Delta Sigma ADCs Attach Well to Microprocessors

In the realm of embedded systems and electronics design, Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) play a crucial role in translating analog signals into digital data for microcontrollers (MCUs) to process. Many modern MCUs come equipped with onboard ADCs, and where the onboard converters meet a designer’s needs, this is the best value proposition. In many cases, it may be unclear whether the onboard ADC will provide sufficient performance, or even worse—obvious that it will not be good enough.

External ADCs can provide much better performance when compared to those included onboard microprocessors. Improved isolation and the ability to leverage more converter friendly processes ensure this truth will endure. Conversely, the promise of a solution that requires less board space and is lower in cost will forever lure designers to leverage onboard converters where they are able to do so. Microchip’s MSLD team is committed to minimizing these factors as much as possible.

Total Cost

At Microchip, “customers are our focus” is a core guiding value. Embracing this value drives us to provide the most cost-effective ADCs on the market. The MCP3460R, the newest addition to our Delta-Sigma ADC portfolio, is clear evidence of our commitment to embracing it. With published pricing at <$1.00 for 5kU, it is the lowest cost 16 bit, >100ksps ADC on the market today. This low cost was achieved by taking an existing product (MCP3461R) and stripping out some cost:

1. We moved from a μQFN package to a less expensive (but footprint-compatible!) VQFN.
2. We cost-optimized testing by restricting the DVDD voltage to 2.7V minimum and eliminating the burnout current source sensing (a feature which is nice to have but not universally required).

We did nothing to reduce the best-in-class performance which can be found across the entire MCP346x family: 97.2 dB SINAD and 120 dBc SFDR at up to 153.6 ksps. 

We retained support for valuable features: internal or external VRef and oscillator, advanced security features such as CRC and register map locks, on-chip programmable gain and an onboard temperature sensor to name a few.

We specifically chose to retain the 3x3 footprint of the rest of the 6x portfolio, while also making the device SW compatible to make it easy for our customers to save cost where they are able to adopt the MCP3460R in place of the MCP3461R.

Less Board Space

For those customers where board space is especially tight, we will continue to support the MCP3465R. As we have noted in a prior blog post, setting aside space on your board for this 2x2 mm packaged device is a good option to safeguard against the possibility that an onboard ADC does not provide the performance desired, or needed.

The introduction of the MCP3460R proves our commitment to helping clients achieve tremendous performance at a discount. When paired with the MCP3465R, it should be easy to conclude that the best product for your analog-to-digital conversion needs can be found at Microchip.com.