DS1868BE-050+

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The DS1868BE-050+ is a dual digital potentiometer IC from the DS1868B series, manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. It features two independent 256-position potentiometers with an end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ each. The device operates on a single +5V supply or ±3V supplies and communicates via a 3-wire serial interface (RST, CLK, DQ). Each wiper position is controlled by an 8-bit value stored in a 17-bit I/O shift register. The component is housed in a 20-pin TSSOP package and supports industrial operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual 256-position digitally controlled potentiometers with 50 kΩ nominal resistance.
• 3-wire serial interface for setting and reading wiper positions.
• Stacked configuration capability to double total resistance while maintaining resolution.
• Cascade operation allows daisy-chaining multiple devices over a single bus.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Variable gain amplifier circuits requiring digital adjustment.
• Fixed gain attenuator configurations for signal conditioning.
• Multi-device control systems utilizing cascade/daisy-chain topology.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix 'E' corresponds to the 20-pin TSSOP package as defined in the manufacturer's table. Confirm RoHS compliance status through official documentation, as suffixes may indicate environmental certifications. Ensure the design accounts for the volatile nature of the wiper settings, which reset to random values upon power-up.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this model when dual independent potentiometers are required within a single package. The 50 kΩ resistance value is suitable for moderate impedance applications. Consider the stacked configuration if higher total resistance is needed without increasing tap count. Verify that the system can accommodate the random wiper state at startup or implement a known-initialization sequence via the serial interface.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

The DS1868BE-050+ belongs to the DS1868B family, which includes variants with 10 kΩ and 100 kΩ resistances. The 'BE' suffix specifically denotes the 20-pin Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP). Other packages in the series include the 16-pin SO variant (DS1868BS). All variants share identical electrical characteristics and serial interface protocols.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements within the same series include DS1868BE-010+ and DS1868BE-100+. For different package requirements, the DS1868BS-050+ offers the same electrical performance in a 16-pin SO package. Cross-family replacements require verification of voltage ranges and interface compatibility.