AD5161BRMZ50

Overview

The AD5161BRMZ50 is a single-channel, 8-bit digital potentiometer from Analog Devices, housed in a compact MSOP-10 package. It features a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of ±30% and a temperature coefficient of 45 ppm/°C. The device offers 256 tap positions and supports both SPI and I²C interfaces via a pin-selectable DIS input. Operating on a single supply voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, it consumes a typical supply current of 8 µA. Key electrical characteristics include a wiper resistance of up to 120 Ω, a shutdown current of less than 1 µA, and an operating temperature range from −40°C to +125°C.

Feature Summary

• Pin-selectable interface allowing configuration for either SPI or I²C communication protocols.
• 256-position resolution with linear taper and power-on preset to midscale.
• Low power consumption with 8 µA active supply current and <1 µA shutdown current.
• Wide operating voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V suitable for portable applications.

Applications

• Mechanical potentiometer replacement in new designs
• Transducer adjustment for pressure, temperature, position, chemical, and optical sensors
• RF amplifier biasing
• Gain control and offset adjustment

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against the manufacturer's official documentation to confirm packaging type and resistance value. Ensure compatibility with the target system's logic levels and interface requirements before procurement. Cross-reference the component marking code with the datasheet to authenticate the source and revision level.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-channel digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ nominal resistance is required. Verify that the system supports either SPI or I²C protocols, as the interface is determined by the hardware connection of the DIS pin. Consider the ±30% resistance tolerance and 45 ppm/°C temperature coefficient for precision applications. Ensure the supply voltage remains within the 2.7 V to 5.5 V range.

Part Context

The AD5161 series includes variants with different nominal resistances, such as 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ, and 100 kΩ. The 'B' designation typically indicates the industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C). The 'MZ' suffix denotes the MSOP-10 package. This part serves as a solid-state alternative to mechanical potentiometers, offering enhanced reliability and programmability.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements must match the 50 kΩ resistance, MSOP-10 package, and 8-bit resolution. Verify interface compatibility (SPI/I²C) and pinout alignment. Check if the substitute supports the same voltage range and temperature specifications. Note that some alternatives may have different wiper resistance or tolerance values.

FAQ

How is the digital interface selected between SPI and I²C?

The interface is selected via the DIS (Digital Interface Select) pin. Tying DIS low enables SPI mode, while tying DIS high enables I²C mode.

What is the maximum clock frequency for the SPI interface?

The maximum SPI clock frequency (fCLK) is 25 MHz.

Does the device retain its wiper setting after power loss?

No, the AD5161 has volatile memory. Upon power-up, the wiper is automatically preset to the midscale position.