Customer:
I received my Inkplate 10 and noticed that the MCP23017 IO expansion chip was not on the board. I can see the solder pads where it would normally go. Can I add one to the board in the future? Is the rest of the support circuitry for the chip already on the board?
Originally submitted via email support on 27 May 2022. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.
Soldered Support:
Due to component shortage, both MCP23017 chips were not placed on the board. In the future when MCP23017 becomes available, you can add it to the board. The best approach is to remove solder from the pads and then use a soldering iron to solder each pad. Do not use hot air for soldering as it can damage the e-paper panel with heat. Near the MCP23017 is an SMD capacitor with a value of 100nF which you must solder to the board when soldering the MCP23017. Everything else is already soldered and the MCP will work once you solder it to the board.