Microchip MCP9701AT-E/TT Linear Active Thermistor IC for Analog Temperature Sensing

The Microchip MCP9701AT-E/TT is a sophisticated yet cost-effective linear active thermistor integrated circuit (IC) designed to deliver a precise analog voltage output directly proportional to the ambient temperature. This device eliminates the complexities traditionally associated with negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, such as the requirement for additional signal conditioning circuits. By integrating a silicon-based temperature sensor with a conditioned analog output, it provides a highly linear response, making it an ideal solution for a broad spectrum of analog temperature sensing applications.

Housed in a diminutive SOT-23-3 package, the MCP9701AT-E/TT is engineered for space-constrained designs. Its operating voltage range of 2.3V to 5.5V makes it exceptionally suitable for low-power and portable systems, including battery-powered devices. The IC consumes minimal current, further preserving energy in power-sensitive applications. A key feature of this device is its calibrated linear output, which offers a slope of 10 mV per °C and provides a DC offset of 500 mV at 0°C. This allows for straightforward interfacing with microcontrollers (MCUs) or analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) without the need for complex lookup tables or mathematical linearization, simplifying both the design process and the bill of materials.

The accuracy of the MCP9701AT-E/TT is commendable, typically within ±2°C from 0°C to +70°C, ensuring reliable performance for most consumer, industrial, and environmental monitoring applications. Its wide measurement range of -40°C to +125°C further extends its utility to more demanding environments. The device is designed for robustness, featuring a static protection rating of 4 kV (HBM ESD), which enhances its reliability in electrically noisy settings.

Typical applications are vast and include:

Thermal Management and Monitoring: Providing overtemperature protection and fan control in computing systems.

Consumer Appliances: Temperature sensing in white goods, portable devices, and HVAC systems.

Battery-Powered Equipment: Environment monitoring in devices where low current consumption is critical.

Industrial Systems: Basic temperature feedback in control systems and sensor nodes.

In summary, the MCP9701AT-E/TT stands out as a highly integrated, linear, and easy-to-use solution for converting temperature into an analog voltage, streamlining the design process for engineers.

ICGOODFIND: The MCP9701AT-E/TT from Microchip is a premier choice for designers seeking a simple, linear, and low-power analog temperature sensor, effectively replacing NTC thermistors with a more straightforward and integrated IC solution.

Keywords: Analog Temperature Sensor, Linear Active Thermistor IC, Low-Power Operation, Wide Temperature Range, SOT-23 Package.