Microchip Technology MCP48FVB11T-E/UN

Overview

MCP48FVB11T-E/UN from Microchip Technology is a single-channel, 10-bit buffered voltage-output DAC with volatile memory and SPI interface, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V (full spec) or 1.8V to 2.7V (reduced analog performance). It delivers rail-to-rail output, 7.8 µs typical settling time, and supports VDD, external VREF, or internal 1.22V bandgap reference - used in precision sensor calibration and low-power portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN datasheet, MCP48FVB11T-E/UN pinout, MCP48FVB11T-E/UN application, or MCP48FVB11T-E/UN equivalent, key selection factors include its 10-bit resolution, MSOP-10 package, SPI clock support up to 20 MHz, power-down current of 650 nA, and extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C).

Technical Context

The MCP48FVB11T-E/UN implements a resistor ladder architecture with an integrated rail-to-rail output op amp, configurable gain (1x or 2x), and selectable reference source (VDD, external VREF, or internal bandgap). Its SPI interface supports modes '00' and '11', enabling interoperability with diverse microcontrollers while maintaining deterministic timing for real-time control loops.

Power management includes POR/BOR protection and three power-down configurations (high-Z output with optional 1 kΩ or 100 kΩ pull-down), allowing dynamic current scaling from <180 µA (active, single) to 650 nA (deep power-down). The device retains no nonvolatile state - all DAC register values reset on power cycle.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 10-lead MSOP (3.0 mm × 4.9 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP48FVB11T-E/UN, the MCP48FVB12T-E/UN adds channel density without increasing board area, while the MCP47FVB11T-E/UN trades SPI flexibility for I²C simplicity - both retain the same 10-bit precision, 7.8 µs settling, and –40°C to +125°C operation.

Availability

MCP48FVB11T-E/UN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor calibration, motor control feedback, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and medical design cycles.

Supply support for MCP48FVB11T-E/UN 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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The MCP48FVBXX family delivers low-power, SPI-based voltage-output DACs optimized for precision analog control in resource-constrained embedded systems - emphasizing fast settling, wide supply range, and extended temperature reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN?

The MCP48FVB11T-E/UN supports SPI write operations up to 20 MHz and read operations up to 10 MHz. This allows tight integration with high-speed microcontrollers while maintaining reliable data transfer integrity across the full –40°C to +125°C operating range. Timing compliance is verified per Figure 1-2 and Table 1-1 in DS20005466A.

Does the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN include nonvolatile memory for DAC register retention?

No, the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN uses volatile RAM for its DAC register - all output values reset to the POR/BOR default (1FFh for 10-bit) upon power cycle. For persistent settings, external MCU firmware must reinitialize the register after each startup. Nonvolatile variants (e.g., MCP48FEB11) are available separately.

Can the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN operate from a 1.8V supply?

Yes, the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, but analog performance specifications (INL, DNL, settling time) are guaranteed only from 2.7V to 5.5V. At 1.8V, the device supports SPI communication and basic functionality, though reference stability and output drive strength are reduced per DS20005466A page 4.

What is the purpose of the LAT0/HVC pin on the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN?

On the MCP48FVB11T-E/UN, the LAT0/HVC pin functions as the load control input (LAT0) to synchronize DAC output updates with external timing signals. Its HVC (High-Voltage Command) function is reserved for nonvolatile WiperLock-enabled variants and remains unused in this volatile DAC - it should be tied to VSS or left floating per layout guidance.

How does the internal bandgap reference perform over temperature?

The MCP48FVB11T-E/UN's internal bandgap reference delivers 1.22V ±40 mV (1.18V to 1.26V) with a temperature coefficient of 15 ppm/°C. This enables stable 10-bit output scaling across –40°C to +125°C without external components, making it ideal for calibration-critical applications where reference drift must remain below 0.5 LSB.