MCP4262T-503E/UN

Data acquisition generally deals with measuring physical parameters, such as temperature, pressure, voltage, current, etc. Digital potentiometers are one type of device that are commonly used for data acquisition. The MCP4262T-503E/UN is an integrated digital resistive linear potentiometer with an on-chip 5-bit 256-position drive, a low temperature coefficient of resistance, and a temperature autopositioner.

Application Field

The MCP4262T-503E/UN Digital potentiometer is a high precision, bi-directional, monolithically integrated digital linear resistive device for use in a variety of applications, such as:

• Automotive - throttle position assemblies, pedal-position assemblies, engine control unit, antilock brake system
• Consumer products - temperature controller, tone control, audio amplifier
• Industrial and commercial - motor speed control, automated test equipment, flight simulator systems, monitor calibration for brightness and contrast adjustments

Working Principle

The MCP4262T-503E/UN Digital potentiometer is based on a low temperature coefficient resistor network with 5-bits of binary code as the wiper position control signal. The device features 256 (2⁵) individual wiper positions between ground and the reference voltage that are software-programmable.

The resistive network of the device consists of three resistive elements – the center pin, top element, and bottom element – where the center pin is connected to the wiper and the bottom element is connected to the ground.

The resistance between the center pin and the ground is determined by the top element, which also acts as the reference voltage for the application. The resistance between the center pin and the top element is determined by the ratio of the bottom element to the top element.

In the MCP4262T-503E/UN Digital potentiometer, the resistive network is controlled by a serial interface. The device uses SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) for communications between master and slave devices.

The wiper of the device is driven to the desired position by sending a 5-bit command code \'11000\' (binary) to the slave device, which translates to a wiper position of 128 steps. The device also has an autopositioner feature, which will automatically move the wiper to its default position (all \'1\'s) when the power is turned on.

Conclusion

The MCP4262T-503E/UN Digital potentiometer is a versatile, high precision device for use in a variety of data acquisition applications. It features an on-chip 5-bit 256-position drive, a low temperature coefficient of resistance, and a temperature autopositioner. The device has a simple yet effective serial interface and is easy to program and control.