MCP3461-E/ST - 16-Bit 153.6 kSPS ADC | Microchip
MPN: MCP3461-E/ST ✓ ActiveMCP3461-E/ST Overview
A delta-sigma ADC is an analog-to-digital converter category that uses oversampling and digital filtering to provide high-resolution conversion suitable for precision measurement. Within the signal-chain hierarchy, the MCP3461-E/ST belongs to the ADC and data-acquisition converter family, combining an analog input stage, sigma-delta modulator, digital filter, and serial interface in one low-noise device.
Integrated functions help reduce the number of external components required in a measurement system. The MCP3461/2/4R family includes an internal voltage reference, internal oscillator, temperature sensor, and burnout-sensor detection. The MCP3461-E/ST also offers programmable output data rates up to 153.6 kSPS, making it suitable for sensors, process-control measurements, and industrial data-acquisition systems that prioritize resolution over very high conversion latency.
The converter uses a delta-sigma architecture to achieve 16-bit nominal resolution while rejecting out-of-band noise through its digital decimation filter. The MCP3461R version is identified by Microchip as a preferred, pin-compatible option for new designs because it includes an onboard voltage reference that is not included in the MCP3461. Engineers should therefore verify the selected suffix and external reference configuration before making a direct substitution.
Typical uses include bridge and pressure sensor interfaces, temperature measurement, industrial process monitoring, laboratory instrumentation, and embedded data-acquisition systems. Its integrated reference, oscillator, temperature sensor, and burnout detection are especially useful where component count, calibration overhead, and predictable operation matter.
The principal design consideration is matching the input, reference, and digital interface requirements to the exact MCP3461 variant. MCP3461-E/ST and MCP3461R-E/ST share the 20-pin TSSOP footprint, but the R version adds an internal voltage reference; firmware, reference selection, and board-level requirements must be reviewed before interchange. Filtering characteristics, data rate, and digital timing should also be evaluated for the target measurement bandwidth.
This page consolidates verified manufacturer and distributor information, package details, lifecycle status, sourcing data, and practical selection guidance. It also distinguishes true same-footprint alternatives from broader functional equivalents so engineers can identify which substitutions require additional design review.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP3461-E/ST — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
MCP3461R-E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3461RT-E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3462-E/ST
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MCP3462R-E/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3561T-E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP3461-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Converter Type | 16-bit delta-sigma ADC |
| Input Configuration | 2 single-ended or 1 differential input |
| Maximum Programmable Data Rate | 153.6 kSPS |
| Nominal Resolution | 16 bit |
| Package | 20-pin TSSOP |
| Package Type | Small Outline Package |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
| Internal Voltage Reference | Not included in MCP3461; included in MCP3461R |
| Internal Oscillator | Integrated |
| Temperature Sensor | Integrated |
| Burnout Sensor Detection | Integrated |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead Time | 3-7 business days |
| Minimum Advertised Price | 1.77 USD at MOQ 1 |
| Referenced Alternate Price | 2.92 USD |
MCP3461-E/ST small outline package Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCP3461-E/ST (small outline package 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 MCP3461-E/ST.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCP3461-E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Pressure Sensor Interface, Temperature Measurement and Monitoring, Process Control Data Acquisition, Bridge Sensor Signal Conditioning, Laboratory Instrumentation, Embedded Data Acquisition Node.
Industrial Pressure Sensor Interface
The MCP3461-E/ST fits industrial pressure and process-sensor interfaces that require 16-bit resolution without demanding very high conversion latency. Its two single-ended inputs can monitor a sensor signal and a complementary or reference channel, while one differential input can be selected when the sensor is wired differentially. The programmable rate of up to 153.6 kSPS permits a slower, high-resolution operating point when the measured pressure varies slowly. Integrated oscillator and temperature-sensor functions reduce supporting circuitry, while burnout detection helps identify failed sensor wiring. For new designs, the MCP3461R-E/ST may simplify the reference arrangement because it includes an onboard voltage reference and is identified by Microchip as preferred and pin compatible.
Recommended
Temperature Measurement and Monitoring
The MCP3461-E/ST is appropriate for precision temperature measurement where the sensor output changes slowly and noise filtering is valuable. Its 16-bit delta-sigma architecture can digitize low-level resistive-sensor signals, while the integrated temperature sensor provides an additional on-chip measurement function. The programmable output rate of up to 153.6 kSPS allows the system to trade conversion speed for resolution and filtering performance. Operating from -40°C to +125°C also suits equipment deployed across industrial environments. The internal oscillator supports system operation without a separate clock source, although the exact clock, reference, and filtering configuration should be confirmed in the Microchip family datasheet before production release.
Recommended
Process Control Data Acquisition
The MCP3461-E/ST can serve as the analog measurement front end in a process-control system that monitors pressure, flow, level, or other slowly varying industrial signals. The converter's 16-bit nominal resolution supports precise digital representation of low-level transducer outputs, and the programmable data rate up to 153.6 kSPS provides flexibility across different bandwidth requirements. Two single-ended inputs allow a controller to monitor a process signal and an auxiliary channel, while differential operation improves rejection of common-mode noise on appropriately balanced sensor wiring. Integrated burnout detection is useful for identifying sensor faults, and the -40°C to +125°C range supports industrial equipment, subject to final system-level thermal validation.
Recommended
Bridge Sensor Signal Conditioning
The MCP3461-E/ST is well suited to bridge-based sensing systems in which the desired measurement is a small differential voltage superimposed on a larger common-mode level. Its one differential input supports direct bridge measurement when the source impedance, input range, and analog front end meet the device requirements. The delta-sigma architecture performs oversampling and digital filtering, which is advantageous when the process variable has limited bandwidth and the objective is high resolution rather than minimum latency. The two-single-ended or one-differential configuration provides flexibility during prototyping. The MCP3461R-E/ST should be considered when an internal reference simplifies new PCB design, provided the input common-mode range and reference voltage remain compliant with the family data sheet.
Recommended
Laboratory Instrumentation
The MCP3461-E/ST can be used in laboratory and bench instrumentation that digitizes low-frequency analog measurements where resolution and integrated support functions outweigh very high sampling rates. A 16-bit delta-sigma converter can capture sensor, potentiometer, and calibrated measurement signals while its digital filter suppresses out-of-band noise. The programmable rate up to 153.6 kSPS gives the instrument designer several acquisition-speed choices, and the integrated oscillator and temperature sensor reduce external component requirements. The 20-pin TSSOP package is suitable for compact acquisition boards. Designers should select external input and reference components from the datasheet and account for digital-filter latency when combining measurements with a host controller.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition Node
The MCP3461-E/ST fits compact embedded data-acquisition nodes that monitor one differential sensor or two single-ended channels. Its 16-bit nominal resolution supports high-fidelity digital readings, while the maximum programmable data rate of 153.6 kSPS allows acquisition bandwidth to be matched to the application. The integrated oscillator, temperature sensor, and burnout detection can reduce board area and diagnostic overhead, while the 20-pin TSSOP package is compatible with automated surface-mount assembly. For new nodes, MCP3461R-E/ST offers the same footprint with an onboard voltage reference. Firmware should configure the selected reference, digital filter, data rate, and conversion timing consistently, especially if replacing an existing MCP3461 design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP3461-E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP3461R-E/ST | MCP3461RT-E/ST | MCP3462-E/ST | MCP3462R-E/ST | MCP3561T-E/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-TSSOP | 20-TSSOP - same | 20-TSSOP - same | 20-TSSOP - same | 20-TSSOP - same | 20-TSSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
Key Differentiators
- Preferred pin-compatible option for new designs (vs MCP3461R-E/ST)
- Channel scalability within the same converter family (vs MCP3462-E/ST)
- Integrated support functions reduce auxiliary circuitry (vs MCP3561T-E/ST)
Design Notes
Follow the Microchip MCP3461/2/4R family data sheet for the exact 20-pin TSSOP footprint, exposed-pad status, and recommended land pattern. Place the input, reference, and decoupling connections directly adjacent to their associated pins, and provide a continuous ground reference beneath the device where the package and board construction allow. Because the supplied excerpts do not include the complete pin table, verify every connection against DS20006404C before releasing artwork rather than relying on generic TSSOP layouts.
Treat analog inputs as precision signal paths: use short traces, maintain consistent grounding, and keep switching-converter and digital return currents away from the input and reference nodes. Differential sensor wiring can reduce common-mode pickup, but it must remain within the MCP3461-E/ST input range and meet the source-impedance requirements specified by Microchip. The delta-sigma digital filter rejects out-of-band noise but does not remove in-band interference, so analog filtering and layout quality remain essential.
Do not treat MCP3461-E/ST and MCP3461R-E/ST as functionally identical without checking reference selection. Microchip explicitly notes that the R version contains an onboard voltage reference that the MCP3461 does not. A substitution can therefore change calibration, firmware behavior, power consumption, and the need for external reference components. Also verify the configured conversion rate, digital-filter latency, and serial-interface timing before changing family members.
Compliance Information
FindMyChip explicitly lists the MCP3461-E/ST as RoHS compliant. The supplied sources do not establish REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status; the industrial temperature range is not treated as proof of automotive qualification.