Microchip Technology MCP3302-BI/P

Overview

MCP3302-BI/P from Microchip Technology is a 13-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter with full differential inputs, SPI serial interface, and user-programmable configuration for either two differential or four single-ended input channels. It delivers ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity (INL), 100 ksps sampling rate at 5V, and operates from 4.5V to 5.5V supply with only 450 µA maximum active current - ideal for precision remote sensor acquisition in battery-constrained industrial systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3302-BI/P datasheet, MCP3302-BI/P pinout, MCP3302-BI/P application, or MCP3302-BI/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its B-grade accuracy (±1 LSB INL), 14-pin PDIP package compatibility, differential input flexibility, and low-power operation across -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range.

Technical Context

The MCP3302-BI/P implements a SAR architecture with integrated sample-and-hold circuitry, requiring 1.5 clock cycles for acquisition and 13 clock cycles for conversion. Its binary two's complement output format includes a sign bit, enabling true bipolar operation over ±VREF full-scale differential input range.

It uses an industry-standard SPI interface with CS/SHDN-controlled frame synchronization, DIN for channel configuration, and DOUT for MSB-first 13-bit result streaming. The device supports reference voltage scaling from 0.4V to VDD, yielding LSB sizes from 98 µV (at 400 mV VREF) to 1.22 mV (at 5V VREF).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCP3302-BI/P is supplied in a 14-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 0.3-inch body width and 0.1-inch lead pitch, compatible with through-hole prototyping and industrial PCB assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 13-bit SAR ADC applications.

Compared with MCP3302-CI/P, the MCP3302-BI/P provides tighter ±1 LSB INL for uncalibrated precision; compared with ADS7822U, it integrates differential input capability and delivers one additional bit of resolution at matched sampling rates, reducing external component count in noise-sensitive applications.

Availability

MCP3302-BI/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote sensor monitoring, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial transducer interface applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MCP3302-BI/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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The MCP3302 product line delivers high-accuracy, low-power SAR ADCs optimized for embedded sensing and data acquisition systems where differential noise immunity, SPI simplicity, and industrial temperature reliability are essential.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed integral nonlinearity (INL) specification for the MCP3302-BI/P?

The MCP3302-BI/P is specified as a B-grade device with guaranteed ±1 LSB maximum integral nonlinearity over the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). This is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table of DS21697F, where INL for MCP3302/04-B is listed as ±1 LSB max. The specification applies under standard operating conditions: VDD = 5V, VREF = 5V, full differential input configuration, and TA = -40°C to +85°C.

Can the MCP3302-BI/P operate with a 3.3V supply voltage?

The MCP3302-BI/P is characterized and specified for optimal performance within a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range. While the Absolute Maximum Ratings allow VDD up to 7.0V and the device may power-on at 3.3V, the Electrical Specifications - including INL, sampling rate, and active current - are not guaranteed below 4.5V. For 3.3V systems, Microchip recommends the MCP3202 or MCP3204 as functionally similar 12-bit alternatives fully specified down to 2.7V.

How does the MCP3302-BI/P handle differential versus single-ended input configurations?

The MCP3302-BI/P supports both modes via SPI command configuration: two full differential input pairs (CH0/CH1 and CH2/CH3) or four single-ended inputs (CH0–CH3 referenced to AGND). In differential mode, the device measures (IN+) – (IN−) with ±VREF full-scale range and inherent common-mode rejection. In single-ended mode, each channel measures relative to AGND with 0 to VREF unipolar range. The configuration is selected dynamically per conversion via DIN bits.

What is the purpose of the CS/SHDN pin on the MCP3302-BI/P?

The CS/SHDN pin on the MCP3302-BI/P serves dual functions: when pulled low, it enables SPI communication and initiates conversion; when pulled high, it terminates the current conversion and places the device into ultra-low-power standby mode drawing ≤1 µA. Unlike conventional chip select, CS/SHDN must be asserted high between conversions - it cannot remain low for multiple frames. This pin is essential for power-gating in battery-operated systems using the MCP3302-BI/P.

Does the MCP3302-BI/P require an external reference voltage, or can it use VDD as reference?

The MCP3302-BI/P requires an external reference voltage applied to the VREF pin; it does not support internal VDD referencing. VREF must be supplied externally in the range 0.4V to VDD (max 5.5V), and directly determines the full-scale differential input span and LSB size via LSB = 2 × VREF / 8192. Using VDD as VREF is permissible only if VDD is stable, well-bypassed, and falls within the 4.5–5.5V operating range - however, dedicated low-noise references (e.g., MCP1525) are recommended for highest accuracy.