Analog-to-Digital Converter employs SAR architecture.
Press Release Summary:
Model MCP3221, 12-bit converter offers I2C(TM) interface in SOT-23 package. Its design permits operation with typical standby and active currents of 5 nA and 175 micro-amps respectively. Fast mode (400 kHz clock rate) enables sampling rates to 22.3 kilo-samples per second (ksps). Suited for remote applications, unit has single supply operation and operates over range of 2.7 to 5.5 V and offers on-board sample and hold circuitry.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Introduces Industry Leading Low Power 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter in a SOT-23 Package
Low current design permits operation with typical standby and active currents of only 5 nano-amps (nA) and 175 micro-amps respectively
CHANDLER, Ariz., Jul. 29, 2002 - Adding to its extensive portfolio of low power and small-packaged devices, Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announced the MCP3221, a 12-bit, low power analog-to-digital (A/D) converter with I2C(TM) interface in a SOT-23 package.
The MCP3221 is a successive approximation 12-bit A/D converter with a 2-wire serial, I2C-compatible interface. The 12-bit resolution, considered high resolution for placement in the small sized SOT-23 package, offers a wide, dynamic range for designers when measuring signals. The fast mode (400 kHz clock rate) of the I2C interface enables sampling rates up to 22.3 kilo-samples per second (ksps) for signals of higher bandwidth. The small package size makes this device ideally suited for remote applications where board space is at a premium.
The MCP3221 features single supply operation enabling simplified circuit design by only requiring one voltage supply for the device. This device operates over a broad voltage range (2.7V to 5.5V) and offers on-board sample and hold circuitry in addition to self-timed conversions.
"With its small size and 12-bit resolution for high accuracy, the MCP3221 is ideal for low power operation in remote, portable or battery powered applications. For the given 12-bit accuracy, this device consumes less power than nearly every 12-bit A/D converter on the market," said Trent Butcher, product marketing manager for the Analog and Interface Product Division at Microchip Technology. "With this small, low power design, Microchip can accommodate newer technologies in portable and handheld products and in other designs with limited board space."
The MCP3221 employs a classic SAR architecture, which uses an internal sample and hold capacitor to store the analog input while the conversion is taking place. At the end of the acquisition time, the input switch of the converter opens and the device uses the collected charge on the internal sample and hold capacitor to produce a serial 12-bit digital output code. The acquisition time and conversion is self-timed using an internal clock. After each conversion, the results are stored in a 12-bit register that can be read at any time. Maximum sample rates of 22.3 ksps are possible with the MCP3221 in a fast conversion mode with a clock rate of 400kHz.
The device's low standby and conversion current make the MCP3221 ideal for applications such as battery powered applications, where low power consumption is required. The standard industrial temperature range ensures the device will work well in industrial systems, environments that are characterized by extreme temperatures. With the MCP3221, it is possible to have a single I2C bus and yet address up to 8 different devices enabling designers to simplify code by only changing the address to read data from another device.
The I2C interface is an industry standard control bus that is used in many applications requiring communication with peripheral ICs. It is a serial bus that only requires two bi-directional wires for communication. The two different modes allow for slow or fast data transfer rates depending on the clock peed of the internal I2C bus.
Pricing for the MCP3221 for 1,000-unit quantities is $1.18 each. Samples and high-volume production are available today. For more information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.
About Microchip Technology
Microchip has integrated analog technology, peripherals and features to meet today's demanding design requirements. Our broad spectrum of analog products addresses thermal management, power management, mixed-signal, linear and interface solutions. Combined with "Intelligent Analog" microcontrollers, Microchip offers an extensive analog portfolio for thousands of high-performance design applications in the automotive, communications (wireless), consumer, computing and industrial control markets.
Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the popular PlCmicro® field-programmable RISC microcontrollers, which serve 8- and 16-bit embedded control applications, and a broad spectrum of high performance linear and mixed-signal, power management and thermal management devices. The Company also offers complementary microperipheral products including interface devices; microID® RFID devices; serial EEPROMs; and the patented KEELOQ® security devices. This synergistic product portfolio targets thousands of applications and a growing demand for high-performance designs in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer and industrial control markets. The Company's quality systems are ISO 9001 (1994 version) and QS9000 (1998 version) certified. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona with design facilities in Mountain View, California and Bangalore, India; semiconductor fabrication facilities in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona and Puyallup, Washington; and assembly and test operations near Bangkok, Thailand. Microchip employs approximately 3,200 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas. More information on the Company can be found at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PlCmicro, microID and KeeLoq are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. I2C is a trademark of Philips Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
