MCP601-E/P - 2.8 MHz CMOS Op Amp | Microchip
MPN: MCP601-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.8976 | $0.90 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
MCP601-E/P Overview
An operational amplifier, or op amp, is an active analog component that compares two input voltages and drives its output toward the higher input. Within the power-management and signal-conditioning hierarchy, an op amp provides gain, buffering, filtering, level shifting, or feedback control. The MCP601-E/P is specifically a single-channel CMOS device intended for low-power precision and general-purpose signal conditioning.
The MCP601 family's key specifications include a 2.8 MHz gain-bandwidth product, 2.3 V/µs slew rate, approximately 230 µA typical operating current, and less than 2 mV offset voltage according to the Microchip product page. Its CMOS process supports low bias current, while the rail-to-rail output stage allows the output to approach the supply rails more closely than a conventional output stage.
Because the MCP601 is a general-purpose amplifier rather than a power semiconductor, its performance depends mainly on supply voltage, feedback topology, load, output frequency, and circuit stability. The 2.8 MHz bandwidth supports low-frequency instrumentation and signal conditioning, while the 2.3 V/µs slew rate limits large-signal response. Designers should verify noise, offset, bias current, common-mode range, and output-current limits against the manufacturer datasheet for the exact operating conditions.
Typical uses include industrial process-control signal conditioning, low-power battery-operated equipment, portable instrumentation, data acquisition, test equipment, and low-end audio circuits. The DIP package is useful for prototyping and through-hole assemblies where a socketed amplifier or easy component replacement is desired.
For new production designs, confirm package availability, temperature grade, supply limits, and lifecycle status directly with Microchip or an authorized distributor. The verified product page identifies MCP601 availability across PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP, and SOT-23A packages, but the exact -E/P order code and commercial terms should be checked for the current design.
This page combines verified manufacturer specifications, distributor availability information, package details, and application guidance to support faster component selection for low-power analog signal-conditioning designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP601-E/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:
MCP601-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP601-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Single operational amplifier |
| Gain-Bandwidth Product | 2.8 MHz |
| Slew Rate | 2.3 V/µs |
| Typical Input Bias Current | 1 pA |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 6 V |
| Typical Operating Current | 230 µA |
| Typical Offset Voltage | <2 mV |
| Output Swing | Rail-to-rail |
| Input Type | CMOS operational amplifier |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 125°C |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP |
| Package Family | PDIP through-hole package |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Applications | Process control, battery-powered devices, portable equipment, data acquisition, test equipment, low-end audio |
MCP601-E/P pdip through-hole package Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCP601-E/P (pdip through-hole 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 MCP601-E/P.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCP601-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process-Control Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, Data-Acquisition Front Ends, Low-End Audio Preamplifier, Test and Measurement Equipment, Portable Equipment and Low-Power Control Loops.
Industrial Process-Control Signal Conditioning
The MCP601-E/P fits low-frequency industrial signal-conditioning paths where a low-power single CMOS op amp is useful for amplifying sensor signals and driving downstream measurement circuitry. Its 2.8 MHz gain-bandwidth product provides useful closed-loop bandwidth for moderate-gain stages, while the 2.3 V/µs slew rate supports faster transitions than a very slow precision amplifier. The approximately 230 µA typical operating current helps limit power consumption in distributed measurement systems. The rail-to-rail output feature is valuable when the usable output range is close to the supply limits. Designers should still verify the common-mode input range, load current, noise, and stability at the actual signal frequency and supply voltage.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
MCP601-E/P is suitable for portable, battery-operated measurement equipment because its low-power CMOS architecture is specified at approximately 230 µA typical operating current and accepts supplies beginning at 2.7 V. A single amplifier can buffer a sensor, implement a transimpedance stage, or provide gain before a converter or display. The low typical input bias current of 1 pA helps when using high-impedance sources, while the 2.8 MHz bandwidth supports low- to moderate-bandwidth signals. The tradeoff is that battery systems still require careful low-dropout regulation, output-load analysis, leakage control, and protection from ESD or supply transients.
Recommended
Data-Acquisition Front Ends
The MCP601-E/P can serve as an analog front-end amplifier for low-bandwidth data-acquisition systems, particularly when low bias current and modest power consumption are important. The 1 pA typical input bias current is useful for high-impedance sensor sources, and the 2.8 MHz gain-bandwidth product supports amplification stages with moderate closed-loop bandwidth. Its rail-to-rail output can improve utilization of limited ADC headroom, subject to the exact output-load and common-mode limits. For precision instrumentation, verify input offset, noise, drift, settling time, and channel isolation against the acquisition requirements rather than assuming general-purpose performance is sufficient.
Recommended
Low-End Audio Preamplifier
MCP601-E/P is identified by Microchip as suitable for low-end audio applications, where its rail-to-rail output and CMOS input characteristics can support compact preamplifier or line-stage designs. The 2.3 V/µs slew rate is adequate for many low-bandwidth audio functions, while the 2.8 MHz gain-bandwidth product gives designers margin above the primary audio band. Headphone or line-output loading, distortion, noise, and stability must be checked with the selected feedback network. A single amplifier in an PDIP package is especially convenient for prototypes, educational designs, and through-hole audio boards where replacing or testing the device is useful.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The MCP601-E/P is appropriate for low-power test equipment such as buffer stages, sensor interfaces, and general-purpose gain blocks. Its 2.8 MHz bandwidth and 2.3 V/µs slew rate support moderate-frequency measurement signals, while low input bias current reduces loading on high-impedance probes. The PDIP package allows straightforward breadboard and through-hole prototype construction, which can shorten bring-up time before a surface-mount design is finalized. Production instrumentation should verify offset voltage, input-referred noise, common-mode behavior, output drive, and temperature drift because the verified data does not provide those application-specific limits for every operating condition.
Recommended
Portable Equipment and Low-Power Control Loops
MCP601-E/P can be used in portable equipment and low-power control loops where a small, single amplifier provides buffering or error amplification. The approximately 230 µA typical operating current supports a modest-power design, and the 2.7 V minimum supply permits operation from compact energy sources or low-voltage rails. Rail-to-rail output swing can improve actuator or ADC drive range, but the designer must account for the output current required by the load and for stability at the selected gain. For battery life, evaluate the amplifier's quiescent current together with the rest of the signal chain rather than treating the op amp's current as the complete system consumption.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP601-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP601-I/P |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin PDIP |
| Product Type | Single CMOS operational amplifier | Single operational amplifier, family relation |
Key Differentiators
- Single low-power CMOS amplifier with integrated rail-to-rail output capability (vs MCP601-I/P)
- Through-hole DIP package for prototypes and replaceable assemblies (vs MCP601-I/P)
- Low-power operation from compact rails (vs MCP601-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated power consumption is approximately 230 µA multiplied by the supply voltage before load-current effects. At 5 V, the verified typical operating current corresponds to roughly 1.15 mW of internal operating power. Actual supply current depends on output swing, load, frequency, temperature, and the selected operating mode, so measure the complete analog signal chain rather than relying only on the typical quiescent-current figure.
Place the supply bypass capacitor close to the DIP power and ground pins, and keep feedback traces short. For a through-hole prototype, route power and ground conductors first, then signal traces, and avoid long loops around the op amp. Confirm the physical pin numbering against the manufacturer package drawing before soldering because the complete MCP601-E/P pinout was not included in the verified source data.
Do not treat the MCP601 family identity as proof that every ordering suffix is interchangeable. The -E/P and -I/P ordering codes may represent different temperature or qualification conditions, and the supplied data does not verify their exact equivalence. Check the Microchip ordering table, temperature grade, package dimensions, and electrical limits before using a related family member as a substitute.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified data identifies the operating temperature range and package but does not provide RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations for MCP601-E/P. AEC-Q100 is marked not_applicable because no automotive qualification claim is provided.