About UsNew Digital-to-Analog Converter Including Nonvolatile Memory
Microchip's New MCP47/48FxBx8 family of Octal 12-bit DACs Combine Nonvolatile Memory and a Voltage Reference
Implementing multi-channel system control or signal outputs using Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) in today’s portable and handheld industrial, communications, consumer and medical systems has been difficult to do without significant processor overhead for device configuration during power-up. As a solution to this problem, Microchip has released its MCP47/48FxBx8 family of octal 12-bit DACs, the first to include nonvolatile memory and an integrated Voltage Reference (Vref) source so they can be pre-configured for safe and efficient power-up without relying on the system processor.
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“Handhelds and other portable systems are expected to deliver more capabilities in smaller, simpler designs,” said Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of Microchip’s mixed-signal and linear business unit. “We help achieve this goal with the first DACs that eliminate processor overhead during power-up and provide the channel density, low power consumption and integrated features that today’s compact systems need so they can operate over longer periods using smaller, lighter batteries.”
Unlike DACs that do not feature nonvolatile memory, the MCP47/48FxBx8 DACs can store user-customized configuration data even when powered down. At power-up, all eight channels are then configured to the pre-defined state without burdening the system processor with this overhead. Integrating a Vref source into the DACs reduces overall system size and complexity while providing the necessary control to meet critical timing needs for safely driving all power outputs. In addition, the device family offers both SPI and I2C serial interfaces to provide the designer with the most flexibility for device communications.
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With an operating voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V, the DACs’ low minimum operating voltage and high level of power efficiency combine to improve thermal performance and reliability. The DACs also provide power-on/brown-out reset protection and one of the industry’s fastest settling times at 5 microseconds and operate in the extended (-40 °C to +125 °C) temperature range required for industrial and automotive applications.
Features of the MCP4728, Quad Channel, 12-bit Digital to Analog Convertor
- 12-Bit Resolution
- 4 Buffered Voltage Outputs
- Single-Supply Operation: 2.7V to 5.5V
- On-Board Non-Volatile Memory (EEPROM)
- Normal or Power-Down Mode
- Internal or External Voltage Reference Selection
- Rail-to-Rail Output
- Low Power Consumption
- ±0.2 LSB DNL (typical)
- I²C Interface
- Address bits: User Programmable to EEPROM
- Standard (100 kbps), Fast (400 kbps) and High Speed (3.4 Mbps) Modes
- Extended Temperature Range: -40°C to +125°C
More information on the MCP47 Series of DAC's can be found on the Microchip website at Microchip MCP47FEB28 series page.
Note: The Microchip name and the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
The Microchip website address is www.microchip.com
[Reprinted with kind permission from Microchip Corporation - Release Date, 6th October, 2020]