MCP4012T-503E/CH

Overview

The MCP4012T-503E/CH is a volatile, 6-bit digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology. It provides 64 taps with a nominal resistance of 50 kΩ and is housed in a SOT-23-6 package. The device operates on a single supply voltage ranging from 1.8V to 5.5V for logic operation and 2.7V to 5.5V for specified resistor characteristics. It utilizes a simple two-wire 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, and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V.

Feature Summary

• 64-tap resolution controlled via a simple 2-wire Up/Down serial interface
• High-voltage tolerant digital inputs capable of withstanding up to 12.5V
• Low power consumption with a maximum static current of 1 µA
• Configurable as either a rheostat or potentiometer

Applications

• Replacing mechanical potentiometers in space-constrained designs
• Adjusting gain and offset in instrumentation circuits
• Power supply voltage adjustment and calibration

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E' indicates extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) and 'CH' denotes the SOT-23-6 package configuration. Confirm that the volatile memory type requires re-initialization upon power cycling, as no non-volatile storage is included in this model.

Selection Notes

Select the MCP4012 variant specifically when rheostat configuration is required, as it lacks the full potentiometer terminal availability of the MCP4011. Ensure the application voltage remains above 2.7V if precise resistor characteristics are critical. Verify that the 50 kΩ resistance value aligns with the target circuit impedance requirements.

Part Context

This component belongs to the MCP4011/2/3/4 family of low-cost, 64-step volatile digital potentiometers. The MCP4012 specifically designates the rheostat configuration within the SOT-23-6 package format. It shares core architectural features with the MCP4011, MCP4013, and MCP4014, differing primarily in pinout and terminal availability.

Replacement Considerations

Direct functional replacements within the same family include the MCP4011 (potentiometer mode), MCP4013 (potentiometer mode), and MCP4014 (rheostat mode). When substituting, ensure the replacement matches the required resistance value and package type.