MCP4728 Quad 12-Bit DAC
4-channel 12-bit DAC. Output precise analog voltages (0-3.3V) for driving analog circuits, setting reference levels, or generating waveforms.
Say it to PAL
“Set output 0 to about 1.5 volts.”
The code PAL writes
// set_channel takes a 12-bit code, not volts: 0 = 0 V, 4095 = 3.3 V.
const code = Math.round((1.5 / 3.3) * 4095);
p.write('qwiic-mcp4728', 'set_channel', { channel: 0, value: code });
p.log(`Channel 0 set to code ${code} (~1.5 V)`);“Slowly raise the voltage on output 0.”
The code PAL writes
let value = 0;
const stopRamp = p.every(50, () => {
p.write('qwiic-mcp4728', 'set_channel', { channel: 0, value });
value += 100;
if (value > 4095) stopRamp();
});
await p.waitUntilStopped();When to pick it
Use when you need to output precise analog voltages. Good for setting reference levels, driving analog circuits, or controlling analog devices.
Good to know
- Max output current is ~25mA per channel. Cannot drive motors or high-current loads directly.
About it
The MCP4728 is a quad-channel 12-bit digital-to-analog converter with EEPROM for power-on default values. Each channel independently outputs 0-3.3V (or 0-Vref) with 12-bit resolution (4096 steps, ~0.8mV per step). Internal 2.048V reference or external Vdd reference. EEPROM stores default output values that load on power-up. Ideal for setting precise reference voltages, driving analog circuits, or generating control signals.
Where to buy
Facts
Tested
It is in our catalog, but nobody has checked it on a real board. It may not work yet. Its driver is written, but it has not been tested on hardware yet.
Current
400 µA
The catalog lists a typical draw of 400 µA for the MCP4728 DAC, copied from the maker’s description and not measured by Palpable.
Board size
25.4 × 17.78 mm
The MCP4728 DAC board measures 25.4 × 17.78 mm and stands 4.6 mm tall with its parts. It has 4 mounting holes. These dimensions are from the maker’s mechanical drawing.
Chip
MCP4728
Its driver chip is the Microchip MCP4728.
Free to reuse
Every fact here is open data under CC BY 4.0. Copy it into your own docs or code, and credit Palpable. Download it
This record was last changed on October 6, 2026.