MCP4021T-202E/MC

Overview

The MCP4021T-202E/MC is a nonvolatile digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology, housed in an 8-lead DFN (2x3 mm) package. It features a nominal resistance of 2.1 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20% and offers 64 discrete taps for precise adjustment. The device operates on a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V and supports an extended industrial temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. Control is managed via a simple Up/Down serial interface, utilizing WiperLock technology to store the wiper setting in EEPROM for power-on recall.

Feature Summary

• WiperLock™ Nonvolatile Memory: Stores wiper settings in EEPROM for retention without external protection pins.
• High-Voltage Tolerant Inputs: CS and U/D pins tolerate up to 12.5V, allowing safe operation with higher logic levels.
• Simple Serial Interface: Controlled using only two pins (CS and U/D) for increment/decrement commands.
• Low Power Consumption: Maximum static current of 1 µA when the serial interface is inactive.

Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits
• Variable gain amplifier biasing
• LED brightness dimming applications
• Sensor calibration and offset trimming

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'MC' corresponds to the 8-DFN (2x3 mm) package with an exposed thermal pad. Confirm that the 'T' indicates tape and reel packaging if automated placement is required. Ensure the 'E' suffix denotes the extended temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C). Cross-reference the datasheet DS20001945F for pinout compatibility with existing PCB footprints.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-channel digital potentiometer with nonvolatile memory is required in a compact surface-mount footprint. The 2.1 kΩ value suits low-power signal conditioning or audio paths where moderate impedance is acceptable. Consider the 70 Ω typical wiper resistance for voltage drop calculations. For rheostat configurations, ensure terminal A or B is left floating as per datasheet guidelines.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP4021/2/3/4 family of low-cost nonvolatile digital potentiometers. While the MCP4021 is configured as a potentiometer, the family includes rheostat variants (MCP4022/24) and different package options like SOT-23 and SOIC. The 'T-202E/MC' designation specifically identifies the 2.1 kΩ variant in the DFN package within the WiperLock-enabled series.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements within the same package include other resistance values in the MCP4021 series (e.g., MCP4021T-502E/MC for 5 kΩ). For different packages, the MCP4021T-202E/SN (SOIC-8) offers electrical equivalence but requires a larger footprint. Verify interface compatibility as some legacy digital pots may use SPI rather than the Up/Down protocol.