MCP3204-CI/P - 12-Bit 4-Channel SPI ADC | Microchip
MPN: MCP3204-CI/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1768 | $2.18 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
MCP3204-CI/P Overview
An ADC converts continuous analog voltages into digital codes for processing by a microcontroller or other digital controller. The MCP3204 belongs to the SAR ADC family, where a sampled input is converted through successive approximation rather than a continuously operating conversion process. Its four-channel input structure supports sensors, potentiometers, and control feedback while the SPI interface provides a compact connection to embedded processors.
The verified manufacturer materials identify the MCP3204 as a 12-bit ADC with single-ended and pseudo-differential input configurations. The device family operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V and provides typical standby and active currents of 500 nA and 320 µA, respectively. The MCP3204-CI/P is offered in a 14-pin PDIP package, while the same family is also available in 150 mil SOIC and TSSOP packages.
Because it uses SAR architecture, the MCP3204 is appropriate for low-to-moderate-rate acquisition rather than high-speed waveform conversion. Its 100 kSPS capability permits periodic sensing of multiple analog channels, and the SPI interface allows the host controller to select an input, initiate conversion, and retrieve the result digitally. Exact timing, accuracy, and input-range details should be confirmed against the manufacturer datasheet for the selected production variant.
Typical applications include industrial process monitoring, temperature and pressure sensor interfaces, battery or power-system measurement, and embedded control boards. In a sensor circuit, the analog output is applied to an input channel, the controller selects the channel through SPI, and the resulting 12-bit value is stored or processed in firmware.
For layout and signal integrity, keep analog input traces short, provide a stable reference and supply arrangement, and avoid routing high-current switching paths adjacent to the analog inputs. Because the verified data does not provide complete package pin names, pricing tiers, or a confirmed lifecycle statement for this exact orderable part, those fields are explicitly marked where data is unavailable rather than inferred.
This page combines the verified Microchip product identity, datasheet link, distributor references, and practical design guidance for engineers evaluating the MCP3204-CI/P in embedded analog measurement systems.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP3204-CI/P — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCP3204-CI/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3204-BI/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3204-CI/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3204-TI/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3204-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3204-CI/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| ADC Resolution | 12 bit |
| Number of Analog Input Channels | 4 single-ended inputs or 2 pseudo-differential pairs |
| Sampling Rate | 100 kSPS |
| Architecture | Successive approximation register (SAR) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Typical Standby Current | 500 nA |
| Typical Active Current | 320 µA |
| Serial Interface | SPI serial interface |
| Sample-and-Hold Circuitry | On-board |
| Input Configuration | 4 single-ended inputs or 2 pseudo-differential pairs |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Family Package Options | 14-pin PDIP, 150 mil SOIC, and TSSOP |
MCP3204-CI/P 14-pin pdip, 150 mil soic, and tssop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCP3204-CI/P (14-pin pdip, 150 mil soic, and tssop package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for MCP3204-CI/P.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCP3204-CI/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Monitoring, Temperature and Pressure Signal Acquisition, Battery and Power-System Monitoring, Potentiometer and Control Feedback, Embedded Data Acquisition, Audio and Communication Equipment.
Industrial Sensor Monitoring
MCP3204-CI/P fits industrial sensor monitoring when several slowly changing analog signals must be digitized for an embedded controller. The verified 4-channel configuration can support single-ended sensors, while the 12-bit resolution and 100 kSPS SAR conversion provide periodic measurements without the complexity of a high-speed converter. Connect each sensor output to an appropriate input, use a stable supply and reference, and keep the analog traces short. The SPI interface allows a microcontroller to select channels and retrieve results digitally. Actual input range, reference voltage, accuracy, and common-mode limits must be confirmed from the manufacturer datasheet.
Recommended
Temperature and Pressure Signal Acquisition
MCP3204-CI/P is useful for temperature, pressure, and other transducer interfaces that require more than one analog measurement channel. A bridge sensor, resistive sensor, or conditioned transducer output can be routed to the four single-ended inputs, while a microcontroller reads the 12-bit conversion result over SPI. The 100 kSPS rate is well matched to periodic thermal or pressure sampling, and the SAR architecture provides a predictable conversion structure for embedded firmware. Because the verified data does not specify the allowed input voltage or reference arrangement, the signal-conditioning design must remain within the manufacturer electrical limits.
Recommended
Battery and Power-System Monitoring
MCP3204-CI/P can monitor scaled battery, supply, or power-system voltages when the design requires several analog measurements in an embedded controller. The 2.7 V to 5.5 V operating range supports low-voltage digital systems, and the verified 100 kSPS sampling rate is sufficient for supervisory measurements that change more slowly than audio or communications signals. Use resistor dividers or dedicated front-end circuits to keep every input within the datasheet limits, and isolate sensitive measurement traces from switching converter paths. The device is a measurement ADC, not a replacement for a dedicated battery-management or protection IC.
Recommended
Potentiometer and Control Feedback
MCP3204-CI/P suits potentiometer position sensing and other resistive control-feedback systems that need a digital representation of an analog position. Four single-ended channels allow one MCU SPI interface to scan multiple controls, and the 12-bit result provides 4096 nominal code positions for firmware mapping and calibration. The 100 kSPS rate supports responsive user-interface or actuator feedback without requiring a high-speed converter. The input source impedance, settling requirements, and reference accuracy should be checked against the manufacturer datasheet; an RC filter may be used where sensor wiring is long, but its values must be validated experimentally.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition
MCP3204-CI/P can be used in compact embedded data-acquisition systems where a controller must sample several external analog channels through a serial bus. The SAR architecture and on-board sample-and-hold circuitry support periodic acquisition, while the 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range allows integration with common embedded rails. A host MCU can issue channel-selection commands over SPI and process the resulting 12-bit codes in firmware or transmit them to a larger controller. For systems with long cables or high-noise environments, protect the analog front end and use a stable reference; the supplied verified data does not establish a specific filtering network or input-range value.
Recommended
Audio and Communication Equipment
MCP3204-CI/P may be used for auxiliary analog monitoring in audio or communication equipment when the application needs several slowly varying control or status voltages rather than high-bandwidth audio sampling. The 100 kSPS rate is appropriate for level, bias, temperature, or supply monitoring, but it is not a substitute for a dedicated audio ADC. The SPI interface allows an embedded controller to monitor control-point voltages while leaving the primary signal path to dedicated converters. Keep the ADC reference and analog traces away from high-current switching nodes, and confirm input, reference, and clock specifications in the official Microchip datasheet before layout release.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP3204-CI/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP3204-CI/ST | MCP3204-BI/SL | MCP3204-CI/SL | MCP3204-TI/SL | MCP3204-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADC Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Input Channels | 4 single-ended or 2 pseudo-differential pairs | 4-channel MCP3204 family | 4-channel MCP3204 family | 4-channel MCP3204 family | 4-channel MCP3204 family | 4-channel MCP3204 family |
| Sampling Rate | 100 kSPS | 100 kSPS family value | 100 kSPS family value | 100 kSPS family value | 100 kSPS family value | 100 kSPS family value |
| Architecture | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V family range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V family range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V family range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V family range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V family range |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI |
| Typical Active Current | 320 µA | 320 µA family value | 320 µA family value | 320 µA family value | 320 µA family value | 320 µA family value |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP | 14-TSSOP; verified distributor result | 150 mil SOIC family package; exact suffix requires confirmation | SOIC family package; exact suffix requires confirmation | SOIC family package; exact suffix requires confirmation | PDIP family package; exact suffix requires confirmation |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
Key Differentiators
- Four-channel 12-bit SAR conversion (vs MCP3204-CI/ST)
- 100 kSPS acquisition rate (vs MCP3204-BI/SL)
- Low-power operation (vs MCP3204-CI/SL)
Design Notes
Route the four analog input traces as short, quiet nets between the sensor or conditioning circuitry and the MCP3204-CI/P. Keep switching-regulator, motor, relay, and high-current return paths away from the ADC inputs and reference network. Because the verified data does not specify the complete input-impedance and settling requirements, validate the trace topology and source impedance against the manufacturer datasheet rather than relying on a generic RC value.
Provide a stable 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply within the MCP3204 family operating range and decouple the device close to its supply pins. The verified family data reports typical standby current of 500 nA and typical active current of 320 µA, but exact supply-pin names and capacitor recommendations are not included in the supplied data. Use the manufacturer datasheet and layout guidance to determine the required capacitors and reference arrangement.
Use a controlled SPI clock and digital ground strategy so SPI switching activity does not corrupt the analog conversion. The verified device supports a 100 kSPS sampling rate and 12-bit resolution, making timing margin and settling behavior important for repeatable readings. Check SPI polarity, chip-select requirements, conversion timing, and maximum clock rate in the official datasheet before setting firmware timing.
Do not substitute MCP3208 or another MCP3204 package option solely by function. The verified family data lists 14-pin PDIP, 150 mil SOIC, and TSSOP packages, while the target MCP3204-CI/P is a 14-pin PDIP. Verify pin names, analog input assignment, supply pins, reference connection, temperature grade, and lifecycle status before approving a replacement or redesign.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified data does not state RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status for MCP3204-CI/P. Confirm these attributes with Microchip or the authorized distributor before production approval.
