MCP41100-E/SN

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP41100-E/SN is a single-channel, volatile digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features a nominal resistance of 100 kΩ with 256 linear taps controlled via an SPI serial interface. The device operates on a single supply voltage ranging from 2.7V to 5.5V and supports industrial temperature ranges up to +85°C or extended ranges up to +125°C. Key electrical characteristics include a maximum wiper resistance of 175 Ω at VDD=5.5V, ±1 LSB max INL & DNL, and a typical static supply current of less than 1 µA. It is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Single-channel digital potentiometer with 100 kΩ nominal resistance and 256 linear tap positions.
• SPI serial interface compatible with Mode 0,0 and Mode 1,1 configurations.
• Low power CMOS technology providing less than 1 µA static supply current.
• Software shutdown feature disconnects Terminal A and connects Wiper to Terminal B for power savings.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Programmable high voltage power supplies utilizing PWM control.
• Numerical power supply systems based on microcontroller integration.
• Audio volume control and motor drive applications requiring digital adjustment.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E' indicates the extended temperature range capability (+125°C) as opposed to the industrial range (-40°C to +85°C). Confirm the '/SN' designation corresponds to the 8-lead Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package type. Ensure compatibility with the required SPI clock frequency limits defined in the datasheet timing specifications.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when a single-channel, non-volatile memory-free digital potentiometer is required. The 100 kΩ value suits applications needing higher impedance levels compared to the 10 kΩ or 50 kΩ variants. Verify that the system can tolerate the loss of wiper position data upon power cycling due to its volatile nature. Ensure the PCB layout accommodates the SOIC-8 footprint and provides adequate bypass capacitance near the VDD pin.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP41XXX/42XXX family of digital potentiometers. While the MCP42XXX series offers dual channels and hardware shutdown/reset pins, the MCP41XXX series is restricted to a single channel and relies solely on software commands for shutdown operations. The -E/SN variant specifically denotes the extended temperature grade within the SOIC packaging option.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Public confirmed substitute part numbers are not available in the provided source material.

Digital Potentiometers FAQ

How does the software shutdown mode function?

In software shutdown mode, the internal logic disconnects Terminal A from the resistor stack and simultaneously connects the Wiper to Terminal B. This state allows the wiper register contents to be modified while maintaining maximum power savings.

What is the default wiper position upon power-up?

Upon power-up, the wiper automatically resets to the mid-scale position, which corresponds to code 80h (decimal 128).

Can multiple MCP41100 devices be daisy-chained?

No, daisy-chaining is only supported by the dual-channel MCP42XXX devices which include a Serial Data Output (SO) pin. The MCP41XXX series lacks an SO pin and therefore cannot be daisy-chained.