Microchip TC72-3MUATR SPI Temperature Sensor: Datasheet, Pinout, and Application Circuit Guide

The Microchip TC72-3MUATR is a high-accuracy digital temperature sensor that communicates via the industry-standard SPI serial interface. This compact and versatile IC is designed for a wide range of applications, from system thermal management to environmental monitoring, providing reliable temperature data with minimal external components.

Datasheet Overview and Key Specifications

The TC72's datasheet reveals a robust set of features. The sensor offers a wide temperature measurement range from -55°C to +125°C, making it suitable for both extreme and common commercial environments. Its digital resolution is configurable to either 9, 10, or 11 bits, allowing designers to balance conversion speed against measurement precision.

A key performance metric is its accuracy of ±1°C from +25°C to +65°C, ensuring reliable readings during critical operating conditions. The device operates from a single power supply ranging from 2.65V to 5.5V, accommodating both 3.3V and 5.0V systems with ease. Furthermore, it features a low power consumption profile, with a typical standby current of just 1 µA, which is essential for battery-powered applications.

Pinout Configuration

The TC72-3MUATR is available in a space-saving 8-pin MSOP package. The pin functions are as follows:

Pin 1 (SDO): Serial Data Output.

Pin 2 (SDI): Serial Data Input.

Pin 3 (CS): Chip Select (Active Low).

Pin 4 (SCK): Serial Clock Input.

Pin 5 (GND): Ground.

Pin 6 (NC): No Connect.

Pin 7 (NC): No Connect.

Pin 8 (VDD): Power Supply.

This straightforward pinout simplifies PCB layout and connection to a host microcontroller.

SPI Interface Communication

The TC72 operates as an SPI slave device. Communication is initiated by the master (MCU) pulling the CS (Chip Select) pin low. Data is then clocked in and out synchronously with pulses on the SCK (Serial Clock) pin. The SDI (Serial Data Input) pin is used to write configuration data and commands to the TC72's internal registers, while the SDO (Serial Data Output) pin is used to read temperature data and register contents. The interface supports SPI Mode 0,0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and Mode 1,1 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1).

Application Circuit Guide

A typical application circuit for the TC72 is remarkably simple, demonstrating its ease of use. The core design requires only a few passive components:

1. Power Supply Decoupling: A 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor must be placed as close as possible between the VDD (Pin 8) and GND (Pin 5) pins to filter high-frequency noise and ensure stable operation.

2. SPI Lines Connection: The four SPI pins (SDO, SDI, SCK, CS) are connected directly to the corresponding SPI pins of a microcontroller. 10kΩ pull-up resistors on the SDO, SDI, and SCK lines are often recommended to ensure defined logic levels, especially in noisy environments or when the lines are shared with other devices.

3. No External Sensor: Unlike thermistors or RTDs, the TC72 has its sensing element integrated on-chip, requiring no external temperature-sensing components.

This minimalistic design allows for a very small footprint on the PCB, reducing overall system cost and complexity.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Microchip TC72-3MUATR stands out as an exceptionally easy-to-integrate SPI temperature sensor solution. Its combination of high accuracy, low power consumption, and a simple 4-wire interface makes it an ideal choice for designers seeking to add reliable thermal monitoring to their systems without complicating the design process. Its small form factor is perfectly suited for space-constrained applications.

Keywords: SPI Temperature Sensor, Digital Temperature Sensor, Thermal Management, Microchip TC72, Low Power Consumption