Analog Devices Inc. AD5241BRUZ10

Overview

AD5241BRUZ10 from Analog Devices is a single-channel, I²C-compatible 256-position digital potentiometer with 10 kΩ nominal end-to-end resistance, 30 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and operation from 2.7 V to 5.5 V single supply or ±2.7 V dual supply. It functions as an electronically programmable rheostat or voltage divider in precision gain/offset adjustment circuits, replacing mechanical potentiometers in audio volume control and sensor calibration systems.

For engineers reviewing the AD5241BRUZ10 datasheet, AD5241BRUZ10 pinout, AD5241BRUZ10 application, or AD5241BRUZ10 equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed midscale power-on reset, integrated shutdown functionality (SHDN pin), dual programmable logic outputs (O1/O2), and verified 400 kHz I²C interface compliance - all validated across −40°C to +105°C industrial temperature range.

Technical Context

The AD5241BRUZ10 implements a 256-tap resistor ladder with wiper position controlled via I²C serial interface using a 7-bit target address (0x58–0x5B) determined by AD0/AD1 pins and an instruction byte containing A/B subaddress (fixed low for single-channel), RS (midscale reset), SD (software shutdown), and O1/O2 output states. Its internal architecture supports both rheostat (A–W or B–W) and potentiometer divider (A–W–B) configurations with monotonic 8-bit resolution.

Wiper resistance is specified at 60 Ω to 120 Ω, and terminal capacitance is 45 pF (A/B) and 60 pF (W) at 1 MHz. The device features self-contained shutdown that opens Terminal A and shorts Wiper to Terminal B while preserving register contents, enabling near-zero-power state with only leakage current consumption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5241BRUZ10 is housed in a 14-lead TSSOP package (RU-14), optimized for high-density PCB layouts and industrial thermal performance (θ_JA = 206°C/W). Pin assignments are validated per Analog Devices Rev. F datasheet Figure 6 and Table 5.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5241BRUZ10, AD5241BRMZ10 offers identical electrical performance in a smaller footprint but reduced thermal margin, while MCP41010-I/P trades I²C compatibility and industrial temperature rating for lower cost and simpler interface - making AD5241BRUZ10 optimal for thermally demanding, I²C-based embedded systems requiring auxiliary logic control.

Availability

AD5241BRUZ10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, sensor offset calibration, programmable gain amplifier, line impedance matching, and industrial instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for AD5241BRUZ10 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, serving industrial, communications, automotive, and healthcare markets since 1965.

The AD5241/AD5242 family was designed specifically for precision electronic replacement of mechanical potentiometers in environments demanding long-term stability, wide temperature operation, and digital configurability - targeting instrumentation, medical devices, and industrial control systems.

FAQ

What is the pin count and package type of AD5241BRUZ10?

AD5241BRUZ10 uses a 14-lead TSSOP package (RU-14 footprint), confirmed in Analog Devices Rev. F datasheet Figure 6. It contains one resistor channel (A1–W1–B1), two programmable logic outputs (O1/O2), I²C interface pins (SCL/SDA), address inputs (AD0/AD1), shutdown (SHDN), power (VDD/VSS), ground (DGND), and one no-connect pin (NC). No alternate package variants are assigned to this specific part number.

Does AD5241BRUZ10 support dual-supply operation?

Yes, AD5241BRUZ10 supports dual-supply operation with VDD = +2.7 V and VSS = −2.7 V, enabling true bipolar signal handling in potentiometer divider mode. This allows input voltages across A1–B1 to swing symmetrically around ground, which is essential for ac-coupled audio and sensor signal conditioning. The device maintains full 256-step resolution and 30 ppm/°C tempco under dual-supply conditions.

How does the shutdown function work on AD5241BRUZ10?

AD5241BRUZ10 features an active-low asynchronous SHDN pin. When pulled low, it immediately opens Terminal A1 and shorts Wiper W1 to Terminal B1 - creating a near-zero-ohm rheostat path while consuming ≤50 µA. Critically, the 8-bit RDAC register retains its last programmed value, so wiper position is restored instantly upon SHDN deassertion. This behavior is electrically distinct from software shutdown via the SD bit in the instruction byte.

Can AD5241BRUZ10 be used in a 3.3 V system?

Yes, AD5241BRUZ10 operates reliably at 3.3 V single supply (within 2.7 V–5.5 V range). Its I²C interface meets standard-mode timing at 3.3 V: VIH = 2.1 V min, VIL = 0.6 V max, and VOL = 0.4 V at 3 mA sink. The 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance and 60–120 Ω wiper resistance remain stable across this voltage range, making AD5241BRUZ10 suitable for mixed-voltage embedded systems interfacing with 3.3 V microcontrollers.

What is the maximum current rating for the wiper terminal of AD5241BRUZ10?

The absolute maximum current through W1 is 5.0 mA when RAB = 10 kΩ in TSSOP-14 package, per Analog Devices Rev. F Absolute Maximum Ratings Table 4. Exceeding this risks degradation of the internal CMOS switch. At zero-scale (code 0x00), RWB = 60 Ω, so applying >300 mV across W1–B1 would exceed 5 mA. Designers must limit voltage across W1–B1 or W1–A1 to ≤300 mV in minimum-resistance states to ensure reliability.