Microchip Technology MCP3304-BI/SL

Overview

MCP3304-BI/SL from Microchip Technology is a 13-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter with full differential input capability, SPI serial interface, and programmable channel configuration supporting up to 4 differential or 8 single-ended inputs. It delivers ±1 LSB INL (B-grade), 100 ksps sampling rate at 5V, and operates from 4.5V to 5.5V supply voltage in industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), enabling high-accuracy data acquisition in battery-powered sensor systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3304-BI/SL datasheet, MCP3304-BI/SL pinout, MCP3304-BI/SL application, or MCP3304-BI/SL equivalent, key selection considerations include its 13-bit resolution with bipolar two's complement output, low 450 µA active current, 50 nA standby current, and compatibility with PIC® microcontrollers via standard SPI timing - all critical for remote sensing and portable instrumentation designs.

Technical Context

The MCP3304-BI/SL implements a SAR architecture with integrated sample-and-hold circuitry, requiring 1.5 clock cycles for acquisition and 13 clock cycles for conversion. Its full differential input stage supports common-mode rejection of 79 dB and channel-to-channel crosstalk below –110 dB, enabling robust signal integrity in noisy environments.

It uses binary two's complement coding for output, supports reference voltages from 0.4 V to VDD, and achieves 78 dB SINAD and 92 dB SFDR at 1 kHz input - performance validated across –40°C to +85°C with VDD = 5V and VREF = 5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCP3304-BI/SL is housed in a 16-pin SOIC package (300 mil width, 1.27 mm pitch), with exposed pad not present and RoHS-compliant lead finish. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; pin numbering follows standard SOIC convention.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS7816U and MCP3304-CI/SL, the MCP3304-BI/SL uniquely balances 13-bit accuracy, full differential input, ultra-low standby current, and seamless PIC® MCU integration - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, noise-prone, battery-operated sensor nodes requiring verified ±1 LSB linearity.

Availability

MCP3304-BI/SL 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 MCP3304-BI/SL 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, and Flash-IP solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The MCP3302/04 product line delivers low-power, SPI-compatible SAR ADCs optimized for embedded data acquisition where precision, noise immunity, and energy efficiency are prioritized over raw speed or ultra-high resolution.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the MCP3304-BI/SL and under what conditions is it guaranteed?

The MCP3304-BI/SL achieves a maximum sampling rate of 100 ksps when operated at VDD = 5V and FCLK = 2.1 MHz (21 × FSAMPLE). This rate is fully specified over the industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and requires VREF = 5V and full differential input configuration. At lower supply voltages or reduced clock frequencies, the sampling rate scales linearly per the device's timing constraints.

Does the MCP3304-BI/SL support true differential input mode, and how many differential channels does it provide?

Yes, the MCP3304-BI/SL supports true full differential input mode with four independent differential channel pairs (CH0–CH1, CH2–CH3, CH4–CH5, CH6–CH7), each accepting a ±VREF input span. This is distinct from pseudo-differential operation and is explicitly enabled via configuration bits sent on the DIN line during SPI communication.

What is the significance of the 'B' grade in MCP3304-BI/SL, and how does it affect system calibration?

The 'B' grade indicates that the MCP3304-BI/SL is characterized for ±1 LSB maximum integral nonlinearity (INL) and ±1 LSB maximum differential nonlinearity (DNL) over temperature. This tight linearity specification reduces or eliminates the need for per-unit end-point calibration in most industrial sensor applications, directly improving measurement repeatability and reducing firmware overhead.

Can the MCP3304-BI/SL operate from a 3.3V supply, and what performance trade-offs apply?

The MCP3304-BI/SL is specified for full performance only from 4.5V to 5.5V. While it may power up at 3.3V, parameters including sampling rate, INL/DNL, and reference input range are not guaranteed outside the 4.5–5.5V range. For 3.3V systems, use the pin-compatible MCP3304-E/SL (2.7–5.5V operation) - but note its INL is ±2 LSB (C-grade) and temperature range differs.

How does the CS/SHDN pin function, and what is its role in power management for the MCP3304-BI/SL?

The CS/SHDN pin serves dual functions: pulling it low initiates SPI communication and starts conversion; pulling it high terminates conversion and places the MCP3304-BI/SL into standby mode drawing ≤1 µA. This pin must be pulsed low for each conversion - it cannot remain asserted for continuous sampling - enabling precise per-measurement power gating in energy-aware firmware.