Microchip MCP4728A1-E/UN: A Comprehensive 12-Bit Quad DAC with I²C Interface and On-Board EEPROM

In the realm of digital-to-analog conversion, the Microchip MCP4728A1-E/UN stands out as a highly integrated and versatile solution. This device is a 12-bit quad-channel voltage-output Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that combines precision, non-volatile memory, and a standard serial interface into a single compact package. It is engineered for applications demanding multiple high-accuracy analog outputs with minimal board space and simplified control.

A key feature of the MCP4728A1-E/UN is its four independent DAC channels, each capable of generating a precise analog voltage from a 12-bit digital value. This multi-channel capability is essential for complex systems such as industrial automation, optical networking, and advanced instrumentation, where controlling multiple setpoints or bias voltages is required. The converter operates from a single power supply ranging from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it suitable for both 3.3V and 5V systems.

Communication is handled via a fast I²C compatible serial interface, supporting clock speeds of up to 3.4 MHz. This high-speed interface allows for rapid updates of all DAC channels, which is crucial for dynamic control applications. Each device can be assigned one of four unique I²C addresses, enabling up to four MCP4728 devices (for a total of 16 DAC channels) to coexist on the same bus, providing excellent system scalability.

Perhaps one of its most significant advantages is the inclusion of on-board non-volatile EEPROM memory. This allows each DAC channel’s configuration—its output voltage value and gain/voltage reference settings—to be stored and recalled automatically at power-up. This "set-and-forget" capability ensures the device initializes to a known, user-defined state without requiring intervention from a host microcontroller, enhancing system reliability and simplifying the startup process.

The output amplifiers of the MCP4728 provide a strong rail-to-rail output drive, capable of sourcing and sinking significant current. Each channel can be configured for one of two gain settings, offering either a full-scale output of VREF or 2VREF, providing design flexibility for different analog signal ranges.

Housed in a space-efficient 10-MSOP package, the MCP4728A1-E/UN is an ideal choice for space-constrained applications. Its combination of high resolution, multiple channels, integrated memory, and a standard interface makes it a superior choice for designers seeking to reduce component count while increasing functionality and reliability.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip MCP4728A1-E/UN is a powerhouse of integration, offering four 12-bit DACs, I²C control, and vital EEPROM memory in one chip. It is the optimal solution for systems requiring multiple, precise, and persistent analog outputs.

Keywords: 12-Bit Quad DAC, I²C Interface, On-Board EEPROM, Voltage Output, Multi-Channel.