MCP4241-502E/P

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4241-502E/P is a dual-channel, 7-bit digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features two independent potentiometer networks with a nominal resistance (R_AB) of 5 kΩ and 129 discrete steps. The device operates on an SPI serial interface supporting frequencies up to 10 MHz and includes non-volatile memory for wiper position retention via WiperLock™ technology. Key electrical characteristics include a typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω, a bandwidth of 2 MHz at 5 kΩ, and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs capable of withstanding up to 12.5 V. It functions within a supply voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V and supports an extended industrial temperature range from -40°C to +125°C.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual 7-bit potentiometer configuration with 5 kΩ nominal resistance and 129 steps.
• Non-volatile memory with WiperLock™ technology for automatic recall of saved settings.
• SPI interface operating at 10 MHz with high-voltage tolerant inputs (up to 12.5 V).
• Low wiper resistance (75 Ω typ.) and wide bandwidth (2 MHz typ. for 5 kΩ).

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits.
• Programmable gain amplifiers and variable resistor applications.
• Calibration systems requiring persistent setting storage.
• Industrial process control instrumentation.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the package type 'P' corresponds to PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) as indicated in the datasheet package diagrams. Confirm the suffix 'E' denotes RoHS-compliant manufacturing. Ensure the ordering code matches the specific 7-bit resolution and 5 kΩ resistance value required for the design.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when dual independent channels are required with non-volatile storage. The 7-bit resolution provides 128 resistance steps, suitable for applications not requiring fine 8-bit granularity. Verify that the system logic levels are compatible with the SPI interface or utilize the high-voltage tolerant inputs if interfacing with higher voltage controllers.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP424X family of dual digital potentiometers. The '4' indicates 7-bit resolution, '2' signifies dual channels, and '41' specifies potentiometer configuration with EEPROM. The '-502' suffix denotes the 5 kΩ resistance value. Other variants in the series include 8-bit resolutions (MCP426X) and rheostat configurations (MCP4242).

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct functional substitutes within the same family include MCP4241-103E/P (10 kΩ), MCP4241-503E/P (50 kΩ), and MCP4241-104E/P (100 kΩ) for different resistance requirements. For 8-bit resolution, consider the MCP4261 series. Rheostat versions like MCP4242 share the same pinout but lack terminal A connections.