data converters

MCP3421

Every spec below is cited to the manufacturer datasheet. Pick your exact ordering code, compare the closest alternatives, then ask the assistant what it means for your design.

00 — Overview

What the MCP3421 family does

The MCP3421 is an 18-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter featuring differential inputs, an on-board 2.048V reference, and a programmable gain amplifier. It operates from a single 2.7V to 5.5V supply with low current consumption of 145µA typical in continuous mode. The device supports data rates from 3.75 to 240 samples per second and offers 18-bit resolution at the lowest rate. It includes self-calibration for offset and gain per conversion. Typically used in portable instrumentation, weigh scales, temperature sensing with RTDs or thermocouples, and bridge sensing for pressure or strain applications, this component fits in a small SOT-23-6 package and communicates via a two-wire I2C serial interface.

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Start building with MCP3421 → Every number above is cited straight from the datasheet — ask what they mean for your design, and the assistant answers from the same source documents.
01 — Key specifications

MCP3421 datasheet parameters

ParameterMinTypMaxConditionsSource
quiescent current 155 µA 190 µA VDD = 5.0V; Power Requirements Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
supply voltage range 2.7 V 5.5 V Microchip datasheet, p. 1
input offset voltage drift 50 nV/°C VDD = 5.0V; Electrical Specifications:Unless otherwise specified, all parameters apply for TA = -40°C to +85°C, VDD = +5.0V, VSS = 0V, VIN+ = VIN- = VREF/2. All ppm units use 2*VREFas full-scale range. Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
input offset voltage 15 µV 40 µV Tested at PGA = 1VDD = 5.0V and DR = 3.75 SPS; Electrical Specifications:Unless otherwise specified, all parameters apply for TA = -40°C to +85°C, VDD = +5.0V, VSS = 0V, VIN+ = VIN- = VREF/2. All ppm units use 2*VREFas full-scale range. Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
cmrr 105 dB at DC and PGA = 1,; common; Electrical Specifications:Unless otherwise specified, all parameters apply for TA = -40°C to +85°C, VDD = +5.0V, VSS = 0V, VIN+ = VIN- = VREF/2. All ppm units use 2*VREFas full-scale range. Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
operating temperature -40 °C 125 °C Thermal Characteristics Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
clock frequency 0 Hz 400 kHz Fast Mode Microchip datasheet, p. 18 — TABLE 5-4: I²C SERIAL TIMING SPECIFICATIONS
psrr 100 dB TA = +25°C, VDD = 2.7V to 5.5V, PGA = 1; Electrical Specifications:Unless otherwise specified, all parameters apply for TA = -40°C to +85°C, VDD = +5.0V, VSS = 0V, VIN+ = VIN- = VREF/2. All ppm units use 2*VREFas full-scale range. Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
adc resolution 18 bit Microchip datasheet, p. 1
rise time 4.08 µs From VILto VIH, Cb = 100 pFCb = 400 pF; (note 1); High Speed Mode Microchip datasheet, p. 19 — TABLE 5-4: I²C SERIAL TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)
fall time 4.08 µs From VIHto VIL, Cb = 100 pFCb = 400 pF; (note 1); High Speed Mode Microchip datasheet, p. 19 — TABLE 5-4: I²C SERIAL TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)
output voltage low 400 mV IOL = 3 mA, VDD = +5.0V; I2C Digital Inputs and Digital Outputs Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
sample rate 176 Hz 240 Hz 328 Hz S1, S0 = '00', (12 bits mode); (note 3); System Performance Microchip datasheet, p. 2 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
settling time 267 ms 18-bit conversion mode, 3.75 SPS data rate (includes auto-calibration of offset and gain) Microchip datasheet, p. 1
channel count 1 Microchip datasheet, p. 1
03 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MCP3421

ADS1110A0IDBVR 4.0× lower settling time, 3.3× lower rise time, 1.1× lower adc resolution
ADS1255 2.0× higher input offset voltage drift, 2.0× lower output voltage low, 1.6× lower supply voltage range
CS5530-IS 16.0× higher sample rate, 5.0× lower input offset voltage drift, 3.4× higher fall time
HX711 9.0× higher quiescent current, 1.5× higher settling time, 1.3× higher adc resolution
ADS1100 1.9× lower sample rate, 1.1× lower adc resolution, 1.1× lower cmrr
LTC2400 2.0× lower settling time, 1.6× higher operating temperature, 1.3× higher adc resolution
ADS1114 3.6× higher sample rate, 3.3× lower rise time, 2.7× lower output voltage low
ADS1246 8.3× higher sample rate, 1.9× higher operating temperature, 1.4× higher psrr
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