard Sensors: Includes a Photoresistor (light sensor) and a Thermistor (temperature sensor) connected to two ADC channels for immediate testing and prototyping.
• Adjustable Address: The I²C address is configurable via three address pins (A0, A1, A2), supporting up to eight modules on a single bus.

Technical Specifications:

• Operating Voltage: 2.5 V to 6 V DC
• Resolution: 8-bit (ADC and DAC)
• ADC Channels: 4 (Configurable as single-ended or differential)
• DAC Channels: 1
• Interface: I²C (Two-Wire Serial Bus)
• I²C Address Range: 0x48 to 0x4F (Binary 1001000 to 1001111)
• Max Clock Speed: ≈ 100 kHz (Standard Mode)

Mechanical Specifications:

• IC: NXP PCF8591 (or equivalent)
• Mounting: Two mounting holes for chassis attachment.
• Connections: Standard male header pins for power and I²C interface.

Dimensions:

• Module Size: ≈ 36 mm x 23 mm
• Board Thickness: ≈ 1.6 mm
• Weight: ≈ 5 g

Pinout and Wiring:

• VCC: Connect to 2.5V to 6V power supply (typically 3.3V or 5V).
• GND: Connect to ground terminal.
• SCL: Connect to the I²C Clock line of the microcontroller.
• SDA: Connect to the I²C Data line of the microcontroller.
• A0, A1, A2: Address selection pins. Connect to VCC or GND to change the module’s I²C address.
• AIN0, AIN1, AIN2, AIN3: Analog Input Channels (0 to 3) for sensor connection.
• AOUT: Analog Voltage Output pin (0V to VCC output range).

Datasheet Reference:

• Download PCF8591 IC Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Microcontroller Projects: Expanding the analog input capacity of small development boards.
• Data Logging Systems: Recording slow-changing environmental variables like light and temperature.
• Robotics and Automation: Implementing feedback loops that require sensing continuous external conditions.

Applications:

• Environmental Monitoring: Reading integrated light (photoresistor) and temperature (thermistor) or external analog sensors.
• Motor Speed Control: Using the DAC output to provide a variable reference voltage for a motor driver or voltage-controlled oscillator.
• User Input Interface: Reading joystick or potentiometer positions via the ADC channels.

Equivalent Models:

• ADS1115 Module: A higher-resolution (16-bit) ADC option for precision measurements.
• TLC5615 DAC Module: A dedicated 10-bit DAC option when you only require analog output.
• MCP3008 ADC: A higher-channel (8-channel), 10-bit ADC that uses the SPI communication protocol.

Package Includes:

• 1 x PCF8591 Module Analog to Digital / Digital-Analog Converter Module