MCP4012T-202E/CH

Overview

The MCP4012T-202E/CH is a volatile, 6-bit digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features a nominal resistance of 2.1 kΩ with 64 taps and operates within a supply voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V. The device utilizes a simple Up/Down (U/D) serial interface for wiper control and includes high-voltage tolerant inputs up to 12.5V. Packaged in a compact SOT-23-6 surface-mount format, it supports an extended operating temperature range from -40°C to +125°C.

Feature Summary

• 64-tap resolution with 2.1 kΩ nominal resistance
• Simple 2-wire Up/Down serial control interface
• High-voltage tolerant digital inputs (up to 12.5V)
• Low power consumption with 1 µA maximum static current

Applications

• Replacing mechanical potentiometers in space-constrained designs
• Adjustable gain or offset calibration in instrumentation
• Power supply voltage trimming and adjustment

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'CH' against official documentation to confirm environmental compliance status. Ensure the selected variant matches the required resistance tolerance and thermal specifications for the target application environment.

Selection Notes

Select this model when rheostat configuration is required, as the MCP4012 lacks the full potentiometer terminals found in the MCP4011. Confirm that the 2.1 kΩ value aligns with circuit impedance requirements and that the volatile memory behavior suits the system's power cycling needs.

Part Context

This component belongs to the MCP4011/2/3/4 family of low-cost digital potentiometers. While sharing core electrical characteristics, the MCP4012 is specifically designated for rheostat applications, distinguishing it from the MCP4011 which supports both potentiometer and rheostat configurations.

Replacement Considerations

MCP4011T-202E/CH offers identical electrical performance but provides additional terminal flexibility for potentiometer mode operation.