The STMPE1601 is a GPIO (general purpose input/output) port expander able to interface a main digital ASIC via the two-line bidirectional bus (I2C). A separate GPIO expander IC is often used in mobile multimedia platforms to solve the problems of the limited number of GPIOs typically available on the digital engine. The STMPE1601 offers great flexibility, as each I/O can be configured as input, output or specific functions. The device is able to scan a keyboard, also provides PWM outputs for brightness control in backlight, and GPIO. This device has been designed to include very low quiescent current, and a wake-up feature for each I/O, to optimize the power consumption of the IC. Potential applications of the STMPE1601 include portable media players, game consoles, mobile and smart phones.