Analog Devices Inc. AD5204BN10

Overview

AD5204BN10 from Analog Devices is a 4-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer with 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, SPI-compatible 3-wire serial interface, ±2.7 V dual-supply or +2.7 V to +5.5 V single-supply operation, and midscale power-on reset-used for precision gain/offset adjustment in instrumentation amplifiers and programmable filter tuning.

For engineers reviewing the AD5204BN10 datasheet, AD5204BN10 pinout, AD5204BN10 application, or AD5204BN10 equivalent, key selection considerations include terminal resistance tolerance (±30%), wiper resistance (50–100 Ω), 700 ppm/°C tempco, 721 kHz −3 dB bandwidth (10 kΩ), and guaranteed monotonicity in rheostat mode.

Technical Context

The AD5204BN10 implements four independent, digitally controlled variable resistors using a segmented resistor ladder with CMOS switch matrix. Each channel features its own 8-bit latch updated via an 11-bit serial word (3 address + 8 data bits), decoded by A2–A0 pins to select RDAC 1–4.

It supports both rheostat (A–W or B–W) and potentiometer divider (A–B–W) configurations, with linear transfer functions: RWB(Dx) = (Dx/256) × RAB + RW and VW(Dx) = (Dx/256) × VAB + VB. The PR pin forces all wipers to 0x80 (midscale), and SHDN opens all A terminals while connecting W to B.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5204BN10 is packaged in a 24-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) surface-mount package with 0.3-inch body width and standard JEDEC MS-013 footprint. Pin 1 is located at the top-left corner adjacent to the index mark.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BN10, AD5204BRUZ10 offers identical functionality in a smaller TSSOP package for space-critical designs, while AD5206BRUZ10 expands channel count to six-enabling consolidation of multiple AD5204BN10s but requiring revised firmware addressing for the extra two channels.

Availability

AD5204BN10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for instrumentation calibration, programmable filter design, line impedance matching, and offset voltage adjustment requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (−40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for AD5204BN10 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, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The AD5204BN10 belongs to Analog Devices' precision digital potentiometer product line, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in automated test equipment, medical instrumentation, and industrial process control where repeatable, non-volatile, and temperature-stable resistance adjustment is required.

FAQ

What is the terminal resistance tolerance and temperature coefficient of the AD5204BN10?

The AD5204BN10 has a nominal terminal resistance of 10 kΩ with a tolerance of ±30% at 25°C and a temperature coefficient of 700 ppm/°C. This means resistance changes by 700 parts per million per degree Celsius-equivalent to ±0.7 Ω/°C for a 10 kΩ part. These values are specified in the Electrical Characteristics table of the Rev. G datasheet under "Nominal Resistor Tolerance" and "Resistance Temperature Coefficient."

Does the AD5204BN10 support dual-supply operation, and what are the voltage limits?

Yes, the AD5204BN10 supports dual-supply operation with VDD and VSS pins. Per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table, the maximum |VDD| + |VSS| sum is 5.5 V, and individual supplies may range from ±2.3 V to ±2.7 V. Valid configurations include VDD = +2.7 V and VSS = −2.7 V, or VDD = +3.0 V and VSS = −2.5 V. Operation outside these bounds risks permanent damage.

How does the PR (Preset) pin function on the AD5204BN10?

The PR pin on the AD5204BN10 is an active-low hardware reset that forces all four RDAC channels to the midscale code (0x80) regardless of their current latch state. When asserted, it overrides serial programming and ensures deterministic startup behavior-critical for safety-critical or fault-recovery systems. The PR pin operates asynchronously and does not require clocking; its timing is defined in the Reset Pulse Width parameter (tRS ≥ 90 ns).

Can the AD5204BN10 be used in daisy-chain configuration, and what is required?

Yes, the AD5204BN10 supports daisy-chaining via its open-drain SDO pin. To implement this, connect the SDO of one AD5204BN10 to the SDI of the next, using a pull-up resistor (typically 1–10 kΩ) to a logic-compatible voltage (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V). The CS line must remain low until all 11-bit words for every device are fully shifted in-e.g., 22 bits for two AD5204BN10s-to ensure correct address/data alignment.

What is the maximum bandwidth achievable with the AD5204BN10 in rheostat mode?

The AD5204BN10 achieves a −3 dB bandwidth of 721 kHz in rheostat mode when configured with 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance and operated at VDD = 5 V. This value is measured with VA = 5 V, VB = 0 V, and is specified in Table 1 under "Bandwidth −3 dB" (BW_10K). Bandwidth decreases to 137 kHz and 69 kHz for 50 kΩ and 100 kΩ versions respectively, confirming the inverse relationship with resistance value.