Microchip Unveils MCP3905 and MCP3906 Energy Measurement ICs
1 1 1 1
Editorial Contact: / Reader/Literature Inquiries:Michelle Ragsdale / 1-888-MCU-MCHP
480-792-4111 /
Microchip Technology Provides a Complete Energy Meter Solution
With New Energy Measurement ICs
CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 19, 2005 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today introduced the MCP3905 and MCP3906 -- fully functional, stand-alone energy-measurement integrated circuits (ICs) that output average and instantaneous real power. When these analog front ends are paired with a PIC microcontroller, engineers have a complete, highly accurate solution for single-phase energy measurement in residential power meters and industrial applications.
The MCP3905 and MCP3906 each integrate two 16-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), an internal voltage reference, plus all of the digital circuitry needed to calculate average and instantaneous real power from voltage and current channels. The MCP3905 features a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with a maximum gain of 16. For energy meters requiring higher accuracy, the MCP3906 has a maximum gain of 32. These solutions meet or exceed the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC62053 international energy-metering specifications.
The new energy-measurement ICs provide high accuracy, with a 0.1 percent typical measurement error over a 500:1 dynamic range for the MCP3905, and 1000:1 dynamic range for the MCP3906. A low-drift, on-chip voltage reference ensures that measurements do not change during the life of the energy meter. In addition, the devices offer low current consumption of 4 milliamps, direct drive for both mechanical counters and two-phase stepper motors, a tamper output pin for negative power indication, and an industrial temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius.
"The MCP390X energy-measurement ICs address the growing market for electronic-based energy meters, particularly in worldwide emerging markets," said Trent Butcher, product-marketing engineer for Microchip’s Analog and Interface Product Division. "Microchip provides additional features for existing PIC microcontroller metering designs and a highly attractive system solution for new metering customers with these new ICs."
Microchip offers the MCP3905/MCP3906 Energy Meter Reference Design Board
(Part # MCP3905RD-PM1) and the MCP3905/MCP3906 Energy Meter Evaluation Board
(Part # MCP3905EV) in support of energy-meter application development. The MCP3905RD-PM1 is priced at $45, and the MCP3905EV at $75. Both boards are available today.
For additional resources, visit Microchip's new online Utility Meter Design Center ( This comprehensive site provides engineers with all of the technical tools and resources needed to create accurate, reliable and low-cost utility metering applications, including energy, water, gas, and heat meters.
Pricing and Availability
The MCP3905 and MCP3906 are available for general sampling and volume production today. Pricing in 10,000-unit quantities is $1.58 for the MCP3905 and $1.85 for the MCP3906 in the 24-pin SSOP package. All device packaging is lead (Pb) free. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Web site at
####
Note: The Microchip name and logo and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
**Photo and block diagram available through editorial contact**