MCP4442-503E/ST

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4442-503E/ST is a quad rheostat digital potentiometer IC manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features four independent resistor networks with a nominal resistance of 50 kΩ and a tolerance of ±20%. The device provides 7-bit resolution, offering 129 taps per channel. It utilizes an I2C serial interface for control and includes nonvolatile memory to retain wiper settings. The operating supply voltage ranges from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, with a typical supply current of 600 µA. It supports high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5 V and operates within an extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Quad Rheostat Configuration: Four independent variable resistors with 50 kΩ nominal resistance and 129 taps (7-bit resolution).
• Nonvolatile Memory: Retains wiper settings using WiperLock™ technology and includes five general-purpose EEPROM locations.
• I2C Serial Interface: Supports standard (100 kHz), fast (400 kHz), and high-speed (up to 3.4 MHz) modes.
• High-Voltage Tolerance: Digital input pins tolerate voltages up to 12.5 V, enabling split-rail applications.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Programmable gain amplifiers requiring precise resistance adjustment.
• Voltage reference trimming in precision measurement systems.
• Audio volume control circuits utilizing variable attenuation.
• Industrial process control loops needing remote resistance tuning.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E/ST' corresponds to the TSSOP-14 package and industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C). Confirm RoHS compliance status through official manufacturer documentation or authorized distributor datasheets prior to ordering. Ensure I2C address configuration via the HVC/A0 pin matches system requirements.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when a quad rheostat configuration is required rather than a potentiometer. The 50 kΩ resistance value suits applications needing moderate impedance levels. Verify that the I2C bus speed requirements align with the device's support for up to 3.4 MHz. Consider the TSSOP-14 package dimensions for PCB layout constraints compared to QFN or TSSOP-20 alternatives.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP444X family of quad I2C digital potentiometers with nonvolatile memory. It is functionally similar to the MCP4441 but configured as a rheostat instead of a potentiometer. Other variants in the series include different resistance values (5 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 100 kΩ) and resolutions (8-bit MCP446X).

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

The MCP4442-502E/ST (5 kΩ) and MCP4442-103E/ST (10 kΩ) are direct functional substitutes with identical pinouts and features, differing only in nominal resistance. The MCP4462 series offers 8-bit resolution (257 taps) with the same quad rheostat architecture.