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Datasheet
12-Bit I2C Digital-to-Analog Converter Breakout with Qwiic Connectivity and EEPROM
The SparkFun MCP4725 Qwiic Breakout is a 12-bit digital-to-analog converter module designed to generate smooth and controllable analog-voltage outputs from a microcontroller. Unlike PWM-based methods that create a pulsed digital waveform, the MCP4725 provides a direct analog output with 4096 voltage levels between GND and the applied supply voltage. Its 2.7 V to 5.5 V operating range makes it suitable for a wide range of embedded systems, development boards and control applications.
The breakout communicates through I2C and supports Standard, Fast and High-Speed communication modes. Two Qwiic connectors simplify integration with Qwiic-compatible controllers and peripherals without requiring soldered signal connections. The MCP4725 also includes internal non-volatile EEPROM, allowing a selected output-voltage setting to be retained and restored automatically after power-up. This makes the board well-suited for voltage-reference, calibration, actuator-control, audio and signal-generation applications.
Key Features
- 12-Bit Resolution: Provides 4096 discrete output-voltage levels for fine analog-output control.
- Analog-Voltage Output: Generates a smooth analog signal without relying on PWM-based output generation.
- I2C Interface: Supports Standard, Fast and High-Speed I2C communication modes.
- Dual I2C Addresses: Supports 2 hardware-selectable I2C addresses for flexible system integration.
- Default I2C Address: Configured to 0x60 by default.
- Alternate I2C Address: Hardware jumper allows selection of the alternate 0x61 address.
- Wide Supply Range: Operates from a 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply.
- Internal EEPROM: Stores an output setting in non-volatile memory for automatic restoration at power-up.
- Qwiic Connectivity: Includes 2x Qwiic connectors for convenient daisy-chained I2C connections.
- Configurable I2C Bus: Supports integration into different I2C system configurations.
- Compact Design: Small breakout-board format is suitable for prototypes and space-conscious embedded projects.
Applications
- Analog-voltage generation
- Microcontroller DAC applications
- Voltage-reference circuits
- Calibration systems
- Audio signal generation
- Custom musical instruments
- Analog actuator control
- Sensor simulation
- Embedded control systems
- Test and measurement projects
- I2C-based development systems
- Qwiic prototyping systems
