MCP4642T-104E/MF

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4642T-104E/MF is a dual-channel digital potentiometer IC manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features two independent rheostat configurations with 8-bit resolution, providing 257 discrete taps per channel. The nominal resistance between terminals A and B is 100 kΩ, with a tolerance of ±20%. The device utilizes nonvolatile EEPROM memory to retain wiper settings upon power loss and supports I²C serial communication at speeds up to 3.4 MHz. Operating voltage ranges from 2.7V to 5.5V for full specifications, with operation down to 1.8V. It is housed in an 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) package with an exposed thermal pad.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual 8-bit Digital Rheostats: Two independent channels with 257 tap positions and 100 kΩ nominal resistance.
• Nonvolatile Memory: Includes EEPROM for wiper retention and WiperLock™ technology for calibration security.
• High-Speed I²C Interface: Supports Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and High-Speed (up to 3.4 MHz) modes.
• Wide Voltage Operation: Functional operation from 1.8V to 5.5V; specified characteristics from 2.7V to 5.5V.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Programmable gain amplifiers and variable attenuators
• Digital volume control in audio systems
• Calibration of sensor circuits and instrumentation
• Adjustable reference voltages

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the 'T' suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging and the 'MF' suffix denotes the 8-pin DFN 3x3mm package with an exposed thermal pad. Confirm the '104' code corresponds to the 100 kΩ resistance value. Ensure the E/MF variant matches the required PCB footprint and thermal management requirements for the application.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when dual isolated digital resistors are required with nonvolatile storage. The 100 kΩ value suits low-current signal conditioning applications. For higher bandwidth needs, lower resistance variants (e.g., 5 kΩ) offer wider -3dB bandwidths. Ensure the I²C bus speed does not exceed the limits defined for the specific VDD level, particularly for High-Speed mode which requires VDD ≥ 4.5V.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP454X/464X/466X family of 7/8-bit digital potentiometers with nonvolatile memory. The '46' prefix identifies it as a dual-channel device, while '42' specifies the 8-bit resolution and rheostat configuration. It shares the same I²C protocol and pinout compatibility within the family, differing primarily in resolution and channel count.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include other MCP4642 variants with different resistance codes (e.g., MCP4642-503E/MF for 50 kΩ) or packages (e.g., MCP4642-104E/UN for MSOP). Cross-family replacements like the MCP4662 offer 8-bit resolution but may differ in package or specific electrical parameters.