Microchip Technology MCP4726A2T-E/MAY

Overview

MCP4726A2T-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) supporting unity or 2× gain. It delivers 6 µs typical settling time, 210 µA typical operating current, and operates from 2.7V to 5.5V supply across –40°C to +125°C - used for precision sensor calibration and motor control setpoint generation.

For engineers reviewing the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY datasheet, MCP4726A2T-E/MAY pinout, MCP4726A2T-E/MAY application, or MCP4726A2T-E/MAY equivalent, key selection criteria include 12-bit resolution with EEPROM retention, I²C high-speed mode support (3.4 Mbps), power-down current as low as 60 nA, and SOT-23-6 package compatibility in space-constrained embedded systems.

Technical Context

The MCP4726A2T-E/MAY implements a resistor-ladder DAC core with a rail-to-rail output buffer, configurable reference selection (VDD or external VREF), and programmable gain (1× or 2× only when VREF is used). Its EEPROM stores both DAC register value and configuration bits (reference source, gain, power-down state) for auto-recall on power-up reset.

I²C communication supports Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and High-Speed (3.4 MHz) modes with eight configurable slave addresses. Power-down modes disconnect the output buffer and select internal pull-down resistors (1 kΩ, 125 kΩ, or 640 kΩ) at VOUT, enabling system-level current reduction during idle periods.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 6-lead SOT-23 (MCP4726A2T-E/MAY is specified in SOT-23-6 per DS22272C, Table 3-1 and Package Types section).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP4726A0T-E/MAY, the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY offers distinct I²C addressing for multi-DAC systems; versus AD5620BRJZ-REEL7, it provides EEPROM retention, wider supply range, and I²C compatibility - critical for autonomous calibration and mixed-voltage designs.

Availability

MCP4726A2T-E/MAY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor calibration, motor control setpoint generation, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCP4726A2T-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 MCP4726A2T-E/MAY - was designed for embedded systems needing nonvolatile, I²C-compatible DACs with rail-to-rail output and low-power operation in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the I²C address of the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY?

The MCP4726A2T-E/MAY has a fixed 7-bit I²C slave address of 0x62 (1100010b), determined by the A2/A1/A0 pin configuration per DS22272C. This differs from other variants like MCP4726A0T-E/MAY (0x60) to enable multiple devices on the same bus. The address is hardwired and cannot be changed in-circuit. All I²C transactions with MCP4726A2T-E/MAY must target this address for proper communication and register access.

Does the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY support 3.4 Mbps I²C High-Speed mode?

Yes, the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY fully supports I²C High-Speed mode up to 3.4 Mbps, as confirmed in DS22272C Section 1.1 and Table 1-2. Operation at this speed requires VDD ≥ 4.5V and bus capacitance ≤ 100 pF. The device meets all timing requirements including tSU:DAT (10 ns), TAA (150 ns), and TR/TF limits. This capability enables rapid DAC reconfiguration in time-critical applications such as waveform synthesis or real-time control loops where latency must be minimized.

How does the EEPROM in the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY retain settings after power loss?

The MCP4726A2T-E/MAY integrates on-chip EEPROM that stores both the DAC output code and configuration bits (VREF selection, gain, power-down state). Upon power-on reset, the device automatically loads these values into volatile registers - a process called auto-recall. Data retention is rated for 200 years at +25°C, with 1 million write cycles endurance. No external components or host intervention are needed; the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY resumes its last programmed state immediately after power restoration.

Can the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY operate with a 2.7V supply?

Yes, the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY is fully specified to operate from 2.7V to 5.5V per Electrical Characteristics (DS22272C, page 4). At 2.7V, it maintains 12-bit linearity (INL ±14.5 LSb), 6 µs settling time, and rail-to-rail output (0.01V to VDD–0.04V). The I²C interface remains functional in Standard and Fast modes. This makes MCP4726A2T-E/MAY suitable for low-voltage battery-powered systems where headroom is constrained but precision analog output is required.

What is the maximum output current capability of the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY?

The MCP4726A2T-E/MAY can source or sink up to 40 mA from the VOUT pin, as specified in Absolute Maximum Ratings (DS22272C, page 3). However, for optimal DC accuracy and thermal stability, Microchip recommends limiting steady-state load current to ≤ 5 mA. Higher currents increase output stage heating and may degrade INL/DNL performance. For loads requiring >5 mA, an external buffer amplifier should be used - the MCP4726A2T-E/MAY's rail-to-rail output stage is optimized for precision voltage generation, not power delivery.