I/O Expanders, short for Input/Output Expanders, are designed to increase the number of input and output pins available to a microcontroller or other digital devices. These expanders are commonly used in electronic systems where the existing number of I/O pins on a microcontroller or IC is insufficient for connecting multiple peripheral devices or sensors. I/O Expanders provide a cost-effective solution for extending the I/O capabilities of a system without the need for additional complex wiring or hardware modifications.
The price of I/O Expanders can vary based on several factors. One primary factor is the number of I/O pins offered by the expander, where higher pin counts typically result in higher prices.
When purchasing I/O Expanders, assess your system's specific I/O requirements and determine the number of additional pins needed. Consider the compatibility of the I/O Expander with your microcontroller or digital device, ensuring that it supports the required communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI) and voltage levels. Evaluate the expander's features such as interrupt support, configurable I/O modes, and voltage regulation capabilities to meet your application's demands.