Microchip Technology MCP3002-I/MS

Overview

MCP3002-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 10-bit successive approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with on-chip sample-and-hold, SPI serial interface (modes 0,0 and 1,1), single-supply operation (2.7V–5.5V), ±1 LSB INL/DNL, and dual-channel programmable input configuration (single-ended or pseudo-differential). It serves as a precision sensor interface in battery-powered industrial data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3002-I/MS datasheet, MCP3002-I/MS pinout, MCP3002-I/MS application, or MCP3002-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include sampling rate vs. supply voltage (200 ksps at 5V, 75 ksps at 2.7V), analog input leakage (±1 µA), standby current (5 nA typical), SPI timing compliance (tSU/tHD = 50 ns), and MSOP-8 package thermal resistance (θJA = 211°C/W).

Technical Context

The MCP3002-I/MS implements a SAR architecture with 1.5-clock-cycle sampling time and 10-clock-cycle conversion time, delivering deterministic latency. Its analog front-end supports two independent single-ended inputs or one pseudo-differential pair, where CH0/CH1 are dynamically assigned as IN+/IN− via SPI command bits (SGL/DIFF and ODD/SIGN).

Digital communication uses a 3-wire SPI interface with configurable MSB-first/LSB-first output and null-bit insertion. The device uses VDD as its reference voltage, making LSB size directly proportional to supply voltage (LSB = VDD/1024), and requires minimum clock frequency constraints (≥10 kHz above 70°C) to prevent sample-capacitor charge loss.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin MSOP (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, surface-mount.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit SAR ADC applications.

Compared with MCP3002-I/P, the MCP3002-I/MS offers superior thermal performance in compact layouts (θJA = 211°C/W vs. 89.5°C/W) and automated assembly compatibility; versus ADS7822U, it trades 2-bit resolution for integrated VDD-referencing and lower system-level power consumption.

Availability

MCP3002-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interface, portable data logging, process control loop, and medical diagnostic instrument applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MCP3002-I/MS 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products for embedded control applications.

The MCP3002 belongs to Microchip's precision SAR ADC product line, designed for cost-sensitive, low-power industrial and portable systems requiring reliable 10-bit digitization without external references or complex support circuitry.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the MCP3002-I/MS at 3.3V supply?

The MCP3002-I/MS does not specify a sampling rate at exactly 3.3V in its datasheet. However, interpolation between the guaranteed rates-200 ksps at 5V and 75 ksps at 2.7V-indicates approximately 130–150 ksps is achievable at 3.3V. Actual performance depends on clock frequency (max 2.0 MHz at 3.3V per timing characterization), ambient temperature, and load capacitance on DOUT. For production designs, validate timing margins using tSU/tHD = 50 ns and tDO ≤ 200 ns.

Can the MCP3002-I/MS operate in true differential mode?

No, the MCP3002-I/MS supports only pseudo-differential mode, not true differential. In pseudo-differential mode, CH0 and CH1 serve as IN+ and IN−, but IN− is restricted to ±100 mV around VSS-not a fully floating input. True differential operation would require symmetrical input ranges (e.g., ±VREF/2), which the MCP3002-I/MS does not provide. This architecture suits single-supply systems rejecting small common-mode offsets, not bipolar signal acquisition.

How does the MCP3002-I/MS handle reference voltage when VDD varies?

The MCP3002-I/MS uses VDD directly as its reference voltage (VREF = VDD), so LSB size scales linearly with supply: LSB = VDD/1024. At 5.0V, LSB = 4.88 mV; at 2.7V, LSB = 2.64 mV. This means absolute code values change with VDD, but relative resolution remains fixed. System-level accuracy depends on VDD stability-designs requiring constant scale factor must regulate VDD or use an external reference IC, though that negates the MCP3002-I/MS's integrated simplicity.

What SPI modes does the MCP3002-I/MS support, and how are they selected?

The MCP3002-I/MS supports SPI modes 0,0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and 1,1 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1) only. Mode selection is determined by the host MCU's clock polarity and phase configuration-not by any register setting on the MCP3002-I/MS. The device samples DIN on the first rising edge after CS goes low (mode 0,0) or first falling edge (mode 1,1), and outputs DOUT on clock falling edges in both cases. No software configuration is needed.

Is the MCP3002-I/MS pin-compatible with other Microchip 10-bit ADCs like the MCP3001 or MCP3004?

No, the MCP3002-I/MS is not pin-compatible with the MCP3001 (6-pin SOT-23) or MCP3004 (14-pin TSSOP). While all belong to Microchip's MCP30xx family and share SPI protocol similarities, the MCP3002-I/MS uses an 8-pin MSOP footprint with dedicated CH0/CH1 inputs, CS/SHDN, and shared VDD/VREF. Pin mapping differs fundamentally-e.g., MCP3004 has four analog inputs and separate VREF, requiring different PCB layout and firmware channel addressing.