Microchip Technology DV3201A

Overview

DV3201A from Microchip Technology is a daughter board designed to evaluate the MCP3201 and MCP3202 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). It plugs into the MXDEV™1 Analog Evaluation System Driver Board (DVMCPA), provides jumper-selectable signal source (on-board potentiometer or external), reference voltage (internal VREF or external), and input configuration (single-ended or pseudo-differential), and supports real-time data acquisition up to 50 ksps.

For engineers reviewing the DV3201A datasheet, DV3201A pinout, DV3201A application, or DV3201A equivalent, this daughter board enables rapid validation of MCP3201/02 ADC performance in system-level signal chain design, reference selection, and low-noise sampling layout verification - all within Microchip's integrated MXDEV™1 evaluation ecosystem.

Technical Context

The DV3201A interfaces directly with the DVMCPA Driver Board via a standardized edge connector and hosts a pre-programmed PIC16C63 microcontroller containing device-specific firmware for MCP3201/02 control and communication. It implements configurable analog front-end routing including selectable low-pass filter modules and on-board signal conditioning circuitry.

Jumper-based configuration enables hardware-level adaptation to test conditions: input channel selection, reference source switching, and input mode (single-ended vs. pseudo-differential) are all physically set before operation - eliminating software dependency for basic setup and ensuring deterministic signal path behavior during characterization.

Key Specifications

Availability

DV3201A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for analog signal chain validation, ADC performance benchmarking, and embedded sensor interface prototyping requiring stable component supply and full evaluation ecosystem compatibility.

Supply support for DV3201A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools for embedded control applications.

The DV3201A belongs to Microchip's MXDEV™1 Analog Evaluation System product line, designed to accelerate functional validation and system-level integration of Microchip's standalone analog ICs - particularly SAR ADCs like the MCP3201/02 - through modular, software-supported hardware platforms.

FAQ

What is the DV3201A used for?

The DV3201A is a daughter board used exclusively to evaluate the MCP3201 and MCP3202 12-bit analog-to-digital converters within the MXDEV™1 Analog Evaluation System. It provides hardware-configurable signal routing, reference selection, and input mode options - enabling engineers to characterize ADC linearity, noise, SNR, and THD under controlled, repeatable conditions before integrating into final designs. The DV3201A requires the DVMCPA Driver Board to operate.

Does the DV3201A include firmware or software?

Yes - the DV3201A ships with a socketed PIC16C63 microcontroller pre-programmed with device-specific firmware for MCP3201/02 control and communication. It also includes dedicated evaluation software on CD-ROM for real-time stripcharting, histogram analysis, FFT computation, and oscilloscope-style display. This software runs on Windows 95 or later and communicates with the DV3201A via the DVMCPA Driver Board's RS-232 interface.

Can the DV3201A be used without the DVMCPA Driver Board?

No - the DV3201A is not a standalone unit. It is a daughter board that must be plugged into the DVMCPA Driver Board to function. The Driver Board supplies power, hosts the host-interface logic (RS-232), executes data analysis routines, and manages communication with the PC. The DV3201A contains only the MCP3201/02 device, supporting analog circuitry, jumpers, and the PIC16C63 firmware controller.

What input configurations does the DV3201A support for the MCP3201/02?

The DV3201A supports both single-ended and pseudo-differential input configurations for the MCP3201/02, selected via onboard jumpers. This matches the native input architecture of those ADCs and allows accurate measurement of common-mode rejection, differential gain error, and offset drift. Pseudo-differential mode uses one input as the reference point while sampling the other - critical for validating sensor bridge or instrumentation amplifier outputs.

Is the DV3201A compatible with other Microchip ADC daughter boards?

The DV3201A shares the same mechanical and electrical interface standard as other MXDEV™1 daughter boards (e.g., DV3001A, DV3204A), allowing interchangeability on the DVMCPA Driver Board. However, each daughter board is functionally specific: the DV3201A is calibrated and wired for MCP3201/02 only. Swapping it for a DV3204A (for MCP3204/08) would result in incorrect pin mapping and firmware mismatch - the DV3201A must be used with its intended target devices.