New Product - Triple 74HC595 Output Port Expander
We're excited to announce the arrival of our Triple 74HC595 Output Port Expander, a powerful addition to your electronics prototyping toolkit that solves one of the most common challenges in Arduino and embedded projects: running out of output pins.
If you've ever found yourself wishing you had more digital outputs on your microcontroller, you're not alone. Many projects demand control over multiple LEDs, relays, motors, or other components, but most development boards have a limited number of GPIO pins. The 74HC595 shift register changes that equation entirely.
What Is the 74HC595 Shift Register?
The 74HC595 is a serial-in, parallel-out shift register, a small but ingenious chip that lets you control up to 8 digital outputs using just 3 control pins from your microcontroller. Our triple configuration gives you three of these chips cascaded together, delivering a total of 24 addressable output pins from a single serial connection.
This means you can:
- Control 24 LEDs or relays with minimal pin usage
- Chain multiple expanders for even more outputs
- Simplify complex wiring in space-constrained projects
- Free up valuable GPIO pins for sensors and other inputs
Ideal Use Cases
The Triple 74HC595 Output Port Expander is perfect for:
- LED Matrix Projects – Drive status indicators, visual feedback systems, or decorative lighting
- Relay Control – Activate multiple circuits or high-current devices from a low-power microcontroller
- Industrial Prototypes – Manage multi-output systems in test rigs and automation setups
- Educational Projects – Learn about shift registers and serial communication protocols
- Home Automation – Expand control over smart home components without additional microcontroller boards
Easy Integration
Our breakout board version makes integration straightforward. The module comes with clear pin labels and is fully compatible with Arduino and Arduino-compatible development boards. Whether you're using the standard SPI interface or bit-banging via software, the 74HC595 protocol is well-documented and widely supported across the maker community.
The board also includes convenient power and ground rails, making breadboard integration clean and reliable.
Why Choose This Expander?
Building with shift registers reduces circuit complexity and board clutter. Instead of running dozens of wires from your microcontroller, you manage just three serial control lines. The cascading design lets you stack additional chips if your project grows, making this solution both economical and scalable.
Ready to expand your project's output capacity? Explore the Triple 74HC595 Output Port Expander in our IO Expander Breakout collection today.
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