Digital-to-Analog Converter features integrated EEPROM.
Press Release Summary:
Housed in 6-Pin SOT-23 package, 12-bit single-channel Model MCP4725 has buffered voltage output and is suited for space-constrained portable and battery-powered applications. Non-volatile EEPROM enables settings to be recalled at power up, eliminating need for microcontroller. With power consumption of 0.06 µA in shutdown, unit helps extend battery life. Onboard output amplifier enables rail-to-rail analog output, so DAC output fully utilizes entire voltage range.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Introduces Industry's First 12-Bit DAC with Integrated EEPROM in 6-Pin SOT-23 Package
CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 12, 2007 [NASDAQ: MCHP] - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MCP4725 Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)-the industry's first DAC to combine integrated EEPROM and 12-bit resolution in a miniature, 6-pin SOT-23 package. The low-power, single-channel DAC has a buffered voltage output and is ideal for space-constrained portable and battery-powered applications found in a variety of markets.
Non-volatile EEPROM enables MCP4725 DAC settings to be recalled at power up, meaning a microcontroller is not required if the DAC output does not need to change. This provides flexibility for system designers and helps to reduce cost, power consumption and design footprint. The highly-accurate DAC has low power consumption of just 0.06 microamperes in shutdown, which helps extend battery life. Additionally, its onboard precision output amplifier enables a rail-to-rail analog output, so the DAC output fully utilizes the entire voltage range.
"Microchip has utilized its expertise in both non-volatile memory and mixed-signal technology to provide added flexibility to customers with the MCP4725 DAC," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog & Interface Products Division.
"Being the first 12-bit DAC in the industry to integrate EEPROM in the 6-pin SOT-23 package, the MCP4725 is expected to help designers meet cost and size constraints, while providing the resolution and low power consumption that today's portable and battery-powered electronic devices require," continued Jefferay Lawton, product marketing engineer with Microchip's Analog & Interface Products Division.
Applications
The MCP4725 DAC is appropriate for markets and applications such as consumer (personal media players, digital cameras, GPS devices and hair dryers); medical (portable glucose meters, blood pressure and heart-rate monitors); industrial (handheld instruments, motor-control applications, and temperature and light control); appliance (washing machines and espresso machines); and automotive (LED lamps and alarm/security systems) electronics.
Development Tool Support
The MCP4725 Evaluation Board (Part # MCP4725EV) is available to help designers quickly evaluate the MCP4725 DAC in their applications. The board works with Microchip's popular PICkit(TM) Serial Analyzer, or independently with the customer's application board. It can be purchased today, for $15, at www.microchipdirect.com.
Device Packaging, Pricing & Availability
Samples of the MCP4725 DAC are available at sample.microchip.com today. The DAC can be purchased at www.microchipdirect.com today for $0.67 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/MCP4725.
Microchip Customer Support
Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world.
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. PICkit is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.