Microchip Technology MCP3426A2-E/MS

Overview

MCP3426A2-E/MS from Microchip Technology is a 16-bit ΔΣ analog-to-digital converter with two differential input channels, on-board 2.048V ±0.05% voltage reference, programmable gain amplifier (x1/x2/x4/x8), and I²C interface supporting standard/fast/high-speed modes. It delivers 15 SPS at 16-bit resolution, 10 ppm INL, and operates from 2.7V to 5.5V for precision sensor signal acquisition in industrial and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3426A2-E/MS datasheet, MCP3426A2-E/MS pinout, MCP3426A2-E/MS application, or MCP3426A2-E/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include its factory-programmed I²C address, MSOP-8 package with exposed thermal pad, self-calibrating offset/gain per conversion, and differential input full-scale range of ±2.048V/PGA - critical for RTD, thermocouple, and bridge sensor interfaces requiring stable low-drift measurement.

Technical Context

The MCP3426A2-E/MS implements a delta-sigma modulation architecture with integrated 3.2 pF sampling capacitor, on-chip oscillator, and auto-calibration logic that corrects both offset and gain errors before each conversion. Its switched-capacitor front-end supports differential or single-ended inputs with input impedance of 2.25 MΩ/PGA during active conversion.

It uses a binary two's complement output format with MSB-first I²C transmission, supports one-shot or continuous conversion modes, and features internal power-on-reset with 2.2V threshold and 300 µs wake-up settling time. The device maintains 105–110 dB common-mode rejection across PGA settings and exhibits 50 nV/°C offset drift over –40°C to +125°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCP3426A2-E/MS is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.9 mm) with exposed thermal pad (EP) internally connected to VSS and requiring PCB connection to ground plane for thermal and noise performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-bit delta-sigma ADC applications.

Compared with ADS1115IDGSR and MCP3421A0T-E/OT, the MCP3426A2-E/MS uniquely combines factory-fixed I²C addressing, dual differential channels, on-board reference, and per-conversion self-calibration - making it optimal for robust, maintenance-free sensor interfaces in harsh environments.

Availability

MCP3426A2-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, battery management systems, and portable test equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MCP3426A2-E/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The MCP342X series - including the MCP3426A2-E/MS - was designed specifically for high-accuracy, low-power sensor signal conditioning in space- and energy-constrained applications where on-chip calibration and integrated reference reduce bill-of-materials cost and design complexity.

FAQ

What is the I²C address configuration for MCP3426A2-E/MS?

The MCP3426A2-E/MS has its I²C address factory-programmed during production - unlike the MCP3427/MCP3428 variants, it does not use Adr0/Adr1 pins for address selection. Its fixed 7-bit address is 1001000 (0x48) in standard mode, confirmed in Microchip's DS22226A datasheet Section 5.3.1. This simplifies system integration by eliminating external address resistors and reducing layout risk for the MCP3426A2-E/MS.

Does MCP3426A2-E/MS support single-ended input configurations?

Yes, the MCP3426A2-E/MS supports single-ended operation: CH1− or CH2− can be tied to VSS, allowing CH1+ or CH2+ to serve as unipolar inputs referenced to ground. However, doing so sacrifices common-mode rejection and reduces effective resolution due to loss of differential noise cancellation. The device's specified INL, CMRR, and noise performance apply strictly to differential mode per datasheet testing conditions.

How does the self-calibration function work in MCP3426A2-E/MS?

The MCP3426A2-E/MS performs full offset and gain calibration automatically before every conversion cycle - not just at power-up. This is implemented in hardware using internal zero-scale and full-scale references, correcting for temperature-induced drift and supply-voltage variation in real time. As a result, the MCP3426A2-E/MS maintains 10 ppm INL across –40°C to +125°C without requiring user-initiated calibration commands or external circuitry.

What is the role of the exposed thermal pad (EP) on MCP3426A2-E/MS?

The exposed thermal pad (EP) on the MCP3426A2-E/MS is electrically connected to VSS and must be soldered to a PCB copper pour tied to the analog ground plane. It reduces thermal resistance (θ_JA = 211°C/W for MSOP-8), improves heat dissipation during continuous conversion, and lowers ground impedance - directly enhancing noise immunity and long-term measurement stability. Leaving EP unconnected degrades both thermal performance and ADC accuracy.

Can MCP3426A2-E/MS operate with a 2.7V supply while maintaining 16-bit performance?

Yes, the MCP3426A2-E/MS is fully specified down to 2.7V supply voltage across all operating conditions. At VDD = 2.7V, it achieves 15 SPS at 16-bit resolution with 10 ppm INL, 2.5 µV_RMS noise, and 135 µA typical supply current - matching datasheet performance at 5.0V. The internal voltage reference and PGA remain stable across the full 2.7V–5.5V range, enabling direct use in single-cell Li-ion or 3.3V systems without level-shifting.