Microchip Technology MCP3426A7-E/MS

Overview

MCP3426A7-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 in industrial temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), enabling high-accuracy sensor digitization in compact instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3426A7-E/MS datasheet, MCP3426A7-E/MS pinout, MCP3426A7-E/MS application, or MCP3426A7-E/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include its factory-programmed I²C address, MSOP-8 package footprint, self-calibrating offset/gain per conversion, differential input impedance of 2.25 MΩ (PGA=1), and ultra-low 0.56 µA standby current in 12-bit one-shot mode.

Technical Context

The MCP3426A7-E/MS implements a delta-sigma modulation architecture with integrated 3.2 pF sampling capacitor, on-chip oscillator, and sinc³ digital filter. Its analog front-end includes a programmable gain amplifier and internal 2.048V reference, enabling direct measurement of low-level signals such as thermocouple outputs or bridge sensors without external signal conditioning.

Conversion control is fully managed via I²C: configuration register bits select channel (CH1/CH2), resolution (12/14/16-bit), PGA gain, and mode (one-shot/continuous). Each conversion triggers automatic offset and gain calibration, ensuring stability across temperature (±50 nV/°C offset drift) and supply variation (5 ppm/V gain vs. VDD).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCP3426A7-E/MS is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.9 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (EP) internally connected to VSS. The EP must be soldered to a VSS copper pour for thermal management and noise immunity.

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/CH, the MCP3426A7-E/MS uniquely balances dual-channel flexibility, factory-programmed I²C address, integrated reference, and per-conversion calibration-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-limited industrial sensor nodes where long-term accuracy matters more than raw speed.

Availability

MCP3426A7-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, factory automation equipment, and battery-fueled consumer goods requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MCP3426A7-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 is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, communications, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The MCP342X series was designed specifically for high-accuracy, low-power sensor signal acquisition in space- and energy-constrained embedded systems-emphasizing integrated references, self-calibration, and robust I²C interfacing.

FAQ

What is the factory-programmed I²C address of the MCP3426A7-E/MS?

The MCP3426A7-E/MS has its I²C address permanently programmed at the factory and cannot be changed via external pins. Its default 7-bit address is 0x68 (1101000b), corresponding to the "A7" suffix in the part number. This eliminates address conflicts in multi-device I²C buses and simplifies firmware initialization since no address-pin strapping is required.

Does the MCP3426A7-E/MS support single-ended input configurations?

Yes, the MCP3426A7-E/MS supports single-ended operation: CH1– and CH2– can each be tied to VSS, allowing CH1+ and CH2+ to serve as independent single-ended inputs. However, doing so sacrifices common-mode noise rejection and reduces effective resolution by ~3 bits compared to true differential mode due to doubled input-referred noise.

How does the self-calibration function work in the MCP3426A7-E/MS?

The MCP3426A7-E/MS performs full offset and gain calibration automatically before every conversion cycle. It samples internal zero-scale and full-scale references, computes correction coefficients in real time, and applies them to the raw ADC result-ensuring accuracy remains within datasheet limits across temperature swings and supply variations without user intervention.

What is the purpose of the exposed thermal pad (EP) on the MCP3426A7-E/MS MSOP package?

The exposed thermal pad (EP) on the MCP3426A7-E/MS is electrically connected to VSS and must be soldered to a VSS copper pour on the PCB. It lowers thermal resistance (θJA = 211°C/W for MSOP), improves heat dissipation during continuous conversion, and enhances noise immunity by providing a low-inductance ground return path for analog circuitry.

Can the MCP3426A7-E/MS operate reliably at 125°C ambient temperature?

Yes, the MCP3426A7-E/MS is fully specified for operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient. Electrical parameters including INL (10 ppm), offset drift (50 nV/°C), and supply current (145 µA max at 5V) are guaranteed across this full range. Thermal resistance data confirms junction temperature stays within safe limits (<150°C) under typical PCB copper exposure.