AD8400ARZ50-REEL

Overview

The AD8400ARZ50-REEL is a single-channel, 256-position digitally controlled variable resistor from Analog Devices. It replaces mechanical potentiometers in compact SOIC-8 surface-mount packages. The device features a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ with a ±1% channel-to-channel matching tolerance and a temperature coefficient of 500 ppm/°C. It operates on a single 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply and utilizes a 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface for data loading at rates up to 10 MHz. Key functional controls include an active-low reset pin for midscale positioning and a shutdown pin that achieves microwatt power consumption by opening Terminal A and shorting the wiper to Terminal B.

Feature Summary

• Single-channel 256-position variable resistor with 50 kΩ nominal resistance
• SPI-compatible 3-wire serial interface with 10 MHz update rate
• Active-low hardware reset (RS) forces wiper to midscale (80H)
• Power shutdown mode (<5 μA) via SHDN pin opens Terminal A

Applications

• Mechanical potentiometer replacement
• Programmable filters, delays, and time constants
• Volume control and panning
• Line impedance matching
• Power supply adjustment

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against the manufacturer's current documentation to confirm package type and tape/reel specifications. Confirm automotive qualification status if required for the application environment. Ensure compatibility with the host system's voltage levels and serial clock constraints before integration.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-channel digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ resistance is required. Verify that the 500 ppm/°C temperature coefficient meets the circuit stability requirements. Ensure the design accommodates the volatile nature of the wiper position, which defaults to random upon power-up without a hardware reset sequence.

Part Context

This part belongs to the AD8400/AD8402/AD8403 family of digital potentiometers. The AD8400 variant specifically provides a single variable resistor in an SOIC-8 package, distinguishing it from the dual-channel AD8402 and quad-channel AD8403 models. All variants share similar electrical characteristics and interface protocols.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements within the same family include other resistance values of the AD8400 series, such as AD8400ARZ10 (10 kΩ), AD8400ARZ1 (1 kΩ), or AD8400ARZ100 (100 kΩ). These parts maintain identical pinouts and functionality while differing only in nominal resistance.