MCP4011T-202E/MC

Overview

The MCP4011T-202E/MC is a volatile, 6-bit digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features a 2.1 kΩ resistance value with 63 resistors and 64 taps. The device operates on a single supply voltage ranging from 1.8 V to 5.5 V for device operation, with resistor characteristics specified from 2.7 V to 5.5 V. It utilizes a simple Up/Down (U/D) serial interface for wiper control. Key electrical parameters include a typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω, a maximum static current of 1 µA when the serial interface is inactive, and an operating temperature range of –40°C to +125°C.

Feature Summary

• 6-bit resolution providing 64 tap positions with linear taper
• High-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V
• Low-power operation with 1 µA max static current in inactive state
• Configurable as potentiometer or rheostat via terminal connection

Applications

• Volume control in audio circuits
• Gain adjustment in instrumentation amplifiers
• Voltage reference trimming
• Programmable gain settings in sensor interfaces

Procurement Notes

Verify the package marking and date code against the manufacturer's latest datasheet revision DS20001978D. Confirm that the 'E' suffix indicates extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) and the '/MC' suffix corresponds to the DFN-8 EP package. Ensure compatibility with the system's logic levels, noting the high-voltage tolerance on CS and U/D pins.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a volatile memory type is acceptable, as the wiper setting is lost upon power loss. Choose the 2.1 kΩ variant specifically for low-impedance applications requiring higher current handling compared to higher resistance values. Verify that the Up/Down interface aligns with the microcontroller's GPIO capabilities, as it does not use standard SPI or I2C protocols.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP4011/2/3/4 family of low-cost, 64-step digital potentiometers. The MCP4011 variant is specifically designed for potentiometer configuration, whereas the MCP4012 is optimized for rheostat mode. All members share the same core architecture but differ in internal terminal connections and package options like SOT-23, SOIC, MSOP, and DFN.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements within the same family include MCP4012T-202E/MC (rheostat configuration), MCP4013T-202E/MC, and MCP4014T-202E/MC. For non-volatile alternatives, consider the MCP41xxx series, though interface and pinout differences may require schematic modifications.