PCAP01AK Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PCAP01AK is a Capacitance-to-Digital Converter manufactured by ScioSense, part of the PICOCAP® series. This 17-bit resolution device with 500k sampling rate operates as a data acquisition component in 24-QFN (4x4) surface mount packaging. The PCAP01AK is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support and new design implementations. Substitute parts must maintain core electrical specifications including 17-bit resolution, 8-channel configuration, I2C/SPI interface compatibility, and single supply voltage operation within the 2.1V to 3.6V range.

Substiute Parts

PCAP01AK

ScioSenseIn Stock: 907PCAP01AK Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PCAP01AD

ScioSenseIn Stock: 4043PCAP01AD Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

PCAP01AD 1K

ScioSenseIn Stock: 1017PCAP01AD 1K Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the PCAP01AK are identified based on the following core electrical and mechanical parameters that define functional equivalence:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Manufacturer: ScioSense (same manufacturer ensures design compatibility)
• Series: PICOCAP® (same product family)
• Type: Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (identical functional classification)
• Number of Channels: 8 (same channel count)
• Resolution: 17 bits (identical resolution specification)
• Data Interface: I2C, SPI (same communication protocols)
• Voltage Supply: Single Supply, 2.1V ~ 3.6V (identical supply requirements)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 125°C (same thermal operating range)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (same assembly method)
• RoHS Status: RoHS Compliant (same environmental compliance)

Variable Parameters Allowing Substitution:

• Sampling Rate: The PCAP01AK operates at 500k samples per second. Substitute parts may operate at different sampling rates as this parameter does not affect core channel, resolution, or interface compatibility.
• Package Configuration: The PCAP01AK uses 24-QFN (4x4). Substitute parts may use alternative QFN packages (32-QFN 5x5) provided the pin count and layout support the same 8-channel, I2C/SPI interface architecture.
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: MSL differences (1 vs. 3) reflect different moisture handling requirements but do not affect electrical functionality.
• Product Status: Active alternatives are preferred over obsolete parts for new designs and long-term availability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

PCAP01AD and PCAP01AD 1K are functionally equivalent substitutes for the PCAP01AK based on matching core electrical specifications: 17-bit resolution, 8-channel configuration, I2C/SPI dual interface, single supply operation at 2.1V to 3.6V, and identical operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C.

Both substitute parts maintain RoHS Compliance and REACH Unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the original PCAP01AK. The primary differences are packaging (32-QFN 5x5 versus 24-QFN 4x4) and product status (Active versus Obsolete).

PCAP01AD and PCAP01AD 1K are both currently in active production status, providing superior long-term availability compared to the obsolete PCAP01AK. The larger 32-QFN (5x5) package accommodates the same functional architecture and requires PCB layout adjustment but does not alter electrical performance or interface compatibility.

For new designs and systems requiring extended component lifecycle support, PCAP01AD or PCAP01AD 1K are the recommended selections. For legacy system maintenance where the original 24-QFN (4x4) form factor is mandatory, PCAP01AK inventory may be sourced from existing stock, though availability is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PCAP01AD or PCAP01AD 1K directly replace PCAP01AK in existing PCB designs?

A: Electrical substitution is valid; both parts maintain identical 17-bit resolution, 8-channel configuration, I2C/SPI interface, and supply voltage specifications. However, the package change from 24-QFN (4x4) to 32-QFN (5x5) requires PCB layout modification. Pin-to-pin compatibility must be verified against the specific pinout documentation for each part number.

Q: What is the difference between PCAP01AD and PCAP01AD 1K?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications, channel count, resolution, interface protocols, and supply voltage range. The designation "1K" in PCAP01AD 1K indicates a specific product variant or tape-and-reel configuration. Functional performance and substitution capability are equivalent.

Q: Why is PCAP01AK listed as obsolete?

A: Product obsolescence reflects manufacturer discontinuation decisions. PCAP01AD and PCAP01AD 1K represent the active product line continuation within the PICOCAP® series, offering the same core functionality with improved long-term availability.

Q: Are there sampling rate differences between PCAP01AK and the substitute parts?

A: PCAP01AK operates at 500k samples per second. PCAP01AD and PCAP01AD 1K do not specify a sampling rate in the provided data. Sampling rate differences do not affect channel count, resolution, or interface compatibility, but system-level performance requirements must be evaluated independently.

Q: Do moisture sensitivity level differences affect substitution?

A: PCAP01AK has MSL 1 (Unlimited), while PCAP01AD and PCAP01AD 1K have MSL 3 (168 Hours). MSL classification reflects moisture handling and storage requirements during manufacturing and assembly. This does not affect electrical performance or functional substitution but may impact component storage and handling procedures.

Q: Are all three parts RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. PCAP01AK, PCAP01AD, and PCAP01AD 1K are all RoHS Compliant and REACH Unaffected, ensuring regulatory compliance across all three options.