MCP4642-104E/UN

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4642-104E/UN is a dual-channel digital rheostat manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features two independent resistor networks with a nominal resistance of 100 kΩ and 7-bit resolution, providing 129 discrete taps. The device utilizes nonvolatile memory to retain wiper settings during power loss and supports I²C serial communication at speeds up to 3.4 MHz. Operating within a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, it includes hardware write protection and high-voltage tolerant inputs.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual-channel digital rheostat configuration with 100 kΩ resistance per channel
• Nonvolatile memory with WiperLock™ technology for automatic recall of settings
• I²C interface supporting Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and High-Speed (3.4 MHz) modes
• High-voltage tolerant digital inputs capable of withstanding up to 12.5V

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Precision gain control in instrumentation amplifiers
• Calibration of sensor signal conditioning circuits
• Adjustable reference voltage generation
• Programmable attenuation in RF signal paths

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E/UN' corresponds to the MSOP-10 package and industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C). Confirm that the '104' designation indicates the 100 kΩ resistance value. Ensure the application design accounts for the 2.7V minimum operating voltage for full analog specification compliance.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when a dual-channel variable resistor is required rather than a potentiometer. The 100 kΩ value suits low-current applications; verify that the maximum terminal current limits (0.688 mA for 100 kΩ) are not exceeded. Consider the 7-bit resolution if higher precision is unnecessary compared to 8-bit variants like the MCP4662.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP454X/464X family of 7-bit digital potentiometers with nonvolatile memory. It is functionally similar to the MCP4632 but differs in memory type, as the MCP4632 uses volatile RAM while the MCP4642 retains data without power. It shares the same MSOP-10 footprint as other devices in the series.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

MCP4642T-104E/UN: Identical electrical specifications with tape-and-reel packaging instead of tube.