Analog Devices Inc. AD5161BRMZ100

Overview

AD5161BRMZ100 from Analog Devices is a 256-position, 100 kΩ end-to-end digital potentiometer in a compact MSOP-10 package, supporting pin-selectable SPI or I²C interface, operating from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, with 45 ppm/°C resistance tempco and power-on midscale preset. It replaces mechanical potentiometers in precision sensor biasing and gain control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the AD5161BRMZ100 datasheet, AD5161BRMZ100 pinout, AD5161BRMZ100 application, or AD5161BRMZ100 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-interface flexibility (DIS-pin selectable), 100 kΩ rheostat/potentiometer configuration, shutdown mode (<1 µA), and guaranteed monotonicity across −40°C to +125°C.

Technical Context

The AD5161BRMZ100 implements an 8-bit RDAC architecture with resistor ladder topology, where wiper position is set via 8-bit register write and readable back via SPI or I²C. Its dual-mode interface is hardware-selected: DIS = 0 enables SPI (CS/CLK/SDI/SDO), DIS = 1 enables I²C (SCL/SDA with AD0 address bit).

In rheostat mode (A–W or B–W), it delivers 100 kΩ nominal resistance with ±1 LSB DNL and ±2 LSB INL; in potentiometer divider mode (A–W–B), voltage output exhibits 15 ppm/°C tempco due to ratio-based operation, and supports full-scale error ≤ −1 LSB at code 0xFF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5161BRMZ100 is housed in a 3 mm × 4.9 mm MSOP-10 package with exposed pad (not electrically connected). Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with Pin 1 at bottom-left corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX5487ETE+ and MCP45HV51-104E/MS, the AD5161BRMZ100 uniquely combines I²C/SPI selectability, 45 ppm/°C tempco, and hardware-initiated shutdown - making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-device, wide-temperature industrial calibrators.

Availability

AD5161BRMZ100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF amplifier biasing, transducer offset adjustment, optical sensor gain control, and industrial temperature transmitter scaling requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for AD5161BRMZ100 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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The AD5161 product line delivers precision, nonvolatile-free digital potentiometers for industrial calibration, sensor conditioning, and programmable analog front-ends where mechanical reliability and temperature stability are critical.

FAQ

What interface protocols does the AD5161BRMZ100 support?

The AD5161BRMZ100 supports both SPI and I²C protocols, selected by the DIS pin voltage level: DIS = 0 enables SPI (CS/CLK/SDI/SDO), DIS = 1 enables I²C (SCL/SDA with AD0 address bit). This eliminates firmware-level protocol switching and simplifies design reuse across different host controllers. The AD5161BRMZ100 does not require external level shifters for 3.3 V or 5 V logic levels.

Does the AD5161BRMZ100 retain wiper position after power cycle?

No, the AD5161BRMZ100 is volatile - it resets to midscale (code 0x80) on power-up per internal power-on preset circuitry. It does not include EEPROM or nonvolatile memory. To restore a specific setting, the host controller must reprogram the wiper register after power-on. This behavior is confirmed in the AD5161 Rev. C datasheet Section "Theory of Operation" and Functional Block Diagram.

What is the maximum current rating for the wiper terminal (W) of the AD5161BRMZ100?

The AD5161BRMZ100 wiper terminal supports a maximum continuous current of ±20 mA, as specified in Absolute Maximum Ratings Table 4. Exceeding this may degrade the internal CMOS switch or cause permanent damage. At zero-scale (code 0x00), wiper resistance is ~60 Ω, so applying 5 V across W–B yields ~83 mA - exceeding rating; users must limit voltage or add series resistance to enforce compliance.

Can multiple AD5161BRMZ100 devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes - two AD5161BRMZ100 devices can share one I²C bus using the AD0 pin to assign distinct slave addresses (0x2C and 0x2D). The datasheet explicitly states "address pin AD0 can be used to place up to two devices on the same bus." No additional address bits or external hardware are needed, enabling compact multi-channel calibration systems.

What is the bandwidth limitation of the AD5161BRMZ100 in potentiometer mode with 100 kΩ resistance?

At 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance and midscale code (0x80), the AD5161BRMZ100 has a −3 dB bandwidth of 40 kHz, per Table 2 Dynamic Characteristics. This is lower than the 1.2 MHz bandwidth of the 5 kΩ version due to RC time constant scaling. For AC-coupled signal paths above 10 kHz, users should verify settling time (2 µs ±1 LSB) and THD (0.05%) meet system requirements.