MAX5479ETE+

Overview

The MAX5479ETE+ is a dual, nonvolatile, linear-taper digital potentiometer featuring 256 tap positions per channel. It replaces mechanical potentiometers using a 2-wire I²C-compatible serial interface supporting data rates up to 400kbps. The device provides an end-to-end resistance of 100kΩ with a temperature coefficient of 70ppm/°C. It operates on a single supply voltage ranging from +2.7V to +5.25V and includes internal EEPROM for power-on recall of wiper positions. The component is housed in a 16-pin Thin Quad Flatpack (TQFN) package measuring 3mm x 3mm.

Feature Summary

• Dual-channel architecture with 256 discrete tap points per potentiometer
• Nonvolatile EEPROM memory retains wiper position across power cycles
• I²C-compatible serial interface with three address inputs for multi-device bus support
• EEPROM write protection via the WP pin to prevent accidental overwrites

Applications

• Mechanical potentiometer replacement
• Low-drift programmable-gain amplifiers
• Volume control circuits
• Liquid-crystal display (LCD) contrast control

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E' indicates the TQFN-EP package and '+' denotes lead-free/RoHS compliance. Confirm availability status as distribution channels may list limited stock or discontinuation notices. Ensure the design supports the required 100kΩ resistance value and I²C addressing scheme before ordering.

Selection Notes

Select this model specifically for its 100kΩ nominal end-to-end resistance; the MAX5477 offers 10kΩ and the MAX5478 offers 50kΩ. The ETE+ suffix specifies the 16-pin TQFN package with an exposed paddle. Verify that the application requires the 256-tap resolution and I²C interface rather than SPI alternatives like the MAX5487 series.

Part Context

This component belongs to the MAX5477/MAX5478/MAX5479 family of dual digital potentiometers manufactured by Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated. The family shares identical pinouts, interfaces, and nonvolatile memory features, differing primarily in the nominal end-to-end resistance values assigned to each part number within the series.

Replacement Considerations

Direct functional substitutes within the same package include the MAX5477ETE+ (10kΩ) and MAX5478ETE+ (50kΩ), provided the resistance difference is acceptable for the circuit design.