Microchip Technology MCP3464-E/ST

Overview

MCP3464-E/ST from Microchip Technology is a quad-channel, 16-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with programmable gain (0.33x–64x), up to 153.6 ksps data rate, and integrated temperature sensor. It supports differential or single-ended inputs, features 97.2 dB SINAD at 4800 SPS (gain = 1x), and operates across –40°C to +125°C for industrial sensor signal conditioning in precision measurement systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCP3464-E/ST datasheet, MCP3464-E/ST pinout, MCP3464-E/ST application, or MCP3464-E/ST equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SPI interface timing, channel multiplexing behavior, low-noise performance metrics, and secure configuration features including CRC-protected SPI and register map lock.

Technical Context

The MCP3464-E/ST implements a second-order delta-sigma modulator with digital SINC3 filtering, oversampling ratio (OSR) configurable from 32 to 98304, and internal sequencer (SCAN mode) enabling autonomous conversion loops without MCU intervention. Its analog front-end includes burnout current sources for sensor open/short detection and programmable analog gain stages.

Digital interface uses 20 MHz SPI (Mode 0,0 and 1,1) with 8-bit command set, 16/32-bit data formats, and dedicated IRQ pin for synchronization. Security architecture incorporates 16-bit CRC on SPI commands and configuration writes, plus 8-bit secure key lock for register map protection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-Lead TSSOP (6.5 mm × 4.4 mm × 1 mm), leaded, RoHS-compliant. Exposed pad not present in TSSOP variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS124S08IPW and AD7172-2BRUZ, the MCP3464-E/ST uniquely balances quad-channel count, integrated diagnostics (burnout, temperature), and SCAN-mode autonomy-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, multi-sensor industrial nodes requiring field reliability verification without added components.

Availability

MCP3464-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision sensor transducers, factory automation I/O modules, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCP3464-E/ST 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 semiconductor products.

The MCP346x family targets high-precision sensor signal chains in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications-designed to replace multi-component discrete ADC subsystems with a single IC featuring integrated gain, diagnostics, and secure configuration.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported SPI clock frequency for MCP3464-E/ST?

The MCP3464-E/ST supports up to 20 MHz SPI clock frequency when DVDD is 2.7–3.6 V, meeting high-throughput requirements for real-time data acquisition. At lower DVDD (1.8–2.7 V), the maximum SCK frequency drops to 10 MHz to maintain timing margins. All timing parameters-including tSU, tHD, and tDO-are specified across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +125°C) and validated per Tables 1-1 and 1-2 in DS20006180D.

Does MCP3464-E/ST support true differential input on all four channels simultaneously?

Yes, the MCP3464-E/ST supports four fully differential input pairs (CH0±, CH1±, CH2±, CH3±) with independent programmable gain per channel. Each pair can be configured for differential operation without shared reference constraints, enabling simultaneous isolation of four separate bridge or transducer signals. Single-ended mode uses CH0–CH7 mapping but reduces effective channel count when differential pairs are required.

How does the internal temperature sensor in MCP3464-E/ST achieve ±5°C accuracy?

The MCP3464-E/ST integrates a calibrated on-die diode-based temperature sensor with ±5°C accuracy over –40°C to +125°C, as characterized in Section 5.1.2 of DS20006180D. Accuracy derives from factory-trimmed offset/gain coefficients stored in nonvolatile registers, compensating for process variation. No external calibration is needed, and readings are accessible via standard SPI register reads-enabling thermal derating of sensor measurements without additional components.

Can MCP3464-E/ST operate without an external crystal or clock source?

Yes, the MCP3464-E/ST includes an internal RC oscillator (3.3–6.6 MHz) selectable via CLK_SEL[1] = 1, eliminating the need for external timing components. Startup time is 10 µs, and oscillator current consumption is 30 µA-added to DIDD during operation. This simplifies design for cost-sensitive portable instruments where PCB space and BOM count are critical, while maintaining sufficient timing stability for most industrial sensing applications.

What security mechanisms protect configuration registers in MCP3464-E/ST?

The MCP3464-E/ST implements three hardware-enforced security layers: (1) 16-bit CRC validation on all SPI write commands to prevent bit corruption, (2) separate 16-bit CRC on configuration register writes with IRQ assertion on mismatch, and (3) register map lock enabled by writing an 8-bit secure key-after which protected registers become read-only until power cycle. These features ensure configuration integrity in safety-critical applications such as process control and medical instrumentation.