The MCP6002 is a modern low-power, dual operational amplifier from Microchip Technology. It is part of the MCP600x series of op-amps, which are known for low power consumption, low offset voltage, and rail-to-rail input/output capability:
- MCP6001: 5-pin, one OpAmp
- MCP6002: 8-pin, two OpAmps
- MCP6004: 14-pin, four OpAmps
Do not confuse the MCP6002 with the MCP602. The MCP602 is more expensive and better suited for high frequency applications with a gain bandwidth product of 10MHz (versus 1MHz), and a slew rate of 7V/us (versus 0.6V/us).
Do not purchase the MCP6002 from untrusted sources like AliExpress. Else, you will almost inevitably receive faked chips that in reality are very basic and old non-rail-to-rail OpAmps (at least I did from four different sellers). If you got them already, always test them before use. Akquire MCP6002 from renown distributors like Mouser, DigiKey, or similar.
Key Specifications
- Supply Voltage Range: 1.8V to 6.0V
- Quiescent Current: 100 µA (typical at 5V per amplifier)
- Gain Bandwidth Product: 1 MHz
- Slew Rate: 0.6 V/µs
- Input Offset Voltage: 4 mV (typical)
- Input Bias Current: 1 pA (typical)
- Operating Temperature Range:
- Industrial: -40°C to +85°C
- Extended: up to +125°C
- Rail-to-Rail Input and Output: Yes
Advantages
These are some of the key advantages that make MCP6002 a popular choice in DIY projects:
- Wide Operating Voltage Range: it operates over a wide supply voltage range from 1.8V to 6.0V and thus supports both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers.
- Rail-to-Rail: input can swing from the negative rail (ground) to the positive rail (Vdd), and the output can go almost all the way to both supply rails. That is a very important benefit.
- Low Power Consumption: unlike MCP602, the MCP6002 is very energy efficient with a typical quiescent current of just 100 µA per amplifier at 5V. This makes it ideal for portable and battery-operated devices.
- Two OpAmps: minimizing the risk of leaving OpAmps unused (see above) as would often be the case with models that contain more than two OpAmps. The majority of DIY projects uses no more than two OpAmps. If more are required, adding more MCP6002 is always possible.
- Temperature Range: with -40°C to +85°C, this OpAmp can be used in almost all environments.
- Low Cost: widely available, with a robust supply chain ensuring easy sourcing for manufacturers.
- Single-Sided Power Supply: operates in-between a positive voltage and GND (i.e. a battery, USB power supply, bench power supply). If you need to work with positive and negative voltages and use GND as a midpoint, you must use a different OpAmp.
- Precision: input offset voltage is around 4 mV. That is sufficient for many precision applications, helping to minimize error in analog signal processing including sensor signal conditioning.
- Stability: stable at unity gain, which simplifies circuit design, especially in feedback configurations. With a decent phase margin, it can be used in a variety of filter and feedback circuits without risking instability.
- Input Bias Current: typically 1 pA, which is quite low (good).
The MCP600x OpAmps are general purpose components that are very well suited for most DIY projects. They respond swiftly to signal changes, but this may still not be fast enough for projects involving high frequency or rapid signal changes due to its GBWP of 1 MHz, and its Slew Rate of 0.6 V/µs.
Package Type
Package type describes the form factor in which the OpAmps reside. The MCP6002 is available in different package types: PDIP (plastic dual inline package), SOT-23-8 (small outline transistor 8 leads), SOIC (small outline integrated circuit), and MSOP (mini small outline package).
SOT, SOIC and MSOP are tiny and require special soldering techniques (reflow soldering). They are hard to use in DIY projects and aim to miniaturize professionally produced PCBs.
PDIP (DIP) is the classic IC package that still has individual legs which can be easily plugged into prototyping bread boards. For simple DIY projects, this package type is most popular.
Pin Out
The MCP6002 has eight pins and contains two OpAmps. Each OpAmp requires three pins plus a power supply:
Operational Amplifier Pins
- Non-Inverting Input (+)): Input signal in phase with the signal
- Inverting Input (-)): Input signal 180 degrees out of phase with the input. Often, this pin is used for feedback signals.
- Output (Vout): amplified output signal based on the difference between the two input voltages
- Positive Supply Voltage (VDD): 1.8V-6.0V
-
Ground or Negative Supply Voltage (VSS): the MCP600x does not support dual power supplies (with negative voltages), so this is always GND.
DIP Package Pins
The MCP6002 comes in a 8-pin DIP package:
- VDD: +1.8V-6.0V
- VSS: GND
- VinA-, VinA+, VoutA: OpAmp #1
-
VinB-, VinB+, VoutB: OpAmp #2
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(content created Aug 28, 2024)