MCP3423-E/UN - 18-Bit Dual Delta-Sigma ADC | Microchip

Load-Cell Signal Acquisition

The MCP3423-E/UN fits load-cell and other low-level bridge measurements that require differential signal capture, high resolution, and a compact converter footprint. Its two differential channels and up to 18-bit resolution are appropriate for monitoring force, weight, or pressure, while the 2.048 V internal reference provides a defined differential measurement scale. A bridge amplifier or suitable instrumentation front end should translate the bridge output into the converter's permitted common-mode and differential range. The maximum 4 SPS conversion rate suits static or slowly changing loads rather than dynamic vibration analysis. Confirm analog input limits, gain options, excitation requirements, and digital filtering in the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing the signal chain.

Industrial Process Monitoring

The MCP3423-E/UN is suitable for industrial process measurements where accuracy and noise rejection are more important than acquisition speed. Its differential inputs can accept suitably conditioned pressure, temperature, level, or flow signals while rejecting common-mode disturbance present on long sensor wiring. Up to 18-bit resolution provides fine digital code spacing, and the integrated 2.048 V reference reduces reliance on an external reference for suitable measurement ranges. The I2C interface allows connection to an embedded controller for configuration and data retrieval. At up to 4 SPS, the part is best applied to slow process variables rather than high-bandwidth control loops. Field designs should include appropriate input protection, filtering, grounding, and isolation where required by the installation.

Precision Sensor Interface

The MCP3423-E/UN can serve as the analog front end for low-frequency precision sensors whose output changes slowly and benefits from differential measurement. Its two-channel architecture supports paired or related measurements, while the 10-MSOP package keeps the converter compact beside sensor-conditioning circuitry. The onboard 2.048 V reference and up to 18-bit resolution can improve observability in applications otherwise constrained by sensor output amplitude and system noise. Use a low-noise, low-offset amplifier when the sensor output is too small or outside the common-mode range. The 4 SPS limit means the digital filter and conversion latency must be considered in closed-loop or event-based systems. Input settling and filter bandwidth should be verified using the manufacturer timing and electrical data.

Laboratory Data Acquisition

The MCP3423-E/UN is appropriate for laboratory measurement systems that record slowly varying voltages with relatively high resolution. Two differential inputs can capture a sensor signal and a related reference, auxiliary channel, or differential output from an instrumentation amplifier. The converter's integrated 2.048 V reference supports repeatable measurements when its accuracy and drift meet the instrument specification, while the I2C interface simplifies connection to an embedded control board. Because the maximum listed conversion rate is 4 SPS, the device is not intended for general-purpose oscilloscope acquisition. Use it for thermocouple, strain-gauge, laboratory transducer, and environmental monitoring channels after confirming input common-mode limits, gain, and filter settling requirements.

Environmental Monitoring

The MCP3423-E/UN can digitize slow environmental measurements such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and gas-sensor outputs in compact monitoring instruments. Its differential inputs are useful when the sensor or amplifier produces a bipolar signal around a common reference, while the up to 18-bit resolution can preserve detail in slowly changing measurements. The 4 SPS conversion rate is adequate for ambient monitoring and battery-powered environmental nodes that update readings periodically. The internal 2.048 V reference and I2C interface help reduce component count and board space, although reference drift, sensor self-heating, and noise must be included in the error budget. Protective filtering and layout isolation are particularly important when the converter shares a board with switching converters or long external sensor cables.

Portable Instrumentation

The MCP3423-E/UN fits portable, low-power instrumentation that measures low-frequency analog signals in a compact package. Its 10-MSOP footprint leaves board area for the sensor interface, I2C host, and power circuitry, while two channels allow useful measurement multiplexing without adding another converter package. The delta-sigma architecture, up to 18-bit resolution, and integrated 2.048 V reference support accurate readings from bridge and instrumentation-amplifier outputs. A conversion rate up to 4 SPS is appropriate for sampled readings rather than continuous waveform capture. Portable-product designers should verify supply range and current consumption, which were not supplied in the verified results, and should account for reference performance over the product's environmental temperature range.