MCP601 Single Operational Amplifier IC – 2.8MHz Rail-to-Rail Op-Amp (DIP-8)
The MCP601 is a low-power, single-channel operational amplifier (op-amp) manufactured by Microchip Technology. Designed for precision analog signal processing, it combines a 2.8MHz gain-bandwidth product, low input bias current, and rail-to-rail output operation.
Operating from a single supply voltage of 2.7V to 6.0V, the MCP601 is suitable for battery-powered electronics, sensor signal conditioning, instrumentation, and embedded analog circuits.
Its CMOS input architecture provides high input impedance and low power consumption, while the DIP-8 package allows easy integration into breadboards, prototyping circuits, and through-hole PCB designs.
Key Features
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Single Operational Amplifier: One independent amplifier in a compact IC.
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2.8MHz Gain-Bandwidth Product: Suitable for general-purpose and moderately high-speed analog signal processing.
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Rail-to-Rail Output: Output voltage can approach both supply rails under suitable load conditions.
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Low Operating Current: Approximately 230µA typical quiescent current.
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Low Input Offset Voltage: Less than 2mV under specified conditions.
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Low Input Bias Current: CMOS input architecture minimizes loading on high-impedance signals.
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Single-Supply Operation: Supports supply voltages from 2.7V to 6.0V.
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Low Shutdown Current: Approximately 1µA typical shutdown current, below 25µA maximum under specified conditions.
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High Input Impedance: Suitable for sensor interfacing and analog signal conditioning.
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DIP-8 Package: Convenient for breadboard prototyping and through-hole PCB assembly.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Manufacturer |
Microchip Technology |
| Part Number |
MCP601 |
| Component Type |
Operational Amplifier |
| Number of Amplifiers |
1 |
| Amplifier Technology |
CMOS |
| Supply Voltage |
2.7V–6.0V DC |
| Gain-Bandwidth Product |
2.8MHz |
| Typical Quiescent Current |
230µA |
| Input Offset Voltage |
Less than 2mV under specified conditions |
| Input Bias Current |
Low, CMOS Input |
| Output Configuration |
Rail-to-Rail Output |
| Input Configuration |
Non-Rail-to-Rail Input |
| Shutdown Function |
Yes |
| Typical Shutdown Current |
Approximately 1µA |
| Maximum Shutdown Current |
25µA under specified conditions |
| Package |
DIP-8 / PDIP-8 |
| Number of Pins |
8 |
| Mounting Type |
Through-Hole |
| Supply Configuration |
Single Supply or Suitable Split Supply |
Pin Configuration
For the MCP601 PDIP-8 package:
| Pin |
Name |
Description |
| 1 |
NC |
No Internal Connection |
| 2 |
VIN− |
Inverting Input |
| 3 |
VIN+ |
Non-Inverting Input |
| 4 |
VSS |
Negative Supply / Ground |
| 5 |
SHDN |
Shutdown Control |
| 6 |
VOUT |
Amplifier Output |
| 7 |
VDD |
Positive Supply |
| 8 |
NC |
No Internal Connection |
Note: Verify the pin configuration against the exact MCP601 part number and manufacturer's datasheet before wiring.
Basic Connection Example
The MCP601 can be configured as a non-inverting amplifier to amplify low-voltage analog signals.
| MCP601 Pin |
Connection |
| VDD |
+5V DC |
| VSS |
Ground |
| VIN+ |
Analog Input Signal |
| VIN− |
Feedback Resistor Network |
| VOUT |
Amplified Analog Output |
| SHDN |
Connect to the appropriate logic level to enable operation |
Non-Inverting Amplifier Gain:
Gain = 1 + (Rf / Rg)
Where:
- Rf = Feedback resistor between output and inverting input
- Rg = Resistor between inverting input and ground
Example:
Using Rf = 10kΩ and Rg = 10kΩ:
Gain = 1 + (10kΩ / 10kΩ) = 2
An input signal of 1V would ideally produce an output of 2V, provided the input common-mode and output voltage limits are respected.
Applications
- Analog sensor signal conditioning
- Low-power electronic circuits
- Battery-powered devices
- Data acquisition systems
- Industrial process monitoring
- Portable instrumentation
- Analog signal amplification
- Active filter circuits
- Voltage buffering
- Measurement and test equipment
- Embedded electronics projects
- Low-voltage audio signal processing
Important Notes
- The MCP601 provides rail-to-rail output operation, but its input common-mode range does not extend fully to the positive supply rail.
- The maximum recommended supply voltage is 6.0V.
- Do not exceed the specified input voltage or output current limits.
- The amplifier is intended for analog signal processing and is not designed to drive high-power loads or speakers directly.
- The gain-bandwidth product limits the available bandwidth at higher closed-loop gains.
- The shutdown pin must be configured correctly for normal operation.
- The output voltage swing depends on supply voltage and connected load.
- For stable operation, install an appropriate power supply decoupling capacitor close to the IC.
- This product is an integrated circuit and requires external components for most applications.
- Check the manufacturer's datasheet when designing precision or high-frequency circuits.
Package Includes