MCP4161-104E/SN

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4161-104E/SN is a single-channel, non-volatile digital potentiometer from Microchip Technology. It features an 8-bit resolution with 257 taps and a nominal resistance of 100 kΩ (RAB). The device operates on a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V for full analog characteristics, supporting serial interface operation down to 1.8V. It utilizes WiperLock™ technology to store wiper settings in EEPROM, ensuring automatic recall upon power-up. Key electrical parameters include a typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω, a temperature coefficient of 150 ppm/°C across the extended range (-40°C to +125°C), and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Non-volatile memory with WiperLock™ technology for automatic wiper setting recall
• SPI serial interface supporting modes 0,0 and 1,1 with frequencies up to 10 MHz
• High-voltage tolerant digital inputs (CS, SDI, SCK, WP, SHDN) up to 12.5V
• Single resistor network with 257 steps and linear taper

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Remote calibration of sensor gain and offset
• Programmable voltage reference adjustment
• Audio volume control in embedded systems
• Variable gain amplifier configuration

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the package marking and date code against the manufacturer's latest production data sheet. Confirm that the 'E' suffix indicates RoHS compliance and the 'SN' suffix denotes the SOIC-8 narrow package. Ensure the component source provides traceability documentation consistent with Microchip Technology standards.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this model for applications requiring persistent resistance settings without external battery backup. The 100 kΩ value suits low-current signal conditioning paths. For higher bandwidth requirements, consider lower resistance variants within the MCP416x family. Ensure the system SPI clock does not exceed 10 MHz when VDD is above 2.7V.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This component belongs to the MCP414X/416X/424X/426X family of SPI digital potentiometers. The '41' designation indicates a single channel with 7-bit resolution (129 steps) in the base MCP4141 variant, but the '61' suffix specifies the 8-bit resolution (257 steps) version. The '104' code specifically defines the 100 kΩ total resistance value.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements within the same package include other MCP4161 variants with different resistance values (e.g., MCP4161-502E/SN for 5 kΩ). Cross-family replacements like MCP4141 offer similar functionality but with reduced 7-bit resolution.