Analog Devices Inc. AD5241BRZ10

Overview

AD5241BRZ10 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 AD5241BRZ10 datasheet, AD5241BRZ10 pinout, AD5241BRZ10 application, or AD5241BRZ10 equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed midscale power-on reset, integrated shutdown functionality, dual programmable logic outputs (O1/O2), and −40°C to +105°C extended temperature range for industrial-grade reliability.

Technical Context

The AD5241BRZ10 implements a segmented thin-film resistor ladder with 256 discrete tap points controlled via an I²C interface operating up to 400 kHz. Its wiper position is stored in an 8-bit latch that defaults to code 0x80 at power-on, ensuring deterministic startup behavior without external initialization.

It supports both rheostat mode (A–W or B–W) and potentiometer divider mode (A–W–B), with voltage-divider temperature coefficient of only 5 ppm/°C-significantly lower than its 30 ppm/°C absolute resistance drift-due to ratio-metric operation. The SHDN pin provides asynchronous hardware shutdown, disconnecting Terminal A and shorting W to B while preserving register contents.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5241BRZ10 is housed in a 14-lead SOIC package (body width 3.9 mm, lead pitch 1.27 mm), RoHS-compliant and rated for surface-mount reflow assembly. Pin 13 is NC (no connect); all other pins are electrically active and defined 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 AD5241BRZ10, AD5241BRMZ10 offers identical functionality in a smaller package but reduced thermal performance, while MCP41010-I/P trades I²C compatibility and precision tempco for SPI simplicity and lower cost-making AD5241BRZ10 optimal for I²C-based industrial calibration and audio systems demanding long-term stability.

Availability

AD5241BRZ10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, sensor offset calibration, programmable gain amplifier, and line impedance matching applications requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for AD5241BRZ10 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 AD5241/AD5242 product line was designed specifically for precision electronic replacement of mechanical potentiometers in industrial instrumentation, medical devices, and communications infrastructure-emphasizing low tempco, guaranteed power-on state, and robust I²C interoperability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating voltage for AD5241BRZ10?

The AD5241BRZ10 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 as −0.3 V to +7 V and VA/VB/VW to GND as VSS to VDD. Exceeding these limits risks permanent damage. For reliable operation, maintain VDD within 2.7–5.5 V and ensure terminal voltages remain within the supply rails. The AD5241BRZ10 datasheet specifies these limits in Table 4 under Absolute Maximum Ratings.

Does AD5241BRZ10 support I²C readback of the wiper position?

Yes, AD5241BRZ10 supports full I²C readback of its 8-bit RDAC register. After issuing a target address byte with R/W = 1 (read), the device transmits the current wiper code on SDA. This enables verification of programmed settings, essential for fault-tolerant systems. Unlike the dual-channel AD5242, AD5241BRZ10 has only one RDAC channel, so no subaddress (A/B bit) is required during readback. The AD5241BRZ10 datasheet details this in the "Readback RDAC Value" section on page 14.

What is the function of the SHDN pin on AD5241BRZ10?

The SHDN pin on AD5241BRZ10 is an active-low hardware shutdown control. When asserted (logic low), it asynchronously opens Terminal A1 and shorts Wiper W1 to Terminal B1, reducing supply current to ≤0.1 µA while preserving the wiper register value. This feature enables ultra-low-power standby modes without losing calibration state. If unused, SHDN must be tied to VDD. The AD5241BRZ10 datasheet describes this behavior in Table 5 and the "Shutdown Function" subsection on page 15.

Can AD5241BRZ10 operate with a negative supply voltage?

Yes, AD5241BRZ10 supports true bipolar operation with dual supplies: VDD = +2.7 V and VSS = −2.7 V. In this configuration, resistor terminals A1, B1, and W1 can swing between −2.7 V and +2.7 V, enabling AC-coupled signal conditioning and bipolar sensor interfaces. The datasheet confirms this in the "Power Dual-Supply Range" specification (Table 1, 2.3 V to 2.7 V) and notes that polarity between terminals is unrestricted per footnote 4. This capability is intrinsic to AD5241BRZ10's architecture and does not require external level-shifting.

What are the roles of the O1 and O2 pins on AD5241BRZ10?

O1 and O2 are programmable CMOS logic outputs on AD5241BRZ10, each capable of sourcing ≥4 V at 40 µA or sinking ≤0.4 V at 1.6 mA. Their states are controlled via bits in the I²C instruction byte and default to logic low at power-on. They can drive LEDs, analog switches, or logic gates independently of wiper position-enabling coordinated system control (e.g., enabling a filter stage when gain is set). The AD5241BRZ10 datasheet specifies their electrical characteristics in Table 1 and functional use in the "Additional Programmable Logic Output" section on page 14.