on November 5th 71

A Complete Overview of the MCP3008 ADC

The MCP3008 is a popular 10-bit analog-to-digital converter that makes it easy to connect analog sensors to digital devices like microcontrollers and the Raspberry Pi. This article will guide you through its features, uses, and how it can fit into your projects.

Catalog

MCP3008 Overview

The MCP3008 is a 10-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) from Microchip Technology. It converts analogue signals into digital data, making it easier for microcontrollers to process inputs like temperature, light, and other sensor data. Supporting up to 8 single-ended inputs or 4 differential pairs, it offers flexibility for various applications. With a conversion speed of up to 200 kSPS, it strikes a balance between performance and ease of integration, fitting well into projects that require dependable analogue-to-digital conversion without high power consumption.

MCP3008 Pin Configuration

Pin Number	Pin Name	Description
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8	Analog Input Channels	These are the 8 Input pins, to which the analog voltage to be measured is provided.
9	Digital Ground	Connected to the Ground of the circuit
10	Chip Select / Shutdown (CS'/SHDN)	This pin is connected to GPIO pin or MCU for turning on or off the IC
11	Serial Data In (DIN)	Used for SPI communication
12	Serial Data Out (DOUT)	Used for SPI communication
13	Serial Clock (CLK)	Used to provide clock signal for SPI communication
14	Analog Ground	Connected to Ground of the reference voltage
15	Reference Voltage (VREF)	Connected to reference voltage for ADC Conversion

MCP3008 CAD Model

MCP3008 Symbol

MCP3008 Footprint

MCP3008 3D Model

MCP3008 Specifications

Technical specifications, features, characteristics, and components with comparable specifications of Microchip Technology MCP3008

Type	Parameter
Factory Lead Time	6 Weeks
Mount	Through Hole
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	16-DIP (0.300, 7.62mm)
Number of Pins	16
Weight	4.535924g
Number of Elements	1
Usage Level	Industrial grade
Operating Temperature	-40°C~85°C
Packaging	Tube
Published	1998
JESD-609 Code	e3
Pbfree Code	yes
Part Status	Active
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Number of Terminations	16
ECCN Code	EAR99
Terminal Finish	Matte Tin (Sn)
Terminal Position	DUAL
Number of Functions	1
Supply Voltage	5V
Terminal Pitch	2.54mm
Base Part Number	MCP3008
Pin Count	16
Operating Supply Voltage	5V
Polarity	Unipolar
Configuration	MUX-S/H-ADC
Number of Channels	8
Interface	SPI, Serial
Max Supply Voltage	5.5V
Min Supply Voltage	2.7V
Nominal Supply Current	425μA
Number of Bits	10
Input Type	Pseudo-Differential, Single Ended
Architecture	SAR
Number of Inputs	4, 8
Converter Type	ADC, SUCCESSIVE APPROXIMATION
Reference Type	External
Data Interface	SPI
Resolution	1.25 B
Sampling Rate	200 ksps
Voltage - Supply, Analog	2.7V~5.5V
Voltage - Supply, Digital	2.7V~5.5V
Number of Analog In Channels	8
Sampling Rate (Per Second)	200k
Output Bit Code	BINARY
Linearity Error-Max (EL)	0.10%
Integral Nonlinearity (INL)	1 LSB
Sample and Hold / Track and Hold	SAMPLE
Conversion Rate	200 ksps
Ratio - S/H	1:1
Analog Input Voltage-Max	5V
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)	200 dB
Differential Nonlinearity	1 LSB
Min Supply Voltage (DC)	2.7V
Height	3.3mm
Length	19.05mm
Width	6.35mm
REACH SVHC	No SVHC
Radiation Hardening	No
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Lead Free	Lead Free

Parts with Similar Specifications to MCP3008

The parts on the right have specifications similar to the Microchip Technology MCP3008

Part Number

Manufacturer

Package / Case

Number of Inputs

Number of Pins

Number of Bits

Sampling Rate

Polarity

Interface

Integral Nonlinearity

Differential Nonlinearity

Min Supply Voltage

Supply Voltage

MCP3008-I/P

Microchip Technology

16-DIP (0.300, 7.62mm)

4, 8

16

10

200 ksps

Unipolar

SPI, Serial

1 LSB

1 LSB

2.7 V

5 V

MCP3208-CI/P

Microchip Technology

20-DIP (0.300, 7.62mm)

-

20

12

38 ksps

Unipolar

-

1 LSB

1 LSB

4.5 V

5 V

TLC1543CN

Texas Instruments

16-DIP (0.300, 7.62mm)

4, 8

16

10

100 ksps

Unipolar

SPI, Serial

2 LSB

2 LSB

2.7 V

5 V

MCP3204-CI/P

Microchip Technology

14-DIP (0.300, 7.62mm)

2, 4

14

12

100 ksps

Unipolar

SPI, Serial

2 LSB

1 LSB

2.7 V

5 V

MCP3004-I/P

Microchip Technology

14-DIP (0.300, 7.62mm)

2, 4

14

10

200 ksps

Unipolar

SPI, Serial

1  LSB

1 LSB

MCP3008 Features

Resolution

The MCP3008 offers a 10-bit resolution. This means it can divide the analogue input signal into 1024 steps, providing a detailed representation of the analogue signal in digital form.

Differential and Single-Ended Channels

It has 4 differential or 8 single-ended input channels, allowing you to measure multiple signals either individually (single-ended) or in pairs (differential), giving flexibility for various sensing needs.

Sample and Hold

The on-chip sample and hold feature lets the ADC capture the input voltage at a specific point in time, holding it steady for accurate conversion to digital, which is especially helpful when signals fluctuate.

SPI Interface

The MCP3008 uses an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), which makes it compatible with many microcontrollers. The SPI interface allows for fast and reliable data transfer with minimal wiring.

Low Power Consumption

Built with low power CMOS technology, the MCP3008 is efficient and can operate with minimal power, ideal for applications where conserving battery life is a priority.

Temperature Range

With an operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, the MCP3008 is suitable for both industrial and consumer projects, making it versatile for various environments.

Wide Voltage Range

The MCP3008 works with a single supply voltage of 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with many common 3.3V and 5V systems, from microcontrollers to embedded boards.

Package Options

Available in PDIP, SOIC, and TSSOP packages, the MCP3008 provides options for both through-hole and surface-mount designs, offering flexibility for different setups.

MCP3008 Functional Block Diagram

MCP3008 Applications

Sensor Interface

The MCP3008 can be used as a sensor interface, converting analogue signals from sensors like temperature or light into digital data that microcontrollers can process.

Process Control

In process control applications, the MCP3008 is used to monitor and control variables in manufacturing and automation by reading signals from various sensors.

Data Acquisition

The MCP3008 is a good choice for data acquisition systems, collecting data from multiple sensors and converting it to a digital format for analysis and monitoring.

Battery-Operated Systems

With its low power usage, the MCP3008 suits battery-operated systems where efficiency is important, allowing for longer battery life in portable devices.

MCP3008 Equivalent

• PCF8591

Where to Use MCP3008?

The MCP3008 is ideal for projects involving analogue sensors that output variable voltages, like temperature or light sensors. It works with both 3.3V and 5V systems, making it compatible with microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Using a successive approximation register (SAR) for conversion, the MCP3008 delivers reliable performance in a straightforward setup. While it may not be the fastest ADC, its affordability and ease of use make it a popular choice for many applications.

How to Use MCP3008?

The MCP3008 is known for being easy to use and works with just a few components. Here's a simple application circuit to help you understand how it works.

In this diagram, the operating voltage is set to 5V, but you can use any voltage between 2.7V and 5V. The ADC inside the MCP3008 uses the Successive Approximation Register (SAR) method to measure the analog voltage. To do this, it needs a reference voltage. This reference voltage should always be less than the operating voltage, but in most cases, they are the same. In this example, the reference voltage is tied to 5V, just like the Vcc pin.

The MCP3008 has eight channels (CH0 to CH7), which you can use to feed in the analog voltages you want to measure. The maximum voltage each channel can measure is equal to the reference voltage—in this case, 5V. The ADC measures the input voltage with a 10-bit resolution. This means that an input voltage between 0V and 5V will be converted to a digital value ranging from 0 to 1023. If you want to convert this digital value back into the original voltage, you can use this formula:

In the circuit, the system voltage is set to 5V, and the ADC has 1024 steps for measurement. After the MCP3008 measures the analog voltage, it sends the result to a microcontroller or microprocessor using SPI communication. The CS, Din, Dout, and Clock pins of the MCP3008 connect to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller. To get the ADC value from the selected channel, you send the control bit data via SPI. The MCP3008 will then respond with the digital value corresponding to the measured analog voltage.

MCP3008 Package

MCP3008 Manufacturer

Microchip Technology is a recognized leader in embedded solutions, offering products like the MCP3008 that make system integration easier. Known for reliable and user-friendly components, Microchip supports a range of industries by providing tools and products that simplify design processes. Their commitment to accessible solutions helps users, from hobbyists to professionals, bring projects to life with less complexity.

Datasheet PDF

MCP3008-I/P Datasheet:

MCP3008-I/P.pdf

MCP3208-CI/P Datasheet:

MCP3208-CI/P.pdf

TLC1543CN Datasheet:

TLC1543CN.pdf

MCP3204-CI/P Datasheet:

MCP3204-CI/P.pdf

MCP3004-I/P Datasheet:

MCP3004-I/P.pdf