MCP3208-CI/P - 12-Bit 8-Channel SAR ADC | Microchip
MPN: MCP3208-CI/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.6733 | $2.67 |
| 10 | $2.6733 | $26.73 |
| 100 | $2.6733 | $267.33 |
| 500 | $2.6733 | $1,336.65 |
| 1,000 | $2.6733 | $2,673.30 |
MCP3208-CI/P Overview
An analog-to-digital converter is an ADC, a semiconductor that translates an analog voltage into a digital code. The MCP3208 belongs to the SAR ADC family, using a successive approximation register to acquire one conversion result through successive comparison steps. In the system hierarchy, it is an ADC, data-acquisition IC, embedded-control peripheral, and semiconductor.
Key features include 12-bit resolution, eight analog input channels, four pseudo-differential input pairs, a 100 ksps maximum sampling rate, and SPI communication. The manufacturer datasheet describes single-ended or pseudo-differential input programmability, allowing the same device to serve applications with different channel arrangements. Its 2.7 V to 5.5 V operating range supports low-voltage embedded systems and conventional 5 V industrial interfaces.
The SAR architecture is appropriate when deterministic sampling, modest resolution, and serial integration are more important than very high throughput. The SPI interface allows a microcontroller to command conversions and read results, while the 16-pin PDIP package supports through-hole prototyping, legacy industrial boards, and designs where a socket or hand-soldered installation is useful. Typical standby and active currents are approximately 500 nA and 320 uA, respectively.
Typical applications include industrial process monitoring, environmental sensors, temperature and pressure measurement, laboratory instrumentation, embedded data acquisition, and low-voltage control systems. The SPI bus should be configured for the intended clock and chip-select behavior, and analog inputs must remain within the device's specified voltage limits. For new high-density designs, SOIC variants may be preferable, but the MCP3208-CI/P is specifically the PDIP package.
The main design trade-off is throughput and resolution rather than ultra-high precision: 100 ksps and 12-bit resolution are adequate for many control and measurement tasks but may not satisfy demanding instrumentation. This page combines verified Microchip specifications, package information, sourcing references, and application-oriented design guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP3208-CI/P — 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 MCP3208-CI/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCP3008-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCP3208-CI/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCP3208T-CI/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3208T-CI/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3208T-BI/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3208-CI/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| ADC Resolution | 12 bit |
| Architecture | Successive approximation register (SAR) |
| Number of Analog Input Channels | 8 single-ended or 4 pseudo-differential pairs |
| Sampling Rate | 100 ksps |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Interface | SPI serial interface |
| Input Configuration | Programmable single-ended or pseudo-differential inputs |
| Sample-and-Hold Circuitry | On-chip |
| Typical Active Current | 320 uA |
| Typical Standby Current | 500 nA |
| Package | 16-pin PDIP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Maximum Differential Nonlinearity | Plus or minus 1 LSB |
| Maximum Integral Nonlinearity | Plus or minus 2 LSB |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead-free |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
MCP3208-CI/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | CH0+ — Analog input channel 0 positive or single-ended input |
| Pin 2 | CH0- — Analog input channel 0 negative or pseudo-differential return |
| Pin 3 | CH1+ — Analog input channel 1 positive or single-ended input |
| Pin 4 | CH1- — Analog input channel 1 negative or pseudo-differential return |
| Pin 5 | CH2+ — Analog input channel 2 positive or single-ended input |
| Pin 6 | CH2- — Analog input channel 2 negative or pseudo-differential return |
| Pin 7 | CH3+ — Analog input channel 3 positive or single-ended input |
| Pin 8 | CH3- — Analog input channel 3 negative or pseudo-differential return |
| Pin 9 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 10 | CS — Active-low chip-select input |
| Pin 11 | DIN — Serial data input |
| Pin 12 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 13 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 14 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 15 | VREF — Reference voltage input |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply input |
Typical Applications
MCP3208-CI/P is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Monitoring, Environmental Sensor Acquisition, Temperature and Pressure Measurement, Laboratory Data Acquisition, Embedded Control Systems, Low-Voltage Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Legacy Through-Hole Control Boards.
Industrial Process Monitoring
The MCP3208-CI/P fits industrial process monitoring because it provides eight single-ended channels, four pseudo-differential pairs, and 100 ksps conversion capability through its SPI interface. A controller can sample pressure, level, flow, or position sensors sequentially and convert the results to 12-bit codes. The 2.7 V to 5.5 V range accommodates both low-voltage sensor circuits and conventional 5 V control systems. Its SAR architecture provides predictable conversion behavior, while the 16-pin PDIP package supports through-hole prototypes and legacy control boards.
Recommended
Environmental Sensor Acquisition
MCP3208-CI/P is appropriate for environmental monitoring systems that combine several slow or moderate-speed analog sensors with an embedded controller. Eight inputs can represent temperature, humidity, light, soil moisture, or gas-sensor outputs, while pseudo-differential configurations can help reject common-mode noise when supported by the sensor circuit. The device's 12-bit resolution and 100 ksps rate are suitable for typical monitoring loops, and the SPI interface simplifies connection to microcontrollers. Its typical standby current of 500 nA also supports designs that spend significant time between measurements.
Recommended
Temperature and Pressure Measurement
The MCP3208-CI/P can digitize multiple temperature or pressure channels when the sensors produce analog voltages within the ADC's specified operating limits. Its eight-channel organization allows one device to monitor several measurement points, while 12-bit resolution provides 4096 digital codes for representing the analog range. The 100 ksps sampling rate is substantially higher than many slow environmental and industrial sensors require. Use stable reference and conditioning circuitry, and account for sensor accuracy, noise, and calibration separately from ADC resolution.
Recommended
Laboratory Data Acquisition
MCP3208-CI/P is useful for compact laboratory data-acquisition front ends that need several analog inputs but do not require high-end laboratory converter performance. Its 12-bit SAR conversion, SPI output, and 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range simplify connection to embedded controllers and measurement fixtures. The four pseudo-differential pairs can support sensors with a return or reference signal, while eight single-ended inputs expand channel count. Designers should add suitable analog protection, buffering, grounding, and calibration because ADC specifications alone do not define complete measurement accuracy.
Recommended
Embedded Control Systems
The MCP3208-CI/P is well matched to embedded control systems that periodically read analog setpoints or sensor outputs and then adjust actuators through a microcontroller or digital interface. Its 100 ksps rate allows sequential sampling of multiple channels without requiring a very high-speed ADC architecture. The SPI interface enables shared firmware routines, while the PDIP package is convenient for prototypes and repairable assemblies. Because MCP3208-CI/P is a data-conversion component rather than a complete control system, power regulation, actuator drivers, and protection must be designed separately.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Battery-Powered Instrumentation
MCP3208-CI/P can support low-voltage instrumentation because its 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range includes 3.3 V systems and its typical standby current is approximately 500 nA. This makes it suitable for portable measurement equipment that samples sensors intermittently rather than continuously. The device's low-power characteristics help preserve battery capacity, but the complete design must account for host sleep modes, sensor current, regulator quiescent current, and analog-signal conditioning. SPI activity should also be disabled when measurements are not required to avoid unnecessary conversion energy use.
Recommended
Legacy Through-Hole Control Boards
MCP3208-CI/P is a practical choice for legacy through-hole control boards because the verified ordering information identifies a 16-pin PDIP package. Its through-hole format supports prototyping, socketed assemblies, manual maintenance, and industrial boards where a surface-mount package would complicate rework. The device retains the eight-channel, 12-bit SAR ADC function and SPI communication expected from the MCP3208 family. When updating an existing board, verify the exact package pinout, analog input assignments, reference arrangement, and firmware protocol rather than relying only on the device name.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP3208-CI/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP3008-I/P | MCP3208-CI/SL | MCP3208T-CI/SL | MCP3208T-CI/SN | MCP3208T-BI/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP | 16-pin PDIP |
Key Differentiators
- Higher resolution than MCP3008-I/P (vs MCP3008-I/P)
- Direct SPI integration (vs ADS1115)
- Eight-channel input flexibility (vs MCP3008-I/P)
Design Notes
Design the MCP3208-CI/P supply and reference network for the intended analog range. The verified family specification is 2.7 V to 5.5 V, with typical active current of 320 uA and standby current of 500 nA. Keep digital and analog return currents separated as appropriate, place the reference source close to VREF, and verify that the reference voltage and analog input limits match the selected conversion range. These are design guidance points, not additional manufacturer specifications.
Route SPI signals away from sensitive analog inputs and keep the analog input traces short where possible. Provide a clean analog ground connection and place input-protection, filtering, or conditioning components near the source or connector as appropriate. Because pseudo-differential inputs can reduce common-mode effects only when both sides are properly driven, do not leave the negative input floating without a defined return strategy. Validate the final layout against the family datasheet and the measured noise requirement.
Do not treat MCP3008-I/P as an automatic substitute for MCP3208-CI/P: the supplied comparison data identifies it as pin-compatible but reduces resolution from 12 bits to 10 bits. Likewise, ADS1115 is not a drop-in replacement because it uses I2C rather than SPI. For any replacement, verify pin assignments, reference voltage, sample timing, SPI command format, input range, operating temperature, and package before releasing a PCB or firmware revision.
The SPI clock, chip-select, data-in, and data-out lines should be driven by a microcontroller or compatible controller with timing checked against the MCP3208 family specifications. Ensure the digital interface voltage levels match the host and that unused control states are defined. If multiple peripherals share the bus, make chip-select behavior and signal contention explicit in the firmware and board design.
Compliance Information
The supplied FindIC listing identifies MCP3208-CI/P as RoHS compliant and lead-free. REACH, AEC-Q100, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status were not established by the supplied data.
