Microchip Technology MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST

Overview

MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST from Microchip Technology is a single-channel, 12-bit buffered voltage-output DAC with nonvolatile EEPROM configuration memory, rail-to-rail output, 6 µs typical settling time, and I²C™ interface supporting up to 3.4 Mbps. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V and is used in precision sensor calibration and motor control feedback loops where power-on output recall is required.

For engineers reviewing the MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST datasheet, MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST pinout, MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST application, or MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping, I²C timing constraints, EEPROM write endurance (1M cycles), and factory-configurable POR/BOR output setting recall - all confirmed for the exact TSSOP-8 variant.

Technical Context

The MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST implements a resistor ladder architecture with programmable gain (1x or 2x) and selectable reference sources: VDD, external VREF (buffered/unbuffered), or internal 1.22V bandgap. Its output amplifier supports rail-to-rail operation with ±0.04V headroom at VDD ≤ 5.5V and delivers <1.0 LSB INL over 4096 codes when VREF = 2.048V.

Nonvolatile configuration includes user-programmable power-down modes (100 kΩ or 1 kΩ pull-down), slave address (7-bit programmable), and auto-recall of DAC register, gain, reference, and power-down settings on POR/BOR. The device uses WiperLock™ technology for secure high-voltage command entry via LAT0/HVC pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead TSSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), thermally enhanced for continuous operation at +125°C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP47FEB22A3T-E/ST, the MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST saves board space and cost in single-output systems; versus AD5689RBCPZ-RL7, it trades resolution for guaranteed first-cycle output stability and simplified I²C integration without boot-time host dependency.

Availability

MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor calibration, motor control feedback, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCP47FEB21A3T-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 global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and Flash-IP solutions, with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and embedded system integration.

The MCP47FEBXX family is designed for precision analog control in resource-constrained embedded systems, combining nonvolatile configuration, rail-to-rail output, and robust I²C communication for industrial and automotive applications.

FAQ

What is the factory default output voltage setting for MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST at power-on?

The MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST defaults to the factory-programmed value stored in its nonvolatile DAC register, typically 0x000 (zero-scale output), unless modified during manufacturing or field programming. This value is automatically recalled on every power-on or brown-out reset, ensuring deterministic startup behavior without host initialization. The POR/BOR output setting can be reprogrammed via I²C and retained indefinitely in EEPROM.

Does MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST support external reference voltages below 2.048V?

Yes, MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST accepts external VREF inputs from VSS to VDD–0.04V in unbuffered mode (VRxB:VRxA = '10') and from VSS to VDD in buffered mode (VRxB:VRxA = '11'). However, for guaranteed 12-bit monotonicity and INL performance, Microchip specifies VREF ≥ 2.048V. Operation at lower VREF (e.g., 1.0V) is functional but degrades total unadjusted error to ±40 LSB in worst-case conditions.

How does the LAT0/HVC pin function in normal operation versus high-voltage programming mode?

In normal operation, LAT0/HVC serves as a latch-enable signal for synchronous DAC updates. When driven to ≥9.0V, it enters WiperLock™ high-voltage programming mode, enabling EEPROM writes and configuration changes. The pin features Schmitt-trigger inputs with 0.1×VDD hysteresis to reject noise, and its dual role eliminates need for dedicated programming pins while maintaining security against accidental writes during standard I²C communication.

Can MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST operate from a 1.8V supply?

MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST supports 1.8V to 2.7V operation per datasheet, but only with reduced analog specifications: DAC output linearity degrades (INL up to ±1.5 LSB), zero-scale error increases (±3 LSB), and VREF range narrows to VSS–1.0V. Full 12-bit performance (INL ±0.5 LSB, gain error ±0.1% FSR) is guaranteed only at VDD ≥ 2.7V. The I²C interface remains fully functional at 1.8V.

What is the maximum capacitive load the MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST output can drive while maintaining 6 µs settling time?

The MCP47FEB21A3T-E/ST maintains its 6 µs typical settling time to ±1/2 LSB with a 100 pF load capacitance and 5 kΩ load resistance, as characterized in the datasheet. Driving larger capacitive loads (>200 pF) increases settling time nonlinearly due to output amplifier phase margin reduction; for 400 pF loads, settling extends to ~12 µs. External buffer amplifiers are recommended for heavy capacitive loads or low-impedance transmission lines.