MCP4461-104E/ST

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4461-104E/ST is a quad-channel digital potentiometer IC featuring nonvolatile memory and an I2C serial interface. It provides four independent potentiometers with 257 taps (8-bit resolution) and a nominal resistance of 100 kΩ. The device operates on a single supply voltage ranging from 2.7V to 5.5V, with the serial interface functional down to 1.8V. Key features include WiperLock™ technology for automatic recall of wiper settings upon power-up, high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V, and a reset input pin. The component is housed in a 20-pin TSSOP package.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Quad Potentiometer Configuration: Four independent channels with 257 taps (8-bit resolution).
• Nonvolatile Memory: Includes WiperLock™ technology and five general-purpose EEPROM locations.
• I2C Serial Interface: Supports Standard Mode (100 kHz), Fast Mode (400 kHz), and High-Speed modes (up to 3.4 MHz).
• High-Voltage Inputs: Digital inputs tolerate voltages up to 12.5V, supporting split-rail applications.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits.
• Programmable gain amplifiers and variable resistor networks.
• Voltage reference trimming and calibration systems.
• Industrial process control requiring remote resistance adjustment.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix '/ST' corresponds to the TSSOP-20 package type as indicated in the datasheet documentation. Confirm that the '104' suffix denotes the 100 kΩ resistance value. Ensure the design accounts for the extended temperature range specifications (-40°C to +125°C) if operating in harsh environments.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when four independent digital potentiometers are required within a single package. The 100 kΩ resistance value suits applications requiring moderate current handling. Consider the MCP4462 variant if rheostat configuration is preferred over potentiometer mode. Verify I2C bus speed requirements against the supported 100 kHz, 400 kHz, and 3.4 MHz modes.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP444X/446X family of 7/8-bit Quad I2C Digital POTs with Nonvolatile Memory. The MCP4461 specifically distinguishes itself by offering 8-bit resolution (257 taps) compared to the 7-bit MCP4441 (129 taps). Both share similar feature sets including WiperLock™ and nonvolatile storage, but differ in resolution and potentially availability status.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

The MCP4462T-104E/ST is a related quad channel device in the same series. Note that the MCP4461 is configured as a potentiometer, while the MCP4462 is a rheostat; they are functionally distinct regarding terminal usage despite sharing the interface and memory features.