# MCP4728 4-channel DAC: specs and pinout

> A module built on the Microchip MCP4728, a quad 12-bit digital-to-analog converter with I2C control and on-chip EEPROM. Each channel has its own…

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A module built on the Microchip MCP4728, a quad 12-bit digital-to-analog converter with I2C control and on-chip EEPROM. Each channel has its own output, and settings can be saved so they return at power-up.

Every value cites its sourceOfficial pinout

[Buy on Compoden](https://compoden.com/products/mcp4728-12-bit-4-channel-dac-module-i2c-interface)

## Specs

| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Supply voltage (VDD) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | source Features; Electrical Characteristics |
| Resolution and channels | 12-bit, 4 channels (VOUT A to D) | source Features |
| Output range | Internal 2.048 V reference: 0 V to 2.048 V (gain 1) or 0 V to 4.096 V (gain 2); with VDD as reference: 0 V to VDD | source Features |
| I2C device code and address | Device code 1100 plus address bits A2 A1 A0; factory default 000; address bits can be written to EEPROM | source 5.3 Device Addressing; Table 5-1 note 1 |
| I2C speed | 100 kHz, 400 kHz; high-speed mode needs VDD of 4.5 V to 5.5 V | source I2C Serial Timing Specifications |
| Supply current | 800 uA typical, 1400 uA max with all 4 channels on (VDD = 5.5 V) | source Electrical Characteristics |
| Maximum output load current | 24 mA per output amplifier | source Output Amplifier section; Electrical Characteristics |
| Operating temperature | -40 C to +125 C | source Temperature Ranges |

## Power

| | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | 2.7 V to 5.5 V on VDD | source Electrical Characteristics |
| Current | 800 uA typical with all four channels active | source Electrical Characteristics |

## Pinout

The pinout is the MCP4728 chip's (10-lead MSOP). The module board's header order, pull-up resistors, address selection and any output buffering are not covered by an official document.

| Pin | Function | Voltage | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VDD (1) | Power supply | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | | source Pin Function Table |
| SCL (2) | I2C serial clock | | | source Pin Function Table |
| SDA (3) | I2C serial data | | | source Pin Function Table |
| LDAC (4) | Load DAC synchronisation input | | Updates outputs together | source Pin Function Table |
| RDY/BSY (5) | EEPROM ready/busy output | | | source Pin Function Table |
| VOUT A (6) | Channel A output | | | source Pin Function Table |
| VOUT B (7) | Channel B output | | | source Pin Function Table |
| VOUT C (8) | Channel C output | | | source Pin Function Table |
| VOUT D (9) | Channel D output | | | source Pin Function Table |
| VSS (10) | Ground | 0 V | | source Pin Function Table |

## Build with it
Project ideas for the MCP4728 4-channel DAC. Each link opens Soldr with the prompt filled in; Soldr assigns the pins, checks power and shows how to wire every part.

- [Four-channel LED brightness controller](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20a%20four-channel%20LED%20brightness%20controller%20with%20an%20ESP32%20and%20an%20MCP4728%20module%20driving%20four%20LEDs%20through%20resistors): Each output swings 0 V to VDD (at most 24 mA), so a resistor of a few hundred ohms or more per LED keeps current low. The ESP32's 3.3 V is inside the 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range. Learning project.
- [Adjustable voltage source with readout](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20an%20adjustable%20reference%20voltage%20source%20with%20an%20ESP32%2C%20a%20potentiometer%2C%20an%20OLED%20display%20and%20an%20MCP4728%20module): The potentiometer sets a 12-bit code and the DAC outputs the voltage, shown on the OLED. On 3.3 V use gain 1 with the 2.048 V internal reference. Learning project.
- [Programmable threshold tester](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20a%20threshold%20tester%20with%20an%20Arduino%20Uno%2C%20an%20MCP4728%20module%20and%20an%20LM324%20where%20the%20DAC%20sets%20the%20switching%20level%20and%20an%20LED%20shows%20the%20result): On 5 V the LM324 inputs must stay below about 3 V (VCC minus 2 V), so use the 2.048 V reference at gain 1 for the threshold and a divider on the potentiometer. Learning project.

## Common mistakes

- Choosing gain 2 with the internal reference on a 3.3 V supply: the 0 V to 4.096 V range cannot be reached because the output swing is limited by VDD (source: [link](https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/22187E.pdf), Features; Electrical Characteristics)
- Drawing more than 24 mA from an output: the output amplifier is rated to 24 mA maximum load current (source: [link](https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/22187E.pdf), Output Amplifier section)
- Putting two MCP4728 chips on one bus without changing addresses: the factory address bits are 000 for every device (source: [link](https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/22187E.pdf), Table 5-1 note 1)

## Not covered by the official source

- Module board (header order, pull-ups, address pin) not covered.

## Sources

- [link](https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/22187E.pdf) (MCP4728 datasheet DS22187E, Microchip, 2010)