Analog Devices Inc. AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7

Overview

AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 from Analog Devices is a nonvolatile digital potentiometer with 1024-position resolution, 50 kΩ terminal resistance, SPI-compatible serial interface, and EEMEM restore time of 140 µs. It replaces mechanical potentiometers in precision gain/offset adjustment, programmable filters, and sensor calibration circuits requiring stable wiper settings across power cycles.

For engineers reviewing the AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 datasheet, AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 pinout, AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 application, or AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed monotonic operation, ±6 dB/step log taper control, 28 bytes of user-configurable nonvolatile memory, and operation over −40°C to +85°C in TSSOP-16 packaging.

Technical Context

The AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 implements a 10-bit RDAC architecture with dual-mode operation: rheostat (W–B or W–A) and potentiometer divider (A–W–B). Its scratchpad register enables real-time wiper repositioning, while EEMEM ensures automatic power-on refresh of the last stored setting.

It supports both single-supply (3 V to 5 V) and dual-supply (±2.5 V) operation, enabling ground-referenced bipolar signal adjustment. The device uses a 24-bit SPI frame with CPHA = 0/CPOL = 0 or CPHA = 1/CPOL = 1 timing, and includes hardware PR and WP pins for asynchronous preset and write protection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 is housed in a 16-lead TSSOP package (4.4 mm × 5.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), rated for −40°C to +85°C operation and RoHS-compliant reflow soldering (260°C peak).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7, AD5201BRMZ10 offers lower resolution and no nonvolatile memory, limiting use to host-managed systems; MCP41HV51-502E/ST provides higher voltage tolerance but shifts persistence responsibility to external components, increasing BOM complexity and failure modes.

Availability

AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for instrumentation gain adjustment, programmable current source design, sensor calibration, and programmable filter tuning requiring stable component supply across extended industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 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 industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets since 1965.

The AD5231 product line delivers nonvolatile digital potentiometers optimized for precision analog trimming, calibration, and programmable resistance control in harsh environments where mechanical reliability and long-term stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the terminal resistance tolerance for AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7?

The AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 has a nominal terminal resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of −40% to +20%, as specified in Table 1 of the Rev. E datasheet. This variation affects absolute gain/attenuation accuracy but does not impact relative step linearity, which is guaranteed by the ±0.4 LSB INL specification. For applications demanding tighter resistance matching, external calibration or ratiometric measurement techniques are recommended.

Does AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 support dual-supply operation?

Yes, AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 supports true dual-supply operation from ±2.25 V to ±2.75 V, enabling ground-referenced bipolar signal adjustment. In this mode, VDD = +2.5 V and VSS = −2.5 V, allowing analog terminals A, B, and W to swing symmetrically around ground. The device maintains full 1024-step resolution and monotonicity, with specifications including ±0.4 LSB INL and 85 kHz bandwidth validated under dual-supply conditions.

How long does it take to restore the wiper setting from EEMEM on AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7?

The AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 performs EEMEM restore in 140 µs (typical) upon power-up or via Instruction 1/8/PR activation. This time is independent of resistance value and applies to all RAB variants (10 kΩ, 50 kΩ, 100 kΩ). During restore, the RDAC register is updated atomically, and the RDY pin pulses high to signal completion. No host intervention is required for power-on restore, making AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 suitable for unattended systems.

Can AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 be used in daisy-chain configuration?

Yes, AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7 supports daisy-chaining via its open-drain SDO pin. When multiple devices share a common CS and CLK, the SDO of one device connects to the SDI of the next. Each device consumes 24 bits of the serial stream; for N devices, a 24×N-bit frame is required. Pull-up resistors (1–10 kΩ) must be applied to each SDO line, and clock period may need extension to accommodate capacitive loading between stages.

What is the purpose of the O1 and O2 pins on AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7?

O1 and O2 are nonvolatile digital outputs on AD5231BRUZ50-REEL7, each storing one bit of user-defined data in EEMEM. They can be independently set/cleared using specific command formats (e.g., 0x310001 for O1 high) and retain state across power cycles. These outputs serve as general-purpose status flags, system identifiers, or configuration bits-enabling compact, self-describing designs without additional nonvolatile storage components.