Microchip MCP602-E/SN Dual Op-Amp: Datasheet, Application Circuits, and Technical Specifications
The Microchip MCP602 is a dual operational amplifier that has become a staple in modern electronic design, prized for its excellent performance-to-power ratio. The MCP602-E/SN variant comes in a compact 8-pin narrow SOIC package, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained applications requiring precision and reliability. This article delves into its key specifications, highlights from its datasheet, and practical application circuits.
Technical Specifications and Datasheet Highlights
The MCP602 is designed with a focus on low power consumption and rail-to-rail input/output operation, which is crucial for single-supply systems. Its key electrical characteristics, as outlined in the official datasheet, include:
Supply Voltage Range: 2.5V to 5.5V single supply, making it perfect for 3.3V and 5V systems.
Quiescent Current: A remarkably low 230 µA (typical) per amplifier, enabling power-sensitive and battery-operated devices.
Gain Bandwidth Product: 2.8 MHz provides ample bandwidth for a wide array of audio, sensor, and control applications.
Input Offset Voltage: ±500 µV (max) ensures high accuracy in DC signal conditioning.
Rail-to-Rail Input and Output: Allows the input and output signals to swing very close to the supply rails, maximizing the dynamic range in low-voltage systems.
Temperature Range: The MCP602-E/SN is specified for the extended industrial range (-40°C to +85°C).
Application Circuits
The versatility of the MCP602-E/SN allows it to be used in countless configurations. Two fundamental circuits are detailed below.
1. Non-Inverting Amplifier:
This circuit is used to amplify a signal without inverting its polarity. The gain is set by two resistors, R_f (feedback) and R_g (gain), and is given by the formula Av = 1 + (R_f / R_g). The rail-to-rail output ensures the maximum possible output swing for a given supply voltage. This setup is ideal for sensor signal conditioning (e.g., from thermistors or pressure sensors) where a precise, positive gain is required.
2. Active Low-Pass Filter (Sallen-Key Topology):
The MCP602's bandwidth makes it well-suited for filter applications. A second-order Sallen-Key low-pass filter can be easily built using one of the op-amps, two resistors, and two capacitors. This filter attenuates high-frequency noise while allowing lower-frequency signals to pass, which is critical in data acquisition systems and audio processing to prevent aliasing and reduce interference.
Why Choose the MCP602-E/SN?
This op-amp stands out for its combination of low power operation, rail-to-rail performance, and high DC precision. It effectively bridges the gap between ancient bipolar op-amps that consume too much power and early CMOS op-amps that suffered from poor offset voltage and speed. Whether you are designing a portable medical instrument, a battery-powered data logger, or an automotive sensor interface, the MCP602-E/SN offers a robust and reliable solution.
The Microchip MCP602-E/SN is a quintessential general-purpose op-amp for the modern designer. Its optimal blend of low voltage operation, minimal power drain, and full signal swing capability makes it an exceptionally versatile component for a vast spectrum of analog design challenges.
Keywords:
Operational Amplifier, Low Power, Rail-to-Rail, Signal Conditioning, Single-Supply
