AD5251BRUZ50

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The AD5251BRUZ50 is a dual-channel, I2C-compatible digital potentiometer featuring nonvolatile memory (EEMEM) for wiper setting retention. It provides 64 programmable positions with a nominal resistance of 50 kΩ and linear taper. The device operates on a single supply from 2.7 V to 5.5 V or a dual supply of ±2.25 V to ±2.75 V. Key specifications include a typical power-on refresh time of 300 µs, 100-year data retention at 55°C, and an operating temperature range of –40°C to +105°C. It supports direct read/write access to RDAC and EEMEM registers, including 12 extra bytes for user-defined information.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual-channel architecture with 64-position resolution and 50 kΩ nominal resistance.
• Nonvolatile EEMEM stores wiper settings and resistance tolerance data for automatic restoration upon power-up.
• I2C serial interface supporting up to four devices via two target address decoding bits (AD0/AD1).
• Programmable rheostat and potentiometer modes with synchronous or asynchronous dual-channel updates.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Mechanical potentiometer replacement in embedded systems.
• LCD panel VCOM adjustment circuits.
• White LED brightness control applications.
• RF base station power amplifier bias control.
• Programmable gain and offset control stages.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'U' indicates the TSSOP-14 package and 'Z' denotes lead-free compliance when sourcing. Confirm the manufacturer's current production status, as older revisions may be discontinued. Ensure the I2C bus voltage levels match the system's VDD range between 2.7 V and 5.5 V. Check for required pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL lines for proper interface timing.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component over the AD5252 if only 64 positions are required, as the AD5252 offers 256 positions. Verify that the 50 kΩ resistance value aligns with the application's impedance requirements, noting that bandwidth decreases with higher resistance values compared to the 1 kΩ variant. Ensure the design accommodates the 35 mA peak current required during EEMEM write cycles.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the AD5251/AD5252 family of digitally controlled potentiometers. The AD5251 series is distinct from the AD5252 by its fixed 64-position resolution and exclusive availability in the 50 kΩ resistance value. Both families share the same I2C interface protocol and nonvolatile memory features but differ in step count and available resistance options.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitute part numbers are not provided in the source material. When evaluating alternatives, ensure compatibility with the I2C protocol, 50 kΩ resistance value, 64-position resolution, and TSSOP-14 package dimensions.

Digital Potentiometers FAQ

How does the device handle wiper settings after power loss?

The AD5251BRUZ50 automatically restores stored wiper settings from the EEMEM to the RDAC registers within 300 µs typically after power-on.

What is the maximum number of devices that can operate on a single I2C bus?

Four devices can operate on one bus using the two target address decoding bits, AD0 and AD1.

Can the device store user-defined data?

Yes, it includes 12 extra bytes in the EEMEM (EEMEM4 to EEMEM15) for storing user-defined information such as lookup tables or system identification data.