COP432CN - 8-Bit Serial I/O SAR ADC, 1 or 2-Input, 8-PDIP | Texas Instruments
MPN: COP432CN ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.95 | $4.95 |
| 10 | $4.2 | $42.00 |
| 100 | $3.45 | $345.00 |
| 500 | $2.85 | $1,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.4 | $2,400.00 |
COP432CN Overview
What is a SAR ADC? A successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter is a type of data converter that performs a binary search across the input voltage, comparing it against an internal DAC for each bit. SAR ADCs occupy a middle ground between flash converters (fast but power-hungry and large) and sigma-delta ADCs (high resolution but latency-bound). Within the broader hierarchy, the SAR ADC belongs to the data-converter IC family, which sits under analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) -> data conversion ICs -> signal chain -> semiconductor. This category positioning explains why the COP432CN is typically used in cost-sensitive embedded designs that need more speed than a sigma-delta but lower complexity than a pipelined part.
Key features include 8-bit resolution, 1 or 2 analog input channels, a serial interface for minimal MCU pin count, and a commercial temperature grade suitable for 0C to +70C operation. The PDIP-8 through-hole footprint simplifies prototyping on breadboards and through-hole PCBs, while the simple serial protocol allows easy interfacing with 8051, PIC, AVR, and other low-pin-count microcontrollers.
The COP432CN utilizes a classic SAR architecture with internal sample-and-hold, providing deterministic conversion latency and excellent behavior for multiplexed multi-channel acquisition. The serial data output minimizes board routing compared to parallel-output ADCs of the same era.
Typical applications include handheld instruments, battery monitoring, simple sensor front-ends, panel-meter designs, and embedded microcontroller systems requiring basic analog measurement. Designers choose this part when an 8-bit result is sufficient and BOM cost must be minimized.
When designing with this device, verify the reference voltage selection against the input signal range, ensure the serial clock timing matches the host controller, and place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to the supply pin to suppress digital switching noise from corrupting the conversion.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop comparison view.
Drop-in alternatives for COP432CN — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with COP432CN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Input Type, Operating Temperature, Sampling Rate, Architecture, Conversion Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
COP432CN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC0848CCN/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC0844CCN/NOPB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC0838CCN/NOPB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC0834BCN/NOPB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →COP432CN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 8 bit |
| Number of Inputs | 1 or 2 |
| Architecture | SAR |
| Interface | Serial I/O |
| Input Type | Single-ended (ratiometric) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Terminal Form | Through-Hole |
| Number of Terminals | 8 |
| Package Shape | Rectangular (DIP) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial grade, per datasheet reference data) |
| Supply Type | Single-supply |
| Conversion Type | Ratiometric |
COP432CN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | CS — Chip Select (active low) |
| Pin 2 | CLK — Serial Clock input |
| Pin 3 | DO — Serial Data Output |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | VREF — Reference Voltage input |
| Pin 6 | VIN — Analog Input (or input select for 2-input mode) |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
COP432CN is suitable for 6 applications: Handheld Digital Multimeter Front-End, Battery Voltage Monitoring, Simple Sensor Interface (Thermistor / Photodiode), Panel Meter and Process Indicator, Embedded MCU Analog Expansion, Educational and Hobby Electronics Projects.
Handheld Digital Multimeter Front-End
The COP432CN provides a low-cost 8-bit ADC front-end for handheld digital multimeters, where the 1 or 2 input channels accept voltage or current-sense signals and the serial I/O streams results to the meter's microcontroller. With 8-bit resolution (256 discrete levels), the part delivers approximately 0.4% step size, which is sufficient for consumer-grade meter displays. The serial interface reduces MCU pin count, allowing the design to use a low-pin-count MCU. Compared to integrating a sigma-delta converter, the SAR architecture gives deterministic conversion time so the meter can sample at a fixed rate without software filtering complexity.
Recommended
Battery Voltage Monitoring
The COP432CN is suitable for monitoring battery voltage in single-cell or multi-cell battery packs. The 8-bit resolution provides 256 steps across the input range, sufficient for basic state-of-charge estimation. The single-supply operation simplifies the power tree, and the serial I/O allows the battery monitor to communicate with a low-pin-count host MCU. Placed across the battery terminals with a voltage divider, the COP432CN delivers ratiometric conversions that track the supply reference, eliminating absolute-accuracy concerns. For higher-precision battery management, consider a 12-bit or 16-bit SAR ADC instead.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface (Thermistor / Photodiode)
For low-bandwidth sensors such as NTC thermistors or photodiodes, the COP432CN provides a simple digital readout. The 1 or 2 input channels accept the conditioned sensor signal, and the serial I/O streams the conversion to the host. With SAR conversion delivering a deterministic acquisition time, software can synchronize sensor reads with system timing. The 8-bit resolution suits applications where 1% absolute accuracy is acceptable, such as ambient temperature displays or light-level indicators. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to the supply pin and keep analog traces short.
Recommended
Panel Meter and Process Indicator
Industrial panel meters and process indicators benefit from the COP432CN's simple serial interface and through-hole DIP-8 package, which simplifies assembly and field service. The 8-bit resolution is sufficient for indicator-needle-style or 3-digit displays. The commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) covers most indoor panel installations. The SAR architecture's fixed conversion time allows the meter to refresh at a predictable rate, avoiding visual flicker.
Recommended
Embedded MCU Analog Expansion
Low-pin-count microcontrollers (such as the 8051, PIC, or AVR families) often lack integrated ADCs or have insufficient analog channels. The COP432CN provides 1 or 2 additional analog inputs via a 3-wire serial interface, expanding the MCU's analog capability without consuming many GPIO pins. The 8-bit result is adequate for potentiometer reading, simple threshold detection, and basic closed-loop control. Compared to external I2C ADC modules, the COP432CN's dedicated serial protocol offers deterministic timing.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Electronics Projects
The COP432CN's through-hole 8-PDIP package is breadboard-friendly, making it ideal for educational labs and hobby projects. Students learning ADC principles can wire the part into a circuit with minimal soldering. The serial I/O simplifies connection to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or any microcontroller with spare GPIO. With 8-bit resolution, learners can immediately observe quantization effects and explore concepts like aliasing, reference voltage selection, and sampling rate. The commercial temperature grade matches typical classroom environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for COP432CN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADC0848CCN/NOPB | ADC0844CCN/NOPB | ADC0838CCN/NOPB | ADC0834BCN/NOPB | ADC0831CCWM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-PDIP | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same | 8-PDIP - same | SOIC-8 - different (surface-mount) |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Resolution | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit |
| Architecture | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR |
| Number of Input Channels | 1 or 2 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 1 |
| Interface | Serial I/O | Serial I/O | Serial I/O | Serial I/O | Serial I/O | Serial I/O |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Surface-Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
Key Differentiators
- Through-hole 8-PDIP package simplifies prototyping (vs ADC0831CCWM (SOIC-8))
- 1 or 2 input channels for minimal BOM (vs ADC0848CCN/NOPB (8 channels))
- Commercial temperature grade for indoor applications (vs Industrial-grade ADC alternatives)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 7) to suppress digital switching noise that could couple into the analog conversion. For noisy environments, add a 10uF bulk capacitor in parallel. The SAR architecture switches internal capacitors during conversion, so a clean supply is essential for accurate results. Estimated: based on standard SAR ADC decoupling practices.
Do not route digital signals (CLK, DO, CS) directly across analog input traces. The serial clock edge can couple noise into the analog signal path. Keep analog traces short, use a ground plane, and consider adding a small RC filter (1kohm + 100pF) on the analog input for noisy sensors. Always verify pinout against the datasheet before PCB layout, as some 8-PDIP ADCs share packages but differ in pin assignments.
For the 8-PDIP through-hole package, use a socket if the design may require field replacement, or solder directly for permanent assembly. Ensure the reference voltage (VREF, pin 5) is clean and stable; ratiometric conversions scale with VREF, so any noise or drift on VREF directly affects accuracy. Estimated: based on standard SAR ADC reference design.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status were not confirmed in the verified web data; these fields are set to 'unknown' per Data Authenticity Rule 10. The COP432CN is commercial grade and not AEC-Q100 qualified.
