MCP4461-503E/ML

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4461-503E/ML is a quad resistor network digital potentiometer featuring an I2C serial interface and nonvolatile memory. It provides four independent potentiometers with 8-bit resolution, offering 257 taps. The device supports RAB resistance options of 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 50 kΩ, and 100 kΩ; the -503 suffix indicates a nominal 50 kΩ value. It operates on a single supply voltage ranging from 2.7V to 5.5V for full device characteristics, though the serial interface functions down to 1.8V. Key features include WiperLock™ technology for automatic recall of saved wiper settings, high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V, and a low typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Quad Resistor Network: Four independent potentiometers with 8-bit (257 tap) resolution.
• Nonvolatile Memory: Includes WiperLock™ technology and five general-purpose EEPROM locations for data retention.
• I2C Interface: Supports Standard Mode (100 kHz), Fast Mode (400 kHz), and High-Speed modes (up to 3.4 MHz).
• High-Voltage Inputs: Digital input 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 variable biasing networks.
• Sensor calibration and offset trimming in instrumentation.
• LCD contrast and brightness adjustment systems.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific resistance code suffix (-503 for 50 kΩ) against design requirements. Confirm package availability in QFN-20 or TSSOP-20 formats. Check for RoHS compliance status and ensure the operating voltage range aligns with the system's power supply constraints.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when four isolated digital potentiometers are required with persistent state storage. Ensure the host controller supports the desired I2C clock speed. For applications requiring analog signals above VDD on digital lines, utilize the high-voltage tolerant inputs. Compare with MCP4451 if volatile memory is sufficient to reduce cost.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP444X/446X family of 7/8-bit quad I2C digital potentiometers. The '6' in the model number denotes the inclusion of nonvolatile EEPROM memory and WiperLock™ technology, distinguishing it from the volatile RAM-based MCP445X series. The '-E/ML' suffix typically indicates the industrial temperature range and QFN-20 packaging.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

The MCP4451-503E/ML serves as a direct pin-compatible alternative but utilizes volatile RAM instead of nonvolatile EEPROM. Other family members like MCP4441 offer similar functionality but may differ in specific electrical tolerances or release status. Verify pinout compatibility before substitution.