PCF8591 Module AD/DA Converter without Cable (Big Board)

Description

Product Overview

The PCF8591 AD/DA Converter Module (Big Board) is a versatile, low-power 8-bit data acquisition board designed to add analog input and analog output capabilities to any development system. Based on the NXP PCF8591 chip, this larger-format module serves as an essential interface between analog sensors and digital microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi, which often lack built-in analog-to-digital converters .

The module provides 4 analog inputs (for reading sensors such as potentiometers, photoresistors, and temperature sensors) and 1 analog output (for controlling devices like LED brightness or small DC motors). Communication occurs via the simple 2-wire I2C bus, requiring only two pins (SDA and SCL) — making it an efficient solution for expanding your project’s sensing and control capabilities without consuming valuable GPIO resources .

What distinguishes this “Big Board” version is its larger PCB design (approximately 36mm × 23mm) and extended functionality. The board integrates useful on-board components that enhance its versatility for learning and prototyping. It includes:

• Built-in Photoresistor: For measuring ambient light intensity via AD acquisition.

• Built-in Thermistor: For measuring ambient temperature via AD acquisition.

• 1-Channel 0-5V Voltage Input Acquisition: Controlled by an on-board blue potentiometer for adjustable voltage input.

• DA Output Indicator LED: Lights up when the analog output reaches a certain threshold; brightness increases with higher output voltage .

Whether you need to read light sensors, monitor temperature, generate analog control signals, or teach the fundamentals of data acquisition, this PCF8591 module delivers a complete and cost-effective solution.

Key Features

• 4-Channel Analog Input (ADC): 4 configurable 0-5V analog input channels (AIN0–AIN3) for reading sensors, with built-in examples including a photoresistor (LED), thermistor, and voltage adjustment via potentiometer .

• 1-Channel Analog Output (DAC): 1 analog output (AOUT) for controlling dimmable devices; includes an on-board indicator LED that visualizes the output level .

• 8-Bit Resolution: Both the ADC and DAC offer 8-bit resolution (values from 0 to 255), providing 256 steps of precision .

• I2C Interface: Simple 2-wire communication (SDA, SCL) uses only two pins, saving valuable microcontroller resources .

• Multiple Address Support: Three hardware address pins (A0, A1, A2) allow up to 8 modules on the same I2C bus (address range 0x48–0x4f) .

• Wide Voltage Support: Operates from 2.5V to 6V DC, compatible with both 3.3V (ESP32, Raspberry Pi) and 5V (Arduino) logic systems .

• Built-in On-Board Components: Integrates a photoresistor, thermistor, and adjustable potentiometer for learning and prototyping without extra sensors.

• Compact & Mountable: Board dimensions approximately 36mm × 23mm with 3mm mounting holes for easy installation .

Technical Specifications