MCP4461T-503E/ST

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4461T-503E/ST 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 for precise resistance adjustment. The device supports RAB resistance options of 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 50 kΩ, and 100 kΩ, with the '503' suffix indicating a nominal 50 kΩ value. Operating on a single supply voltage ranging from 2.7V to 5.5V, it includes WiperLock technology and five general-purpose EEPROM locations. The component is housed in a TSSOP-20 package and operates within an extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Quad Resistor Network: Contains four independent potentiometers with 8-bit (257 tap) resolution.
• Nonvolatile Memory: Features WiperLock technology for automatic recall of wiper settings upon power-up, plus five general-purpose EEPROM locations.
• 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 (HVC/A0, SDA, SCL, WP, RESET) tolerate voltages up to 12.5V.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits
• Programmable gain amplifiers and sensor biasing
• Variable voltage reference generation
• LCD contrast and backlight brightness control

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the ordering suffix 'T' indicates tape and reel packaging and 'ST' denotes the TSSOP-20 package. Confirm the '503' code corresponds to the required 50 kΩ resistance value. Ensure the design accommodates the 2.7V to 5.5V operating voltage range and utilizes the I2C protocol for communication.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this model over volatile variants (MCP443X/445X) when power-down retention of wiper positions is required. Choose the TSSOP-20 package if board space allows for larger footprints compared to QFN options. Verify that the system's I2C bus speed does not exceed the device's specified limits for the chosen voltage level.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This component belongs to the MCP444X/446X family of 7/8-bit quad I2C digital potentiometers. The MCP4461 specifically distinguishes itself by integrating nonvolatile memory, whereas the MCP4451 uses volatile RAM. It serves as a solid-state replacement for mechanical potentiometers in applications requiring digital control and persistent state storage.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct functional replacements include other members of the MCP446X family with different resistance values or packages, such as MCP4461-103E/ST (10 kΩ) or MCP4461-503E/ML (50 kΩ in QFN). Volatile equivalents like the MCP4451 series may be used if nonvolatile retention is not critical.