Microchip Technology MCP3002-I/P

Overview

MCP3002-I/P 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), dual-channel programmable input (single-ended or pseudo-differential), and operation across 2.7V–5.5V supply. It delivers up to 200 ksps at 5V and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), making it suitable for precision sensor interfacing in battery-powered data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3002-I/P datasheet, MCP3002-I/P pinout, MCP3002-I/P application, or MCP3002-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its ±1 LSB INL/DNL accuracy, 8-pin PDIP package compatibility, single-supply SPI ADC architecture, and support for both single-ended and pseudo-differential analog input configurations.

Technical Context

The MCP3002-I/P implements a SAR architecture with internal sample-and-hold capacitor (20 pF), acquiring analog input for 1.5 clock cycles before conversion. Its SPI interface uses three wires (CS/SHDN, CLK, DIN/DOUT) and supports two configuration modes: single-ended (CH0 or CH1 referenced to VSS) or pseudo-differential (CH0 as IN+, CH1 as IN–, with IN– limited to ±100 mV of VSS).

Conversion timing is tightly coupled to clock frequency: at VDD = 5V, max fCLK = 3.2 MHz enables 200 ksps throughput; at VDD = 2.7V, max fCLK = 1.2 MHz limits throughput to 75 ksps. The device uses VDD as reference voltage, so LSB size scales linearly with supply voltage (LSB = VDD / 1024).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCP3002-I/P is supplied in an 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing is 0.1 inch (2.54 mm), compatible with standard prototyping and PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP3002-I/SN, the MCP3002-I/P offers identical performance in a through-hole PDIP package ideal for prototyping and serviceable designs; versus ADS7822U, it trades 2 extra bits for integrated VDD-referenced simplicity and lower system-level BOM count.

Availability

MCP3002-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor interface, process control, and battery-operated systems requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial availability, and through-hole manufacturability.

Supply support for MCP3002-I/P 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 analog product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing reliable 10-bit data conversion without external references or complex support circuitry.

FAQ

What is the reference voltage source for the MCP3002-I/P?

The MCP3002-I/P uses VDD as its internal reference voltage. This means the full-scale range is 0V to VDD, and the LSB size equals VDD divided by 1024. For example, at VDD = 3.3V, LSB = 3.22 mV. No external reference is required, simplifying design and reducing component count. This architecture is confirmed in Section 4.2 and Figure 4-1 of the DS21294E datasheet.

Does the MCP3002-I/P support true differential input mode?

No, the MCP3002-I/P supports only pseudo-differential input mode. In this mode, CH0 acts as IN+ and CH1 as IN–, but IN– is restricted to ±100 mV around VSS-not a fully floating differential pair. True differential operation (e.g., ±VREF) is not supported. This limitation is explicitly stated in Section 3.1 and Table 5-1 of the DS21294E datasheet.

What is the minimum clock frequency required for reliable operation of the MCP3002-I/P?

The MCP3002-I/P does not specify a strict minimum clock frequency, but Section 6.2 warns that slow clocks risk sample capacitor charge bleed-especially above 70°C. At VDD = 2.7V and TA = 85°C, total conversion time (1.5 + 10 clocks) must complete within 700 µs, implying fCLK > ~14.3 kHz. At VDD = 5V, the limit is 1.5 ms, allowing fCLK > ~6.7 kHz. These are practical lower bounds derived from charge retention constraints.

Can the MCP3002-I/P operate from a 3.3V supply?

Yes, the MCP3002-I/P is fully specified for operation from 2.7V to 5.5V, including 3.3V. At 3.3V, it achieves ≥75 ksps sampling rate and maintains ±1 LSB INL/DNL. The digital interface remains compatible with 3.3V logic levels (VIH = 0.7×VDD = 2.31V, VIL = 0.3×VDD = 0.99V), ensuring robust communication with 3.3V MCUs. This is verified in Electrical Characteristics tables on pages 2–3 of DS21294E.

What package type is used for the MCP3002-I/P suffix?

The "-I/P" suffix denotes the 8-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP) variant of the MCP3002. It features through-hole leads, 0.3-inch body width, and 0.1-inch pin pitch-standard for breadboarding, socketing, and legacy PCB assembly. This is explicitly defined in the "Package Types" section on page 1 of DS21294E and confirmed in the ordering information table.