MCP4242-503E/UN

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4242-503E/UN is a dual-channel digital potentiometer IC featuring non-volatile memory and an SPI serial interface. It provides two independent rheostat configurations with a nominal resistance of 50 kΩ (indicated by the -503 suffix) and ±20% tolerance. The device offers 129 discrete steps (7-bit resolution) per channel, allowing precise wiper positioning from zero-scale to full-scale. Key electrical characteristics include a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V for specified analog performance, with operation down to 1.8V for the serial interface only. It incorporates WiperLock™ technology to secure calibration settings in EEPROM and supports high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual Rheostat Configuration: Two independent resistor networks with 50 kΩ nominal resistance and 129 taps.
• Non-Volatile Memory: Features EEPROM storage with WiperLock™ technology to retain wiper settings after power loss.
• SPI Interface: Compatible with standard SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1, supporting clock frequencies up to 10 MHz at VDD ≥ 2.7V.
• High Voltage Tolerance: Digital input pins (CS, SCK, SDI, WP, SHDN) tolerate voltages up to 12.5V, enabling level shifting.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Precision gain control in instrumentation amplifiers
• Calibration of sensor signal conditioning circuits
• Adjustable reference voltage generation
• Audio volume control in embedded systems

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific resistance value corresponding to the ordering suffix '-503' (50 kΩ) against the design requirements. Confirm that the MSOP-10 package dimensions meet the PCB footprint constraints. Ensure the application circuit respects the absolute maximum ratings, particularly the 12.5V limit on digital inputs and the 5.5V maximum on VDD for analog specifications.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when dual isolated variable resistors are required with persistent state retention. The -503 suffix denotes 50 kΩ; use -052 for 5 kΩ, -103 for 10 kΩ, or -104 for 100 kΩ. If potentiometer configuration (three-terminal) is needed instead of rheostat, consider the MCP4241 variant. Ensure the system operates within the 2.7V–5.5V range for guaranteed analog performance metrics like bandwidth and linearity.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP414X/416X/424X/426X family of single/dual SPI digital potentiometers with non-volatile memory. The '42' prefix indicates a dual rheostat device with 7-bit resolution (129 steps). It shares the same pinout and command set as the volatile MCP4232 but adds EEPROM for data retention. The '/UN' suffix specifies the MSOP-10 plastic package.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

For direct functional replacement with non-volatile memory, the MCP4242-503E/SN (SOIC-8) or MCP4242-503E/SL (SOIC-14) offer identical electrical characteristics in different packages. For volatile-only applications requiring lower cost, the MCP4232-503 series is compatible but lacks EEPROM retention. Ensure pin compatibility when switching between MSOP, SOIC, or DFN packages.