MCP42050-E/SL

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Digital potentiometers, also known as digital pots, provide a digital control over variably adjustable resistance components. The MCP42050-E/SL is a linear digital potentiometer that provides a digitally-controlled, variable resistor element with 256 tap points across a range of 100kΩ. This application field is used in a variety of different designs which require resolution and flexibility.

One main application is in the audio field, like volume control. Digital potentiometers can also be used for the adjustment of the sensitivity of a sensor or the brightness of a display. This type of circuitry is necessary when the control can not be done on the circuit board or when there is a requirement for remote or automatic adjustment. Additionally, digital potentiometers are used for linear adjustment of other factors, such as offset and scaling of an IC.

Construction-wise, the MCP42050 is a resistor string type of potentiometer having an array of 256 1kΩ resistors between an A and B terminal which are controlled by the W terminal. The resistance of the total array is converted into a digital variable between 0 and 255 (1 byte Hexadecimal). This enables the control of variable resistor to be made with single digital input. The A terminal is connected to one end of the resistor array, the B terminal acts as the opposite end and the w terminal connects to Vector-Weighted resistors. Output resistance is set by the resistance ratio of R(A, W) and R(B, W). By increasing the resistance between the two ends of the resistor string and the Vector-Weighted resistors, the total resistance from the A to B terminal is decreased.

The MCP42050 is a low voltage device (1.8V and up to 5.5V) and is an ideal device for systems using low voltage or power-sensitive systems. The device has a typical stand-by current of 0.45uA and a typical operating current of 1.8mA when the operating voltage is 5V. It has a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C, allowing it to be used in extreme operating conditions if needed. The device also includes a power-on reset feature that ensures that the digital potentiometer, on powering up, offers a consistent output.

The architecture of this device allows the gain, offset and other parameters of an Analog to Digital (A/D) circuit to be adjusted in real time. For example, this could be used to increase the range of a given circuit, allowing it to better measure a wide variety of input signals. The architecture could also be used in a Digital to Analog (D/A) circuit, when a highly adjustable output is needed. The device allows for rapid and accurate adjustments to be made in an efficient manner.

Generally, the MCP42050 is an excellent option for design engineers who need to employ a very adjustable potentiometer circuit. It offers the perfect balance of resolution and flexibility, within a compact and low voltage package. The device enables rapid adjustment of the settings to be done quickly, with minimal power usage. All the features make this device ideal for use in a variety of circuits which require digital control of a variable resistor.

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