MCP4021T-103E/SN

Overview

The MCP4021T-103E/SN is a nonvolatile, 6-bit digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology in an 8-pin SOIC package. It features a nominal resistance of 10 kΩ with 64 taps and operates on a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V. The device utilizes a simple Up/Down (U/D) serial interface for wiper control and incorporates WiperLock™ technology to store settings in EEPROM. Key electrical characteristics include a typical wiper resistance of 70 Ω, a maximum static current of 1 µA, and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V.

Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile memory with WiperLock™ technology for power-on recall of the last wiper setting without external write-protect pins.
• Simple two-wire Up/Down (U/D) serial interface compatible with standard logic levels and high-voltage tolerant inputs up to 12.5V.
• Low power consumption with a maximum static current of 1 µA when the serial interface is inactive.
• Extended temperature range operation from -40°C to +125°C with a typical nominal resistance temperature coefficient of 150 ppm/°C.

Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits requiring nonvolatile gain settings.
• Programmable voltage references and adjustable bias networks.
• Calibration systems where specific resistor values must be retained after power cycles.
• Variable gain amplifiers and programmable filter cutoff frequency adjustments.

Procurement Notes

Verify that the 'SN' suffix corresponds to the 8-lead Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with a width of 3.90 mm. Confirm the 'T' indicates tape and reel packaging if required for automated assembly. Ensure the 'E' suffix denotes the extended industrial temperature range (-40°C to +125°C). Cross-reference the datasheet DS20001945F for specific pinout and thermal resistance details relevant to the PCB layout.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-channel digital potentiometer with nonvolatile storage is required. The 10 kΩ resistance value suits applications needing moderate current handling, such as 450 µA at 5.5V. The U/D interface is suitable for microcontrollers with limited GPIO resources compared to SPI interfaces. Consider the 70 Ω typical wiper resistance for signal path integrity. For rheostat configurations, ensure terminal A or B is left floating as per the datasheet guidelines.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP402x family of low-cost nonvolatile digital potentiometers. The MCP4021 specifically refers to the potentiometer configuration variant, whereas MCP4022 is the rheostat version. Other family members include MCP4023 and MCP4024, which differ primarily in package types like SOT-23. All variants share the same core functionality, 64-tap resolution, and WiperLock™ technology.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements within the same package and interface include other MCP4021 variants with different resistance values (e.g., MCP4021-503E/SN for 50 kΩ). For rheostat applications, the MCP4022T-103E/SN is functionally equivalent but configured differently internally. Ensure any substitute maintains the 8-SOIC footprint and 2.7V-5.5V operating voltage range.