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

15.10. 2025 | News
Author: Jan Robenek
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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 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.

 

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.

 

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 (more info).

 

robenek@dps-az.cz