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mcp3208-ci-sl-adc

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Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

MCP3208-CI/SL - 8-Channel 12-Bit ADC with SPI Interface

Details

Description

The MCP3208 is an 8-channel, 12-bit successive approximation ADC with an SPI-compatible serial interface. It supports both single-ended and pseudo-differential input modes, allowing flexible analog signal acquisition. Operating from 2.7V to 5.5V, it achieves up to 100 ksps at 5V, making it well-suited for data acquisition, sensor interfacing, and embedded control applications. The on-chip sample-and-hold circuit and low standby current (500 nA typical) make it ideal for battery-powered and mixed-signal designs.

Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

  • Operating Voltage: 2.7V ~ 5.5V
  • Standby Current: 500 nA typical
  • Active Current: 400 µA typical at 5V
  • Interface: SPI (modes 0,0 and 1,1)
  • Resolution: 12-bit
  • Channels: 8 single-ended or 4 pseudo-differential pairs

Physical Characteristics

  • Package: 16-SOIC
  • Dimensions: 9.90mm x 3.90mm
  • Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C (I-grade)
  • Mounting Type: Surface Mount

Key Features

  • 12-bit resolution, 4096 count output
  • 8 individually selectable input channels
  • Single-ended or pseudo-differential input pairing
  • SPI-compatible: modes 0,0 and 1,1
  • 100 ksps max sample rate at VDD = 5V
  • 50 ksps max sample rate at VDD = 2.7V
  • On-chip sample-and-hold
  • Shutdown mode via CS/SHDN pin

Pinout Diagram

Pin Descriptions (16-SOIC Package)

PinNameFunction
1CH0Analog Input Channel 0
2CH1Analog Input Channel 1
3CH2Analog Input Channel 2
4CH3Analog Input Channel 3
5CH4Analog Input Channel 4
6CH5Analog Input Channel 5
7CH6Analog Input Channel 6
8CH7Analog Input Channel 7
9DGNDDigital Ground
10CS/SHDNChip Select / Shutdown (active low)
11DINSerial Data In
12DOUTSerial Data Out
13CLKSerial Clock
14AGNDAnalog Ground
15VREFReference Voltage Input
16VDDPower Supply (+2.7V to +5.5V)

Applications

  • Multi-channel analog sensor acquisition
  • Temperature monitoring arrays
  • Industrial process control
  • Data logging systems
  • Audio signal measurement
  • Embedded system ADC expansion (Arduino, RP2040, etc.)
  • Battery voltage monitoring

Circuit Examples

Basic SPI Connection (Arduino)

VDD (Pin 16) ---- +5V (or +3.3V)
AGND (Pin 14) --- GND
DGND (Pin 9) ---- GND
VREF (Pin 15) --- +5V (or external reference)
CLK (Pin 13) ---- Arduino pin 13 (SCK)
DOUT (Pin 12) --- Arduino pin 12 (MISO)
DIN (Pin 11) ---- Arduino pin 11 (MOSI)
CS/SHDN (Pin 10) Arduino pin 10 (CS)
CH0-CH7 (Pins 1-8) -> Analog signals (0V to VREF)

Input Mode Selection (via DIN command byte)

Single-ended: SGL/DIFF bit = 1, select channel 0-7
Differential: SGL/DIFF bit = 0, select pairs (CH0+/CH1-, etc.)

Technical Notes

  • VREF decoupling: Place 0.1µF + 10µF caps on VREF to AGND
  • AGND/DGND: Connect together at a single ground point; keep analog and digital grounds separate on PCB
  • CLK speed: Max 2 MHz at 2.7V, max 2 MHz at 5V (check datasheet for full curve)
  • Shutdown: Pull CS/SHDN high to enter low-power shutdown (500 nA); returns to active on next CS falling edge
  • SOIC footprint: Standard 1.27mm pitch — use an SOIC-16 breakout board for breadboard prototyping

Tags

adc, analog-to-digital, spi, 12-bit, 8-channel, microchip, mcp3208, soic cabinet-3 bin-47 status-available

Notes

10 units in stock. SOIC-16 surface-mount package — use a breakout adapter for through-hole breadboard use. The MCP3208 is a popular choice for adding 8 channels of 12-bit ADC to any SPI-capable microcontroller, comparable to the MCP3204 (4-channel) and MCP3201 (1-channel, 13-bit) from the same family.

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