MCP4021T-503E/MC

Overview

The MCP4021T-503E/MC is a nonvolatile, 6-bit digital potentiometer with a nominal resistance of 50 kΩ. It features 64 taps (63 resistors) and operates within a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V. The device utilizes a simple Up/Down serial interface for wiper control and incorporates WiperLock technology to store the setting in EEPROM without a dedicated write-protect pin. Key electrical characteristics include a typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω, low temperature coefficient, and high-voltage tolerant inputs up to 12.5V. It supports extended industrial temperature ranges from –40°C to +125°C.

Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile 6-bit digital potentiometer with 64 taps and 50 kΩ nominal resistance
• WiperLock™ technology secures wiper settings in EEPROM without additional pins
• High-voltage tolerant digital inputs (CS, U/D) supporting up to 12.5V
• Low power consumption with 1 µA maximum static current

Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits
• Programmable gain amplifiers and sensor biasing
• Voltage reference trimming and calibration
• LCD contrast adjustment and backlight dimming

Procurement Notes

Verify the suffix 'MC' corresponds to the specific package type listed in the official Microchip datasheet DS20001945F. Confirm that the 'E' suffix indicates the extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C). Ensure the 'T' suffix matches the required reel packaging format if applicable. Cross-reference the full part number against the manufacturer's current product status to confirm availability and lifecycle stage.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a nonvolatile digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ total resistance is required. The 6-bit resolution provides 64 discrete steps. Ensure the application voltage does not exceed 5.5V on VDD while allowing CS/U/D inputs to tolerate up to 12.5V. Verify that the 50 kΩ resistance value aligns with the bandwidth requirements, as higher resistance values result in lower -3 dB bandwidth compared to lower resistance variants.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP402x family of nonvolatile digital potentiometers. The 'MCP4021' designation specifically identifies it as a potentiometer configuration (as opposed to rheostat models like MCP4022/24). The '503' code denotes the 50 kΩ resistance value. Other family members share similar interfaces and features but differ in resistance values (2.1k, 5k, 10k) or terminal configurations.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements within the same family include other MCP4021 variants with different resistance values (e.g., MCP4021T-103E/MC for 10 kΩ) if the resistance requirement changes. For rheostat applications, consider the MCP4022 series. Ensure any substitute maintains the SOT-23 package and extended temperature rating if those constraints are critical.