MCP4551T-104E/MS

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4551T-104E/MS is a single-channel digital potentiometer IC from Microchip Technology, housed in an 8-pin MSOP package. It features an I2C serial interface and volatile memory for wiper position storage. The device offers 8-bit resolution with 257 taps and a nominal resistance (RAB) of 100 kΩ. It operates on a supply voltage ranging from 1.8V to 5.5V, with full analog characteristics specified between 2.7V and 5.5V. The component supports standard, fast, and high-speed I2C modes up to 3.4 MHz and includes high-voltage tolerant inputs.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• 8-bit resolution providing 256 resistors and 257 steps
• I2C serial interface supporting 100 kHz, 400 kHz, and 3.4 MHz speeds
• High-voltage tolerant digital inputs capable of withstanding up to 12.5V
• Volatile RAM memory configuration with mid-scale power-on reset setting

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Programmable gain amplifiers
• Voltage reference adjustment
• Digital control of analog signal levels

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the 'T' suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging and the 'MS' suffix confirms the MSOP-8 package type. Confirm the '104' code corresponds to the 100 kΩ resistance value. Ensure the specific revision matches the DS22096B datasheet documentation.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this part for applications requiring volatile wiper storage and high-voltage tolerant logic interfaces. Note that operation below 2.7V restricts functionality to the serial interface only; analog performance specifications are valid only within the 2.7V to 5.5V range.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This component belongs to the MCP45XX family of single resistor network digital potentiometers. It shares the same pinout and core architecture as the MCP453X series but provides higher 8-bit resolution compared to the 7-bit MCP453X devices.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

MCP4551-104E/MS: Identical electrical specifications but supplied in tube packaging instead of tape-and-reel.

Digital Potentiometers FAQ

What is the typical wiper resistance?

The typical wiper resistance (RW) is 75 Ω.

Does the device retain settings after power loss?

No, the MCP4551 uses volatile RAM memory; wiper positions are lost upon power removal and reset to mid-scale upon power-up.

What is the maximum voltage tolerance for digital inputs?

Digital input pins, including HVC/A0, SCL, and SDA, are high-voltage tolerant up to 12.5V.