Analog Devices Inc. AD5160BRJZ100-R2

Overview

AD5160BRJZ100-R2 from Analog Devices is a 256-position SPI-compatible digital potentiometer with 100 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 offset adjustment, and RF amplifier biasing circuits.

For engineers reviewing the AD5160BRJZ100-R2 datasheet, AD5160BRJZ100-R2 pinout, AD5160BRJZ100-R2 application, or AD5160BRJZ100-R2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8-bit resolution, ±1 LSB DNL (100 kΩ version), 40 kHz –3 dB bandwidth at midscale, wiper resistance ≤120 Ω, and guaranteed monotonicity in both rheostat and potentiometer modes.

Technical Context

The AD5160BRJZ100-R2 implements an 8-bit RDAC architecture with SPI-compatible 3-wire interface (CS, CLK, SDI), power-on preset to midscale (0x80), and internal decoder driving a thin-film resistor ladder. Its wiper position determines linearly scaled resistance between terminals A–W and W–B, with complementary RWA and RWB outputs governed by discrete tap-point switching.

It operates in two primary configurations: rheostat mode (A–W or B–W only, 100 kΩ nominal) and potentiometer divider mode (A–B–W, voltage output proportional to code). Temperature drift is minimized in divider mode (15 ppm/°C) versus rheostat mode (45 ppm/°C), and all digital inputs meet CMOS logic thresholds across 3 V and 5 V supplies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5160BRJZ100-R2 uses a JEDEC-compliant SOT-23-8 package (2.9 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.3 mm), optimized for space-constrained 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 AD5160BRJZ100-R2, AD5162BRUZ100 delivers 4× finer resolution but occupies 2.5× more PCB area and lacks the SOT-23-8's ultra-compact fit; MCP41HV50-104E/SN supports higher supply voltage but exhibits higher wiper resistance and wider tempco, reducing precision in low-drift applications.

Availability

AD5160BRJZ100-R2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio signal conditioning, sensor calibration, RF biasing, and industrial controller trim requiring stable component supply and long-term parametric consistency.

Supply support for AD5160BRJZ100-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, low-power digital potentiometers for replacing mechanical trimmers in space- and reliability-critical applications across automotive, medical, and industrial sectors.

FAQ

What is the power-on behavior of the AD5160BRJZ100-R2?

The AD5160BRJZ100-R2 features an internal power-on preset that automatically initializes the wiper to midscale (code 0x80) at power-up. This ensures a known, repeatable resistance state-50 kΩ between A and W, and 50 kΩ between W and B-without requiring host MCU initialization. The function is implemented in hardware and occurs regardless of SPI activity, making AD5160BRJZ100-R2 safe for use in fault-tolerant analog control loops.

Does the AD5160BRJZ100-R2 support bidirectional voltage across its resistor terminals?

Yes, the AD5160BRJZ100-R2 allows unrestricted polarity between terminals A, B, and W: VA, VB, and VW may be driven independently within the GND-to-VDD range. This enables true AC-coupled rheostat operation and bidirectional voltage divider use-critical for transducer excitation and differential sensor interfaces. However, absolute voltage on any terminal must remain within GND to VDD, and terminal current must not exceed ±20 mA pulsed or 0.48 mA continuous.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AD5160BRJZ100-R2 SPI interface?

The AD5160BRJZ100-R2 supports SPI clock frequencies up to 25 MHz, with guaranteed timing margins including tCH/tCL ≥20 ns, tDS ≥5 ns, and tDH ≥5 ns. At 25 MHz, the 8-bit serial word loads in ≤320 ns. For robust operation in noisy environments, Analog Devices recommends limiting clock speed to ≤10 MHz and ensuring clean edge rates (tR/tF ≤2 ns) to prevent metastability in the internal shift register.

How does wiper resistance affect the minimum achievable resistance in rheostat mode?

In rheostat mode (e.g., B–W connection), the AD5160BRJZ100-R2's wiper resistance (50 Ω to 120 Ω) establishes the absolute minimum RWB, regardless of code. At code 0x00, RWB = RW ≈ 60 Ω-not zero-due to internal switch on-resistance. This fixed offset must be accounted for in low-resistance applications such as current-sense shunt calibration; using code 0x01 yields RWB ≈ 138 Ω (100 kΩ/256 + RW), confirming monotonic step behavior starts above the wiper floor.

Can the AD5160BRJZ100-R2 be used in potentiometer divider mode with asymmetric supply rails?

Yes, the AD5160BRJZ100-R2 supports potentiometer divider operation with VA and VB biased to any DC potentials between GND and VDD-e.g., VA = +3.3 V, VB = –1.8 V is invalid (exceeds VDD), but VA = +2.5 V, VB = 0 V is fully supported. The output VW follows Equation 3: VW = (D/256)×VA + ((256−D)/256)×VB. This enables level-shifting, bipolar signal conditioning, and custom reference generation, provided all terminal voltages stay within the absolute maximum ratings (–0.3 V to +7 V).