Microchip MCP6004T-E/SL Quad Op-Amp: Key Features and Application Circuits

The Microchip MCP6004T-E/SL is a quad operational amplifier that stands out in the crowded op-amp market by offering an exceptional combination of low power consumption, rail-to-rail input and output operation, and affordability. It is part of the MCP6001/2/4 family, designed specifically for general-purpose, low-speed analog applications where power budget is a critical constraint.

Key Features

Low Power Consumption: The device features a quiescent current of just 100 µA (typical) per amplifier, making it an ideal choice for battery-powered and portable equipment. This minimal power draw significantly extends battery life.

Rail-to-Rail Input/Output (RRIO): The MCP6004T-E/SL operates with input and output voltages that can swing very close to both power supply rails (VDD and VSS). This maximizes the dynamic range in low-voltage systems, which is crucial when operating from a single supply voltage as low as 1.8V up to 5.5V.

Gain Bandwidth Product: With a GBWP of 1 MHz, it is optimized for applications processing signals in the audio and low-frequency control domains, not high-speed signals.

Low Input Bias Current: Typical input bias current is 1 pA, which is beneficial for high-impedance sensor interface circuits.

Robust Packaging: The MCP6004T-E/SL comes in a compact 14-pin SOIC package, suitable for space-constrained PCB designs.

Application Circuits

The quad configuration allows designers to implement multiple signal conditioning blocks with a single IC. Here are two common application circuits:

1. Non-Inverting Amplifier (Gain Stage)

This is a fundamental circuit for amplifying sensor signals without inverting their polarity. The gain is set by two resistors (R1 and R2) and is given by Av = 1 + (R2 / R1). The rail-to-rail output ensures the amplified signal uses the full available voltage range of the power supply. This is perfect for amplifying signals from transducers like thermistors or pressure sensors.

2. Active Low-Pass Filter (Anti-aliasing or Noise Reduction)

By adding a capacitor (C1) in parallel with the feedback resistor (R2) in the inverting amplifier configuration, the op-amp becomes a simple first-order active low-pass filter. The cut-off frequency (-3dB point) is determined by fc = 1 / (2π R2 C1). This circuit is essential for removing high-frequency noise from a signal before it is digitized by an ADC or processed further.

Other typical applications include voltage followers (buffers), window comparators (using multiple amplifiers in one package), photodiode transimpedance amplifiers, and simple analog-to-digital converter (ADC) driver circuits.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Microchip MCP6004T-E/SL is a highly efficient and versatile quad op-amp that excels in low-voltage, power-sensitive applications. Its rail-to-rail capability and low quiescent current make it a superior choice for designing analog front-ends for portable devices, sensor interfaces, and battery-operated systems where maximizing performance and battery life is paramount.

Keywords:

1. Low Power Consumption

2. Rail-to-Rail Input/Output (RRIO)

3. Quad Operational Amplifier

4. General-Purpose Analog

5. Battery-Powered Applications