MCP45HV51T-502E/MQ

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP45HV51T-502E/MQ is an 8-bit single-channel digital potentiometer from Microchip Technology, featuring a 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance (R_AB) and 256 taps. It utilizes a volatile wiper memory and communicates via an I²C serial interface supporting speeds up to 3.4 MHz. The device supports high-voltage analog operation with a terminal voltage range of +36V relative to V- or ±18V relative to DGND. Digital logic operates on VL (1.8V to 5.5V). It is housed in a 20-pin VQFN (5x5 mm) package and includes features such as a Write Latch pin for synchronized updates and a Shutdown pin for terminal disconnect.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• High-Voltage Analog Support: Terminal voltage range up to +36V (DGND = V-) or ±18V (DGND = V- + 18V).
• I²C Serial Interface: Supports 100 kHz, 400 kHz, 1.7 MHz, and 3.4 MHz clock frequencies.
• Write Latch Function: WLAT pin allows inhibition of volatile wiper register updates until a specific condition is met.
• Low Power Consumption: Typical serial interface inactive current of 3 µA and operating supply current of 45 µA.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Industrial control systems requiring high-voltage signal adjustment.
• Power management circuits for gain or offset calibration.
• Test and measurement equipment needing precise resistance tuning.
• Audio equipment utilizing zero-crossing update capabilities.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the 'T' suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging when ordering. Confirm the 'MQ' suffix corresponds to the VQFN-20 (5x5) package variant. Ensure the design accounts for the separate analog (V+/V-) and digital (VL/DGND) power domains required for high-voltage operation.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this model for applications requiring 5 kΩ resistance with 8-bit resolution. The 5 kΩ variant supports a maximum wiper current of 25 mA. Ensure the system voltage does not exceed the 36V differential limit between V+ and V-. For non-volatile storage requirements, consider alternative models within the family that include EEPROM.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This component belongs to the MCP45HVX1 family, which provides dual power rails for isolated analog and digital domains. The '51' designation specifies the 8-bit resolution (256 taps), distinguishing it from the 7-bit MCP45HV31. The 'T' suffix typically denotes reel packaging, while 'MQ' identifies the 20-lead VQFN package type.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct functional substitutes within the same package include other MCP45HV51 variants with different resistance values (e.g., -103E/MQ for 10 kΩ, -503E/MQ for 50 kΩ). For 7-bit resolution, the MCP45HV31 series is compatible but offers fewer taps. SPI-based alternatives like the MCP41HV51 require interface adaptation.