Microchip Technology MCP3304-CI/P

Overview

MCP3304-CI/P from Microchip Technology is a 13-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter with full differential input capability, SPI serial interface, and user-configurable 4 differential or 8 single-ended channels. It delivers ±1 LSB max DNL, ±2 LSB max INL (C-grade), 100 ksps sampling rate at 5V, and operates from 4.5V to 5.5V supply - optimized for remote sensor data acquisition in battery-constrained industrial systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3304-CI/P datasheet, MCP3304-CI/P pinout, MCP3304-CI/P application, or MCP3304-CI/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 13-bit bipolar output format, low 450 µA active current, 50 nA standby current, and compatibility with PIC® microcontroller SPI peripherals in space- and power-sensitive embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MCP3304-CI/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 full differential inputs support common-mode rejection of 79 dB and channel-to-channel crosstalk below –110 dB, enabling high-fidelity signal capture in noisy environments.

It uses binary two's complement coding for output, supports VREF from 0.4 V to VDD, and achieves 78 dB SINAD and 92 dB SFDR at 1 kHz input - specifications validated over –40°C to +85°C with 4.5–5.5 V supply and 5 V reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCP3304-CI/P is housed in a 16-pin PDIP package with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing is 0.1 inch, compatible with standard prototyping and production PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP3304-E/P, the MCP3304-CI/P trades 1 LSB INL tolerance for lower cost and broader availability, while versus ADS7822U it provides superior noise immunity via differential inputs and 25% lower active current - making it preferable for precision, low-power industrial sensing.

Availability

MCP3304-CI/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for remote sensor nodes, battery-powered data loggers, and transducer interface modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCP3304-CI/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The MCP330x family was designed specifically for low-power, high-accuracy data acquisition in resource-constrained embedded systems - emphasizing SPI simplicity, differential noise immunity, and wide industrial temperature operation.

FAQ

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

The MCP3304-CI/P 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 and tested over the industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) with VREF = 5V and full differential input configuration. Lower supply voltages or reduced VREF will proportionally decrease achievable throughput due to timing constraints.

Does the MCP3304-CI/P support true differential input mode, and how is it configured?

Yes, the MCP3304-CI/P supports true full differential input mode across all eight channels (CH0–CH7), where each pair (e.g., CH0+/CH0–) accepts complementary signals. Configuration is performed via the DIN command stream during SPI communication - no external hardware changes are required. The device internally routes selected channel pairs to its differential comparator, enabling 79 dB common-mode rejection as specified.

What is the significance of the 'C' in MCP3304-CI/P, and how does it affect system design?

The 'C' denotes the C-grade temperature and linearity specification: ±2 LSB maximum integral nonlinearity over –40°C to +85°C, versus ±1 LSB for B-grade (e.g., MCP3304-BI/P). This grade is optimized for cost-sensitive industrial applications where ±2 LSB INL remains sufficient for process monitoring, motor control feedback, or environmental sensing - without requiring tighter calibration budgets.

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

The MCP3304-CI/P is characterized for full DC and AC performance only within 4.5–5.5 V. While it may power up at 3.3 V, parameters including sampling rate, INL/DNL, SINAD, and clock timing margins are not guaranteed. Operation at 3.3 V risks violating minimum CLK high/low time specs and degrading SNR by >10 dB - Microchip explicitly restricts rated performance to the 4.5–5.5 V range.

How does the MCP3304-CI/P handle power-down, and what is the typical current draw in that state?

The MCP3304-CI/P enters low-power standby when the CS/SHDN pin is driven high. In this state, it draws a maximum of 1 µA (50 nA typical) from VDD, with all internal circuitry disabled except for basic bias generation. This mode retains no state and requires reinitialization of channel selection on the next CS low assertion - ideal for intermittent sensor polling in energy-constrained deployments.