Power

74HC595

8-bit shift register used to expand outputs for LEDs, relays, and simple digital control.

China-madeNexperiaActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing IO expansion and Shift register with a commonly available power part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

74HC595 is indexed as a power part from Nexperia. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

FunctionShift registerSource: Nexperia
InterfaceSPI-like GPIOSource: Nexperia
Working Voltage2V - 6VSource: Nexperia

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
SPIGPIO
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython verified
Data Integrity86% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.nexperia.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SCKMCU SPI clockShare with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.
MOSIMCU SPI data outRequired for most displays, radios, and writable devices.
MISOMCU SPI data inMay be optional for write-only displays.
CSAny free GPIOUse one chip-select pin per SPI peripheral.
SignalMCU GPIO / ADCUse a digital input, output, PWM, or ADC pin based on the module output type.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SCK

Share with other SPI devices when chip select lines are separate.

MOSI

Required for most displays, radios, and writable devices.

Arduino Example

#include <SPI.h>

const int chipSelect = 10;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  pinMode(chipSelect, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
  SPI.begin();
  Serial.println("74HC595 SPI wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this transaction with the maintained 74HC595 driver call.
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, LOW);
  SPI.transfer(0x00);
  digitalWrite(chipSelect, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
}

MicroPython Example

from machine import Pin, SPI
import time

spi = SPI(0, baudrate=1_000_000, polarity=0, phase=0)
cs = Pin(5, Pin.OUT, value=1)

while True:
    # Replace with the maintained 74HC595 driver call.
    cs(0)
    spi.write(bytes([0x00]))
    cs(1)
    time.sleep(1)

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

18650 Battery HolderPowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
A4988PowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
AMS1117-3.3PowerSame-category alternative worth checking for pinout, library, and supply differences.
AO3400PowerCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is 74HC595 best used for?

Projects needing IO expansion and Shift register with a commonly available power part.

Does 74HC595 support Arduino or MicroPython?

74HC595 has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.

What interfaces does 74HC595 use?

74HC595 lists SPI, GPIO; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare 74HC595 vs 18650 Battery Holder

Alternatives and Related Parts