MCP23017 disable internal I2C pull-up resistors via JP2 jumper

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Sensors & Modules
1

Customer:

I am using 3 MCP23017 devices in a circuit, all on the same I2C bus. I understand they have internal 10kΩ pull-ups on the SDA and SCL lines, but their combined effect puts the I2C resistance too low and I get I2C errors. Documentation shows that JP2 is used to connect the pull-ups, but visually the pins on JP2 don’t look connected, yet I get 10kΩ between VCC and SDA/SCL. Is there a way to disconnect the 10kΩ internal pull-ups?

Originally submitted via email support on 5 February 2026. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.

2

Soldered Support:

Yes, it is possible to disconnect the 10kΩ resistors via the jumper you have described. All of the pre-soldered jumpers have a very thin solder between them, which can make it seem like they aren’t even connected. You can use a razor or box cutter to slice the solder for both of the resistors and it should work.