Analog Devices Inc. AD5160BRJ50-R2

Overview

AD5160BRJ50-R2 from Analog Devices is a 256-position SPI-compatible digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, compact SOT-23-8 package, single-supply operation (2.7 V to 5.5 V), and low temperature coefficient (45 ppm/°C). It replaces mechanical potentiometers in precision gain control, sensor biasing, and RF amplifier adjustment circuits.

For engineers reviewing the AD5160BRJ50-R2 datasheet, AD5160BRJ50-R2 pinout, AD5160BRJ50-R2 application, or AD5160BRJ50-R2 equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper resistance (≤120 Ω), ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity in potentiometer mode, 15 ppm/°C voltage divider tempco, and guaranteed monotonicity across –40°C to +125°C operation.

Technical Context

The AD5160BRJ50-R2 implements an 8-bit RDAC architecture with SPI-compatible 3-wire interface (CS, CLK, SDI), power-on preset to midscale (0x80), and dual operating modes: rheostat (W–B or W–A) and potentiometer divider (A–W–B). Its thin-film resistor ladder ensures stable 45 ppm/°C resistance drift and 15 ppm/°C voltage ratio drift.

It supports rail-to-rail terminal voltage operation (GND to VDD), features CMOS-compatible logic inputs (VIH = 2.4 V min at 5 V), and delivers 1 µs wiper settling time in 5 kΩ version - scaled to 2 µs for 50 kΩ per datasheet Table 2 timing characterization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5160BRJ50-R2 uses a JEDEC-compliant SOT-23-8 package (2.9 mm × 3 mm × 1.3 mm), optimized for high-density PCB layouts and reflow-compatible assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.

Compared with AD5160BRJ50-R2, AD5162BRU50 offers dual-channel functionality at the cost of larger footprint and higher power, while MCP41050-I/P provides identical resistance and resolution in through-hole form but omits power-on preset-requiring additional firmware coordination for deterministic startup behavior.

Availability

AD5160BRJ50-R2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF amplifier biasing, sensor calibration, portable audio gain control, and mechanical potentiometer replacement requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and medical device programs.

Supply support for AD5160BRJ50-R2 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, industrial automation, and communications markets.

The AD5160 product line delivers compact, SPI-controlled digital potentiometers optimized for high-accuracy, low-drift applications including sensor trimming, RF biasing, and programmable gain stages in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the end-to-end resistance tolerance for AD5160BRJ50-R2?

The AD5160BRJ50-R2 has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of ±15% at TA = 25°C, as specified in Table 2 of the Rev. C datasheet. This tolerance applies to the A–B terminal resistance and impacts absolute gain-setting accuracy in open-loop configurations.

Does AD5160BRJ50-R2 support bidirectional voltage across its resistor terminals?

Yes, AD5160BRJ50-R2 supports bidirectional voltage operation: VA, VB, and VW may swing independently between GND and VDD with no polarity restrictions. This enables use in AC-coupled signal paths and differential sensor interfaces without external level-shifting circuitry.

What is the maximum continuous current rating for AD5160BRJ50-R2 at 50 kΩ?

At 50 kΩ, AD5160BRJ50-R2 supports a maximum continuous current of 0.95 mA through either A–W or W–B terminals, as defined in Table 4 Absolute Maximum Ratings. Exceeding this limit risks switch degradation due to Joule heating in the thin-film resistor element.

How does the power-on preset function work in AD5160BRJ50-R2?

AD5160BRJ50-R2 incorporates an internal power-on reset circuit that automatically loads code 0x80 into the RDAC latch at power-up, positioning the wiper at midscale (25.5 kΩ typical for 50 kΩ part). This eliminates undefined startup states and simplifies fault recovery in safety-critical systems.

Can AD5160BRJ50-R2 operate from a 3 V supply while maintaining full 256-step resolution?

Yes, AD5160BRJ50-R2 operates fully across 2.7 V to 5.5 V, including 3 V nominal supply. Resolution remains 8-bit (256 steps) at all voltages; however, wiper settling time increases slightly to 2 µs at 3 V per Table 2 dynamic characteristics, with no impact on monotonicity or INL/DNL specs.