MCP4641-503E/ST

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4641-503E/ST is a dual-channel digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology, housed in a 14-pin TSSOP package. It features two independent potentiometer networks with a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ and a tolerance of ±20%. The device provides 7-bit resolution, offering 128 discrete taps (129 steps) for precise adjustment. It utilizes an I²C serial interface for communication and includes nonvolatile memory to retain wiper settings during power loss. Operating voltage ranges from 2.7V to 5.5V for specified characteristics, with operation supported down to 1.8V.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual Potentiometer Configuration: Contains two independent resistor networks with 7-bit resolution (129 steps).
• Nonvolatile Memory: Stores wiper positions in EEPROM, enabling automatic recall upon power-up via WiperLock™ technology.
• 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, A1, A2, SCL, SDA, WP) tolerate voltages up to 12.5V.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Audio volume control and tone adjustment circuits.
• Programmable gain amplifiers and sensor signal conditioning.
• Voltage reference trimming and calibration systems.
• Industrial process control requiring remote resistance adjustment.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'ST' corresponds to the 14-TSSOP package when sourcing. Confirm that the '-503' designation matches the required 50 kΩ resistance value for the application. Ensure the design supports the I²C bus speed requirements, noting that High-Speed mode requires specific voltage levels and low bus capacitance.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component over volatile variants (e.g., MCP4631) if power-down retention of the resistance setting is required. Compare against MCP4651 if higher 8-bit resolution (257 steps) is necessary. Verify that the 50 kΩ resistance value aligns with the target bandwidth and current limits, as higher resistance reduces bandwidth.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP46XX family of dual I²C digital potentiometers. It shares the same pinout and core architecture with the MCP4642 (Rheostat configuration) and MCP4661 (8-bit resolution). The 'E' suffix typically indicates RoHS compliance, while '/ST' specifies the TSSOP package type.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct functional replacements within the same package include the MCP4642 (configured as rheostats) or the MCP4661 (for increased 8-bit resolution). For single-channel applications, the MCP4541 offers identical specifications in an MSOP-8 package, requiring schematic adaptation.