Analog Devices Inc. AD5241BRUZ10-R7

Overview

AD5241BRUZ10-R7 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-R7 datasheet, AD5241BRUZ10-R7 pinout, AD5241BRUZ10-R7 application, or AD5241BRUZ10-R7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its midscale power-on reset, integrated shutdown function, dual programmable logic outputs (O1/O2), and guaranteed −40°C to +105°C operation in TSSOP-14 package.

Technical Context

The AD5241BRUZ10-R7 implements a 256-tap resistor ladder with wiper position controlled via I²C interface using 7-bit address (with AD0/AD1 pins) and instruction byte including A/B subaddress, RS (midscale reset), SD (shutdown), and O1/O2 output bits. Its internal architecture supports both rheostat (A–W or B–W) and potentiometer divider (A–W–B) configurations with monotonic 8-bit resolution.

It features self-contained shutdown (SHDN pin active-low) that opens Terminal A and shorts Wiper W to Terminal B while preserving register contents, plus two programmable logic outputs capable of sourcing/sinking ≥1.6 mA. The device uses thin-film resistor elements ensuring ±1% channel matching (for dual-channel AD5242) and 30 ppm/°C RAB drift - critical for stable gain-setting in instrumentation amplifiers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5241BRUZ10-R7 is housed in a 14-lead TSSOP package (3.0 mm × 4.4 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), optimized for high-density PCB layouts and automated assembly. Pin 13 is NC (no connect); all other pins are electrically functional per AD5241 configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5241BRUZ10-R7, the AD5241BRMZ10-R7 saves PCB area but sacrifices dual-supply capability and one logic output, while the MCP41HV51-103E/SN trades I²C compatibility and low tempco for SPI integration and lower unit cost - making each viable only under specific interface, thermal, or layout constraints.

Availability

AD5241BRUZ10-R7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, sensor calibration, programmable gain amplification, and line impedance matching requiring stable component supply across industrial, medical, and test equipment programs.

Supply support for AD5241BRUZ10-R7 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 precision instrumentation, industrial automation, and communications markets since 1965.

The AD5241/AD5242 product line was designed specifically for robust, temperature-stable digital replacement of mechanical potentiometers in gain-setting, offset trimming, and programmable resistance applications demanding long-term reliability and minimal drift.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the AD5241BRUZ10-R7?

The AD5241BRUZ10-R7 is fully specified and guaranteed to operate from −40°C to +105°C. This extended temperature range is validated across all electrical parameters in the datasheet, including resistance tolerance, tempco, and I²C timing, making it suitable for under-hood automotive modules and industrial control cabinets where ambient temperatures exceed 85°C.

Does the AD5241BRUZ10-R7 support dual-supply operation?

Yes, the AD5241BRUZ10-R7 supports dual-supply operation with VDD = +2.7 V and VSS = −2.7 V, enabling true bipolar signal handling in AC-coupled or symmetrical analog circuits. In this mode, terminals A1, W1, and B1 can swing between VSS and VDD, allowing the device to function as a programmable resistor in both positive and negative voltage domains without clipping.

How does the shutdown function affect the wiper position in the AD5241BRUZ10-R7?

In shutdown mode (SHDN pin pulled low), the AD5241BRUZ10-R7 opens Terminal A1 and shorts Wiper W1 to Terminal B1, effectively creating a near-zero-ohm rheostat between W1 and B1. Crucially, the 8-bit RDAC register contents remain unchanged, so the previously programmed wiper position is restored immediately upon exit from shutdown - no reinitialization or I²C command is required.

Can the AD5241BRUZ10-R7 be used in a potentiometer divider configuration?

Yes, the AD5241BRUZ10-R7 supports potentiometer divider mode by connecting VA to a reference voltage, VB to ground (or VSS), and using VW as the programmable output. In this configuration, the output voltage follows VW = (D/256) × VAB + VB, achieving 5 ppm/°C temperature coefficient - significantly better than rheostat mode - because it depends on resistor ratios rather than absolute values.

What are the logic voltage levels supported by the AD5241BRUZ10-R7 I²C interface?

The AD5241BRUZ10-R7 I²C interface supports standard-mode and fast-mode operation up to 400 kHz with VIH = 0.7 × VDD and VIL = 0.3 × VDD, accommodating both 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers directly. Its SDA and SCL inputs are overvoltage tolerant to VDD + 0.5 V, and the SDA output has open-drain structure with VOL ≤ 0.4 V at 3 mA sink current, ensuring reliable bus communication without external level shifters.