Microchip MCP6002-E/P Dual Op-Amp: Key Features and Application Circuits

The Microchip MCP6002-E/P stands as a robust, general-purpose operational amplifier (op-amp) designed to meet the needs of a wide array of analog circuit applications. This dual op-amp, housed in a standard 8-pin PDIP package, is particularly noted for its low-power operation and rail-to-rail input and output capability, making it an ideal choice for battery-powered and space-constrained designs.

Key Features

At the heart of the MCP6002's appeal is its combination of performance and economy. It operates from a single supply voltage as low as 1.8V to 6.0V, making it directly compatible with two-cell battery configurations and 3.3V/5V digital logic supplies. Its quiescent current consumption is exceptionally low at 100 µA (typical), which is crucial for extending battery life in portable instruments.

The rail-to-rail input and output operation maximizes the dynamic range of the signal. This means the input voltage can swing from the negative supply rail (Vss) to the positive supply rail (Vdd), and the output voltage can get very close to both rails. This feature is indispensable when processing signals in low-voltage single-supply systems, ensuring no signal detail is lost near the power supply boundaries.

Furthermore, the MCP6002 offers a gain bandwidth product of 1 MHz and a typical slew rate of 0.6 V/µs. While not suited for high-speed applications, this bandwidth is perfect for audio frequencies, sensor signal conditioning, and active filtering. The op-amp is also designed with stable unit gain, eliminating the need for external compensation components in most basic circuits.

Application Circuits

1. Non-Inverting Amplifier:

This is a fundamental circuit for amplifying sensor signals (e.g., from thermistors or photocells) without inverting their polarity. The gain is set by two resistors (R1 and R2) and is given by Av = 1 + (R2/R1). The rail-to-rail output ensures the amplified signal utilizes the full supply voltage range.

2. Active Low-Pass Filter:

Combining the MCP6002 with resistors and capacitors creates an effective active filter. A simple first-order RC network placed in the feedback loop of a non-inverting amplifier configuration can filter out high-frequency noise from a signal, which is critical for data acquisition systems.

3. Voltage Follower (Buffer):

In this configuration, the output is directly connected to the inverting input, creating a circuit with unity gain. The primary role here is impedance transformation. A voltage follower provides a high input impedance to avoid loading a sensitive source (like a sensor) and a low output impedance to drive a heavier load (like an ADC input).

4. Photodiode Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA):

This is a key application for amplifying the tiny current output from a photodiode into a measurable voltage. The MCP6002's low input bias current is beneficial here to minimize error. The output voltage is Vout = Ipd Rf, where Ipd is the photodiode current and Rf is the feedback resistor.

ICGOOODFIND: The MCP6002-E/P is an exceptional choice for designers seeking a cost-effective, low-power, and versatile op-amp. Its rail-to-rail input/output operation on a single-supply voltage makes it perfectly suited for battery-powered applications, sensor interfaces, and general-purpose signal conditioning in consumer and industrial products.

Keywords: Rail-to-Rail, Low-Power, Single-Supply, General-Purpose, Operational Amplifier