data converters

MCP4901

Every spec below is cited to the manufacturer datasheet. Compare the closest alternatives, then ask the assistant what it means for your design.

00 — Overview

What the MCP4901 does

The MCP49xx family comprises 8-bit, 10-bit, and 12-bit buffered voltage output digital-to-analog converters. These single-channel devices operate from a 2.7V to 5.5V single supply and feature an SPI-compatible interface supporting up to 20MHz clock speeds. They offer rail-to-rail outputs, selectable unity or 2x gain, and a fast settling time of 4.5µs. The parts include double-buffered registers for synchronous updates and a power-on reset circuit. Available in PDIP, SOIC, MSOP, and DFN packages, they support extended temperature ranges from -40°C to +125°C. Engineers typically use them for set point trimming, motor control feedback loops, and calibration of optical communication devices where high accuracy and low noise are required.

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Start building with MCP4901 → 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

Datasheet parameters

Datasheet parameters for MCP4901
ParameterMinTypMaxConditionsSource
quiescent current 200 µA VREFinput is unbuffered, all digital inputs are grounded, all analog outputs (VOUT) are unloaded. Code = 0x000h; Power Requirements Microchip datasheet, p. 5 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTIC WITH EXTENDED TEMPERATURE
output current 15 mA 24 mA Output Amplifier Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
supply voltage range 2.7 V 5.5 V Microchip datasheet, p. 1
operating temperature -40 °C 125 °C Note 1; Temperature Ranges Microchip datasheet, p. 7 — TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS
clock frequency 20 MHz TA = +25°C (Note 1); AC CHARACTERISTICS (SPI TIMING SPECIFICATIONS) Microchip datasheet, p. 7 — AC CHARACTERISTICS (SPI TIMING SPECIFICATIONS)
standby current 5 µA Power Requirements Microchip datasheet, p. 5 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTIC WITH EXTENDED TEMPERATURE
slew rate 0.55 V/µs Output Amplifier Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
input voltage noise density 1.2 µV/√Hz Code = 0xFFFH, G = 1x; Internal Voltage Reference (VREF) Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
sample rate 20 MHz Microchip datasheet, p. 7 — AC CHARACTERISTICS (SPI TIMING SPECIFICATIONS)
settling time 4.5 µs Within ½ LSb of final valuefrom ¼ to ¾ full-scale range; Output Amplifier Microchip datasheet, p. 4 — ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (CONTINUED)
channel count 1 Microchip datasheet, p. 1 — Related Products
02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to MCP4901

MCP4706 5.9× lower sample rate, 4.1× higher input capacitance, 1.3× higher settling time
DAC5311 2.9× higher output current, 1.8× lower quiescent current, 1.3× higher settling time
MCP4728 1.5× higher adc resolution, 1.3× higher settling time, 1.1× lower output current
BU2505FV 4.2× higher quiescent current, 2.0× lower sample rate, 1.6× higher settling time
AD5694ARUZ 2.4× higher output current, 1.5× higher adc resolution, 1.5× higher slew rate
MCP4725 1.5× higher adc resolution, 1.3× higher settling time, similar operating temperature
DAC8830 10.7× higher input capacitance, 4.5× lower settling time, 2.0× higher adc resolution
AD9833BRMZ 2.3× lower input capacitance, 1.3× lower operating temperature, 1.2× higher sample rate
03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the channel count of the MCP4901?

The channel count is 1.

What is the clock frequency when TA = +25°C (Note 1) under AC CHARACTERISTICS (SPI TIMING SPECIFICATIONS)?

The clock frequency is 20 MHz.

What is the input voltage noise density when Code = 0xFFFH, G = 1x, and using the Internal Voltage Reference (VREF)?

The input voltage noise density is 1.2 µV/√Hz.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the MCP4901?

The maximum operating temperature is 125 °C, as specified in Note 1 under Temperature Ranges.

What is the output current of the MCP4901 under the Output Amplifier condition?

The output current is 15 mA.

What is the quiescent current when VREFinput is unbuffered, all digital inputs are grounded, all analog outputs (VOUT) are unloaded, and Code = 0x000h?

The quiescent current is 200 µA.

What is the sample rate of the MCP4901?

The sample rate is 20 MHz.

What is the settling time for the MCP4901?

The settling time is 4.5 µs within ½ LSb of final value from ¼ to ¾ full-scale range with the Output Amplifier.

What is the slew rate of the Output Amplifier?

The slew rate of the Output Amplifier is 0.55 V/µs.

What is the standby current specified in the Power Requirements section?

The standby current is 5 µA.

What is the maximum supply voltage for the MCP4901?

The supply voltage range is 5.5 V.

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