Analog Devices Inc. AD5241BRUZ100

Overview

AD5241BRUZ100 from Analog Devices is a single-channel, I²C-compatible 256-position digital potentiometer with 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 30 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and ±2.7 V dual-supply or 2.7 V to 5.5 V single-supply operation. 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 AD5241BRUZ100 datasheet, AD5241BRUZ100 pinout, AD5241BRUZ100 application, or AD5241BRUZ100 equivalent, key selection considerations include its guaranteed −40°C to +105°C operating range, internal power-on midscale preset, shutdown functionality via SHDN pin or SD bit, and dual programmable logic outputs (O1/O2) for system-level signal coordination without external drivers.

Technical Context

The AD5241BRUZ100 implements a thin-film resistor ladder with 256 discrete tap points, where wiper position is controlled via an I²C interface supporting up to 400 kHz clock frequency and readback capability. Its architecture includes dedicated address pins (AD0/AD1) enabling up to four devices on one bus, and a self-contained shutdown mode that opens Terminal A while shorting Wiper W to Terminal B.

It operates in both rheostat mode (R_WB = D/256 × R_AB + R_W) and potentiometer divider mode (V_W = D/256 × V_AB + V_B), with voltage-divider temperature coefficient reduced to 5 ppm/°C due to ratio-based operation. The device integrates two push-pull logic outputs (O1/O2) driven by large P/N-channel MOSFETs capable of sourcing/sinking ≥1.6 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5241BRUZ100 is housed in a 14-lead TSSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts while maintaining thermal performance (θ_JA = 206°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP41HV51-100 and AD5201BRUZ100, AD5241BRUZ100 uniquely combines I²C programmability, ultra-low shutdown current, and integrated logic outputs - enabling compact, feature-rich designs without external support components.

Availability

AD5241BRUZ100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, sensor offset calibration, programmable gain amplification, line impedance matching, and industrial temperature-compensated trimming requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for AD5241BRUZ100 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 since 1965.

The AD5241BRUZ100 belongs to Analog Devices' precision digital potentiometer product line, engineered for applications demanding low tempco, guaranteed monotonicity, and robust serial interface reliability in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating voltage for AD5241BRUZ100?

The AD5241BRUZ100 supports a single-supply range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V or dual-supply operation from ±2.7 V. Absolute maximum ratings specify VDD to GND ≤ +7 V and VSS to GND ≥ −7 V, but sustained operation beyond 5.5 V or below −2.7 V risks permanent damage per Table 4 in the Rev. F datasheet. For reliable long-term use, stay within the specified supply ranges.

Does AD5241BRUZ100 retain its wiper setting during shutdown?

Yes, AD5241BRUZ100 retains its programmed wiper position during shutdown. When the SHDN pin is asserted (low) or the SD bit is set high in the instruction byte, the internal switch opens Terminal A and shorts Wiper W to Terminal B, but the 8-bit RDAC register contents remain unchanged. Upon exit from shutdown, the stored value is immediately reapplied to the resistor ladder.

Can AD5241BRUZ100 operate with a 3.3 V microcontroller I²C bus?

Yes, AD5241BRUZ100 supports mixed-voltage I²C operation. Its SDA and SCL inputs accept VIH ≥ 0.7 × VDD (min 2.1 V at VDD = 3 V) and VIL ≤ 0.3 × VDD (max 0.6 V), making it fully compatible with 3.3 V controllers even when powered from 5 V. Figure 33 in the datasheet provides a recommended level-shift circuit using N-channel FETs if stricter voltage isolation is needed.

What is the wiper resistance specification for AD5241BRUZ100?

The wiper resistance (R_W) for AD5241BRUZ100 is specified as 60 Ω minimum and 120 Ω maximum at 25°C (Table 1). This on-resistance directly adds to the measured R_WB or R_WA value and limits zero-scale current to ≤20 mA to prevent contact degradation - critical when configuring low-resistance rheostat modes.

How many AD5241BRUZ100 devices can share one I²C bus?

Up to four AD5241BRUZ100 devices can operate on a single I²C bus using unique slave addresses. Pins AD0 and AD1 configure a 2-bit address field (01011xx), yielding four distinct 7-bit addresses (0x2C, 0x2D, 0x2E, 0x2F). Each device responds only when its AD0/AD1 logic state matches the corresponding bits in the transmitted target address byte.