MCP4441-503E/ST

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4441-503E/ST is a quad potentiometer digital variable resistor from Microchip Technology, featuring 7-bit resolution with 128 taps. It offers a total resistance (RAB) of 50 kΩ and operates within a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V. The device integrates nonvolatile memory for wiper settings and supports I2C interfaces at 100 kHz, 400 kHz, and 3.4 MHz. Key electrical characteristics include a typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω, a bandwidth of 2 MHz, and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Quad Potentiometer Network: Four independent 7-bit digital pots with 128 taps each.
• Nonvolatile Memory: Stores wiper settings using WiperLock™ technology and five general-purpose EEPROM locations.
• High-Speed I2C Interface: Supports Standard Mode (100 kHz), Fast Mode (400 kHz), and High-Speed Mode (up to 3.4 MHz).
• High-Voltage Tolerant Inputs: Digital control pins tolerate voltages up to 12.5V, enabling split-rail applications.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits.
• Programmable gain amplifiers and sensor signal conditioning.
• Calibration of measurement instruments requiring precise resistance adjustment.
• Voltage divider networks in mixed-signal systems.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the ordering suffix 'E' indicates RoHS compliance and 'ST' denotes the TSSOP-14 package. Confirm the '-503' suffix corresponds to the 50 kΩ resistance value. Ensure the source document matches DS22265A for accurate pinout and electrical specifications.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this model when four independent potentiometers are required with persistent state retention after power loss. Choose the 50 kΩ variant if the application demands higher impedance levels compared to the 5 kΩ or 10 kΩ options. Ensure the system voltage remains above 2.7V for full analog performance specification adherence.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This component belongs to the MCP444X family of quad digital potentiometers. Unlike the RAM-based MCP443X series, the MCP444X series includes nonvolatile memory. It serves as a direct replacement for mechanical potentiometers in space-constrained designs requiring digital control via I2C.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct functional substitutes include other MCP4441 variants with different resistance values or packages. Cross-model comparisons should consider the MCP4461 for 8-bit resolution requirements. Verify pin compatibility when replacing with MCP4431, noting the lack of nonvolatile memory in the latter.

Digital Potentiometers FAQ

What is the default wiper position upon power-up?

Upon Power-On Reset (POR) or Brown-Out Reset (BOR), the wipers default to mid-scale (80h hex for 8-bit, 40h hex for 7-bit) if WiperLock technology is disabled.

How does the device handle high-voltage signals on control pins?

The HVC/A0, A1, SCL, SDA, WP, and RESET pins are high-voltage tolerant, accepting input voltages up to 12.5V regardless of the VDD supply level.

Can the resistor terminals be disconnected?

Yes, the Terminal Control (TCON) register allows individual disconnection of resistor network terminals (A, W, B) to isolate specific potentiometers.