The PCF8591 is a single-chip, single-supply low power 8-bit CMOS data acquisition device with four analog inputs, one analog output and a serial I²C-bus interface. Three address pins A0, A1 and A2 are used for programming the hardware address, allowing the use of up to eight devices connected to the I²C-bus without additional hardware. Address, control and data to and from the device are transferred serially via the two-line bidirectional I²C-bus.

The functions of the device include analog input multiplexing, on-chip track and hold function, 8-bit analog-to-digital conversion and an 8-bit digital-to-analog conversion. The maximum conversion rate is given by the maximum speed of the I²C-bus

 Features and benefits

• Single power supply
• Operating supply voltage 2.5 V to 6 V
• Low standby current
• Serial input/output via I²C-bus
• Address by 3 hardware address pins
• Sampling rate given by I²C-bus speed
• 4 analog inputs programmable as single-ended or differential inputs
• Auto-incremented channel selection
• Analog voltage range from V_SS to V_DD
• On-chip track and hold circuit
• 8-bit successive approximation A/D conversion
• Multiplying DAC with one analog output.

• Closed loop control systems
• Low power converter for remote data acquisition
• Battery operated equipment
• Acquisition of analog values in automotive, audio and TV applications