Four-Channel Thermocouple Measurement with Integrated Conditioning Now Possible with ±1.5°C System Accuracy

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched the MCP9604, the industry's first single-chip, four-channel I2C thermocouple conditioning IC that delivers up to ±1.5°C accuracy. This innovative device supports temperatures from -200°C to +1372°C and is compatible with eight common thermocouple types.

The MCP9604 significantly reduces system complexity by eliminating up to 15 discrete components and removes the need for time-consuming unit-by-unit calibration. Priced at $10.56 in 10,000-unit quantities, the device comes with an evaluation board (EV19L27A) available for $96.00.

Positive

• First-in-industry single-chip solution for four-channel thermocouple conditioning
• Eliminates up to 15 discrete components, reducing system complexity and BOM costs
• Achieves high accuracy of ±1.5°C using advanced NIST ITS-90 equations
• Wide temperature range support from -200°C to +1372°C

Negative

• None.

Insights

Semiconductor Industry Analyst

Microchip's new four-channel thermocouple IC delivers superior accuracy while reducing system complexity and costs for industrial temperature measurement applications.

Microchip Technology has launched the MCP9604, an innovative four-channel thermocouple conditioning integrated circuit that represents a significant advancement in industrial temperature measurement technology. This single-chip solution achieves ±1.5°C accuracy across four thermocouple channels while eliminating the need for up to 15 discrete components typically required in traditional designs.

The technical advantages are substantial: the device utilizes higher-order NIST ITS-90 equations (ninth-order accuracy with K-type thermocouples) rather than single-order linear approximations found in analog amplifier designs. This approach delivers precision measurement across an impressive -200°C to +1372°C temperature range, critical for applications in food processing, manufacturing, medical equipment, and cryogenic environments.

From an integration perspective, the MCP9604 incorporates ADCs, cold junction compensation temperature sensors, amplifiers, and a math engine into a single package, significantly simplifying PCB design. This integration eliminates weeks of costly calibration typically needed with discrete solutions, potentially accelerating time-to-market for Microchip's customers while reducing their engineering overhead.

The device is priced at $10.56 in 10,000-unit quantities, positioning it competitively for volume manufacturing applications. By supporting the eight most common thermocouple types and featuring I2C communication compatibility, Microchip has created a versatile solution that addresses multiple market segments requiring precision temperature measurement in extreme environments.

This product launch builds on Microchip's earlier single-channel thermocouple conditioning IC and demonstrates the company's continued investment in specialized analog solutions for industrial applications, reinforcing their position in the mixed-signal semiconductor market.

Microchip’s MCP9604 thermocouple conditioning IC reduces the cost and complexity of in-line production applications that operate in high and low temperature extremes

CHANDLER, Ariz., Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Precision four-channel temperature measurement is critical for production-line applications ranging from chemical and food processing, manufacturing process control and medical and HVAC equipment to refrigerated, cryogenic and other carefully controlled environments. With the introduction of the MCP9604 integrated thermocouple conditioning IC, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has overcome a thermal measurement and integration barrier with the first single-chip, four-channel I²C thermocouple conditioning IC to deliver up to ± 1.5°C accuracy and provide an alternative to discrete and multichip thermocouple conditioning solutions that can introduce errors and add system design complexity.

“For more than two centuries, the thermocouple has been a critical tool for measuring extremely high temperatures, but the necessary precision and accuracy could not be achieved with the level of integration and cost-effectiveness that is required for today’s demanding production-line applications,” said Keith Pazul, vice president of Microchip’s mixed-signal linear business unit. “Our device now delivers a combination of precision, integration and cost-effectiveness, helping reduce the need for as many as 15 discrete components and associated system design challenges.”

The MCP9604 device delivers its advanced measurement accuracy at four thermocouple locations by using higher-order NIST ITS-90 equations rather than the single-order linear approximations of analog amplifier designs. As an example, it achieves ninth-order accuracy with K-type thermocouples, all in one integrated chip containing the ADCs, cold junction compensation temperature sensors, amplifiers and other components required for the signal chain, temperature measurement and math engine.

Removing the need for external components simplifies PCB design, reduces bill of materials costs, and can help eliminate the weeks of costly, time-consuming and complex unit-by-unit in-line validation and calibration that discrete solutions require in the thermocouple measurement signal chain before they can begin reporting data to the host system.

The MCP9604 also offers flexibility and versatility by supporting the eight most common thermocouple types including the J option as well as the K option for operating at temperatures as low as -200°C. In addition to supporting a wide, -200°C to +1372°C temperature range across a diverse range of industrial applications, the MCP9604 also supports I²C communication to allow easy integration with microcontrollers and other digital systems.

Building on Earlier Advancements

The MCP9604 builds on the release of Microchip’s single-channel thermocouple conditioning IC, the first all-in-one device to deliver up to ± 1.5°C accuracy. The core competencies that made this device possible have paved the way for the company’s four-channel single-chip MCP9604 device that delivers its digital temperature reading with industry-high accuracy levels for an I2C thermocouple conditioning device.

Development Tools

The MCP9604 device is supported by the Microchip EV19L27A evaluation board. It can connect to and read information from as many as four thermocouples and includes a microcontroller that acts as a host system for receiving this information and plotting the selected thermocouple. The evaluation board also includes free software that can be downloaded from either the MCP9604 or EVB web pages.

Pricing and Availability

The MCP9604 thermocouple conditioning IC is available in a tape-in-reel (MCP9604T-E/3YW) or rail (MCP9604-E/3YW) configuration. Each device is available for $10.56 each in 10,000-unit quantities and packaged in a 24-pin 5x5 Land Grid Array (LGA). The price of the EV19L27A evaluation board is $96.00 each and is available now.

For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.

Resources

High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

• Application image: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54515257814/sizes/o/
• Evaluation board photo: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54515355613/sizes/o/
• Videos available through YouTube or editorial contact (feel free to post):
  • Streamline Your Sensing: Four Thermocouples, One Solution
  • Ultra-Accurate 4-Channel Thermocouple Conditioning IC: Simplify Design, Maximize Precision
• Blog post: Accurate Thermal Measurements at Extremes with MCP9604

About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions that address critical challenges at the intersection of emerging technologies and durable end markets. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio support customers throughout the design process, from concept to completion. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support and delivers solutions across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo and the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:	Reader Inquiries:
Brian Thorsen	1-888-624-7435
480-792-7182
brian.thorsen@microchip.com

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

FAQ

What is the key innovation of Microchip's MCP9604 thermocouple conditioning IC?

The MCP9604 is the first single-chip, four-channel I2C thermocouple conditioning IC that delivers up to ±1.5°C accuracy, integrating ADCs, cold junction compensation, and other components in one chip.

How much does the MCHP MCP9604 thermocouple conditioning IC cost?

The MCP9604 is priced at $10.56 each in 10,000-unit quantities and comes in a 24-pin 5x5 Land Grid Array (LGA) package.

What temperature range can the MCP9604 thermocouple IC measure?

The MCP9604 supports a wide temperature range of -200°C to +1372°C across various industrial applications.

How does the MCP9604 improve system design efficiency?

It eliminates up to 15 discrete components, simplifies PCB design, reduces BOM costs, and removes the need for time-consuming unit-by-unit calibration in the measurement signal chain.

What development tools are available for the MCP9604?

The MCP9604 is supported by the EV19L27A evaluation board, priced at $96.00, which can connect to four thermocouples and includes free downloadable software.