MCP4361-503E/ML

The MCP4361-503E/ML is a microchip from the family of digital potentiometers which are a subset of data acquisition systems. This type of digital potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with an adjustable wiper contact. The presence of an on-chip controlling circuit that can be programmed to adjust the resistance between the two end terminals allows for a large range of applications.

The key features of the MCP4361-503E/ML include a low-voltage (2.7V to 5.5V) supply voltage, a single SPI or I²C interface, rail-to-rail operation, and support for up to 256 wiper positions. It is also provided with non-volatile storage, an integrated pull-up resistor, and an adjustable wiper latch. The device is fabricated in a monolithic CMOS process and comes in either 8-pin TSSOP (2.4mm) or 8-pin SOIC (6.25mm) packages.

The MCP4361-503E/ML digital potentiometer has a wide range of applications, including DC motor speed control, LED brightness control, audio applications, gain control for amplifiers, gas and water flow controls, etc. They can be used to create adjustable voltage dividers, programmable gain and reference voltages, and adjustable current sources. Some applications include remote equipment control, computer systems, HVAC systems, test & measurement equipment, plastic injection molding, and various other industrial and consumer products.

The working principle of the MCP4361-503E/ML is relatively simple. It uses a combination of two resistor elements: The first one being a fixed-resistance resistor, the second one being an adjustable wiper which is movable along the resistor body. The two terminals of the device are connected to the end points of the resistor, while the third one is connected to the movable wiper. The resistance between the two terminals is varied by controlling the position of the wiper, thus allowing for precise control of the device’s resistance.

The on-chip controlling circuit is also an important part of the digital potentiometer since it is responsible for adjusting the resistance between the two terminals based on an external control signal. This is achieved by sending a control signal to the wiper, which then moves the wiper to the desired position along the resistor body and thus adjusts the resistance. This digital potentiometer also provides non-volatile memory, which can be used to store the desired wiper position in the event that the device is powered on/off or loses its position.

In conclusion, the MCP4361-503E/ML from the family of digital potentiometers is an important device used in a wide variety of applications, ranging from DC motor speed control to gas and water flow control. Its main feature is the on-chip controlling circuit that can be programmed to adjust the resistance between two end terminals. This is an effective device for precise control of resistances as it is provided with up to 256 wiper positions and non-volatile memory.