Microchip MCP6004-E/ST Quad Op-Amp: Key Features and Application Circuits

The Microchip MCP6004-E/ST is a quad operational amplifier (op-amp) that stands out for its excellent combination of performance, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. It is part of the MCP6001/2/4 family, which is specifically designed for applications requiring wide voltage range operation (1.8V to 5.5V) and minimal power draw. Housed in a compact TSSOP-14 package, this quad op-amp is an ideal solution for space-constrained, battery-powered portable devices.

Key Features

The defining characteristics of the MCP6004-E/ST make it a versatile choice for a wide array of analog circuits.

Low Power Consumption: With a quiescent current of only 100 µA per amplifier typical, the device is exceptionally efficient. This is a critical parameter for battery-operated products like sensors, remote controls, and handheld medical devices, where extending battery life is paramount.

Rail-to-Rail Input/Output (RRIO): This feature allows the input signals and output voltages to swing very close to both power supply rails (VDD and VSS). This maximizes the dynamic range in low-voltage systems, ensuring signal integrity even when operating from a single 1.8V supply.

Gain Bandwidth Product (GBWP): The MCP6004 offers a 1 MHz GBWP, providing sufficient bandwidth for many DC and low-frequency AC signal conditioning tasks, such as filtering, amplification, and buffering of audio and sensor signals.

Low Input Bias Current: The input bias current is typically 1 pA, which is beneficial for applications involving high-impedance sources, such as photodiode transimpedance amplifiers, where minimizing input current errors is essential.

High DC Stability: The op-amp features stable unit gain and is internally compensated, making it easy to use in various configurations without requiring external compensation components.

Application Circuits

The MCP6004's quad architecture allows designers to implement multiple signal processing functions within a single IC. Here are two common application circuits:

1. Non-Inverting Amplifier (Signal Conditioning)

This is one of the most fundamental op-amp circuits. It is used to amplify a sensor's output (e.g., from a thermistor or pressure sensor) without inverting its 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 low-supply system.

2. Active Low-Pass Filter (Anti-Aliasing/Signal Smoothing)

A simple first-order active low-pass filter can be built using one amplifier of the MCP6004, a resistor (R), and a capacitor (C). This circuit attenuates high-frequency noise while allowing lower-frequency signals to pass. Its cut-off frequency (-3dB point) is defined by fc = 1/(2πRC). This is crucial in data acquisition systems to prevent aliasing before an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Microchip MCP6004-E/ST is a highly efficient and versatile quad op-amp engineered for low-voltage operation and portable applications. Its standout features of ultra-low power consumption and rail-to-rail input/output make it an exceptional choice for designers focused on maximizing battery life and signal range in consumer, industrial, and medical electronics. Its stability and ease of use further solidify its position as a fundamental building block in modern analog design.

Keywords:

1. Low Power Consumption

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

3. Quad Operational Amplifier

4. Battery-Powered Applications

5. Signal Conditioning