Microchip Technology MCP4726A1T-E/MAY

Overview

MCP4726A1T-E/MAY from Microchip Technology is a 12-bit buffered voltage-output DAC with nonvolatile EEPROM, I²C interface, rail-to-rail output, and selectable reference (VDD or VREF pin). It delivers 6 µs typical settling time, 210 µA normal operating current, and operates from 2.7V to 5.5V supply across –40°C to +125°C - used for precision sensor calibration and set-point trimming in industrial instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY datasheet, MCP4726A1T-E/MAY pinout, MCP4726A1T-E/MAY application, or MCP4726A1T-E/MAY equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12-bit resolution with EEPROM auto-recall, dual reference options (VDD or external VREF), 1x/2x gain selectability, power-down modes with configurable pull-down resistors, and compatibility with I²C standard/fast/high-speed modes up to 3.4 Mbps.

Technical Context

The MCP4726A1T-E/MAY implements a resistor-ladder DAC core with a rail-to-rail output buffer, programmable gain (1x or 2x only when VREF is used), and internal logic that latches EEPROM-stored DAC register and configuration bits on power-on reset. Its I²C interface supports eight slave addresses and three speed modes (100 kHz, 400 kHz, 3.4 MHz), with timing compliance verified per NXP I²C specification including spike suppression and bus-free timing.

Nonvolatile memory stores both DAC code and configuration (reference source, gain, power-down state), enabling automatic recall at power-up. Power-down modes disconnect the output buffer and select one of three internal pull-down resistors (1 kΩ, 125 kΩ, or 640 kΩ) at VOUT, reducing quiescent current to 60 nA (PD1:PD0 = 11).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 6-pin SOT-23 (MCP4726A1T-E/MAY). Compact footprint (2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm) with exposed pad for thermal enhancement in space-constrained PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage-output DAC applications.

Compared with MCP4725A1T-E/MS, MCP4726A1T-E/MAY adds VREF pin support and thermal pad for improved stability under load; compared with DAC8560IDBVR, it trades resolution and speed for EEPROM persistence and I²C simplicity in cost-sensitive embedded systems.

Availability

MCP4726A1T-E/MAY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, motor control feedback offset, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MCP4726A1T-E/MAY 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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and interface products with broad industrial and automotive qualification.

The MCP47X6 family - including MCP4726A1T-E/MAY - was designed for embedded systems needing nonvolatile, easy-to-integrate DACs with minimal external components and robust I²C interoperability.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current capability of the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY?

The MCP4726A1T-E/MAY can source or sink up to ±40 mA from the VOUT pin under specified conditions (TA = –40°C to +125°C, VDD = 2.7V–5.5V). This enables direct driving of moderate-impedance loads like op-amp inputs or small LEDs without external buffers, though thermal limits must be observed - especially in the SOT-23-6 package where θJA = 190°C/W.

Does the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY support true 2x gain with any reference voltage?

No. The 2x gain mode of the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY is only enabled when the VREF pin is selected as the reference source (VREF1:VREF0 = 10 or 11). In this mode, the VREF pin voltage must not exceed VDD/2 to avoid clipping. When VDD is used as reference (VREF1:VREF0 = 00), gain is fixed at 1x regardless of configuration bits.

How does EEPROM auto-recall function on power-up for the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY?

On power-on reset (POR), the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY automatically loads both the stored DAC register value and configuration bits (VREF selection, gain, power-down state) from EEPROM into volatile registers. This occurs within 60 µs after VDD crosses the 2.2V POR threshold, ensuring immediate valid output without host intervention - critical for fail-safe systems.

Can the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY operate reliably at 3.4 Mbps I²C speed across its full temperature range?

The MCP4726A1T-E/MAY supports High-Speed I²C mode up to 3.4 Mbps, but only under specific conditions: VDD ≥ 4.5V, bus capacitance ≤ 100 pF, and ambient temperature within –40°C to +85°C. At +125°C or with higher capacitance, reliable operation reverts to Fast Mode (400 kHz) per DS22272C electrical specifications.

What are the power-down output impedance options for the MCP4726A1T-E/MAY, and how are they selected?

The MCP4726A1T-E/MAY offers three VOUT pull-down impedances in power-down: 1 kΩ (PD1:PD0 = 01), 125 kΩ (PD1:PD0 = 10), or 640 kΩ (PD1:PD0 = 11). These are selected via dedicated configuration bits in the device's control register. The 1 kΩ option provides fastest wake-up but highest leakage; 640 kΩ minimizes current (60 nA typical) at the cost of slower enable time (10.5 µs).