Microchip announces the MCP3551 and MCP3553 delta-sigma, analogue-to-digital (A/D) converters with 22-bit resolution. These devices are having a power consumption of 120 microamps typical and are available in 8-pin MSOP packages (3.1mm x 3.1mm x 1.18mm). In addition to their low power consumption (0.85 milliwatts maximum at 5 volts), these devices offer Integral Nonlinearity (INL) of ±2 ppm typical and output noise as low as 2.5 microvolts root mean square (RMS). They also offer auto calibration with every conversion, and an extended temperature range of -40 to +125 grad C. The MCP3551 has a sample rate of 13.75 samples per second and an effective resolution of 21.9 bits, while the MCP3553 has a sample rate of 60 samples per second and an effective resolution of 20.6 bits.

The MCP3551 and MCP3553 A/D converters are usefull for applications including pressure sensors, weigh scales, handheld meters, heart rate monitors, blood glucose meters and automotive sensor interface. To demonstrate these delta-sigma A/D converters, Microchip is offering the MCP3551 Delta-Sigma ADC PICtail Demonstration Board at a price of $35. The MCP3551 and MCP3553 are available today in Pb-free 8-pin MSOP and 8-pin SOIC pakcages.