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Using Small ADCs to Supplement MCUs with Integrated ADCs


Having an ADC on your microcontroller (MCU) is easy, convenient and inexpensive. However, there is some inherent peril: converter performance can be compromised and relying on the converter to deliver the necessary performance without a backup plan can cause costly redesigns. 

Thankfully, our portfolio of ultra-small converters is a great backup plan. These devices are small enough to include in the board layout process without a significant increase in the cost or size of the PCB. This results in a win-win situation because if the existing ADC on the processor is good enough, there is virtually no impact. If an external converter is needed, you simply need to populate the spaces that are already present.

Featured Small ADCs


MCP3465R/MCP3565R

16- and 24-bit Delta-Sigma ADCs

  • Sold in a 2 × 2-mm µQFN package
  • Require less than half the area compared to similar products from competitors

MCP3221/MCP3201

12- and 10-bit Successive Approximation Register (SAR) ADCs

  • Sold in small SOT-23 packages 
  • Smallest SAR ADC options on the market

MCP3421/MCP3425

18- and 16-bit Delta-Sigma ADCs

  • Sold in small SOT-23 packages 
  • Options for slower signals

Recognizing that the size and pitch of MCP3465R/MCP3565R devices can sometimes make them challenging to work with in the lab, we also offer performance-equivalent MCP3461R/MCP3561R devices in more lab-friendly 4.4 × 6.5-mm TSSOP packages.