Analog Devices Inc. AD5241BRZ100

Overview

AD5241BRZ100 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 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 and instrumentation signal paths.

For engineers reviewing the AD5241BRZ100 datasheet, AD5241BRZ100 pinout, AD5241BRZ100 application, or AD5241BRZ100 equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed midscale power-on reset, shutdown functionality (SHDN pin), two programmable logic outputs (O1/O2), and I²C readback capability for closed-loop calibration and fault recovery.

Technical Context

The AD5241BRZ100 implements a 256-tap resistor ladder with wiper position controlled via I²C interface using a 7-bit target address (0x58–0x5B) plus R/W bit and an instruction byte containing A/B subaddress (fixed low), RS (midscale reset), SD (shutdown), and O1/O2 logic states. 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 dual-supply capability (±2.7 V), enabling bipolar ac signal conditioning, and integrates self-contained shutdown that opens Terminal A while shorting Wiper W to Terminal B-preserving register contents and drawing only leakage current (<1 µA). The device maintains 5 ppm/°C voltage-divider temperature coefficient in potentiometer mode due to ratio-matched resistor tracking.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5241BRZ100 is housed in a 14-lead SOIC package (body width 3.9 mm, JEDEC MS-012AC), surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles and IPC-7351B footprint BRZ-14.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5242BRUZ100, AD5241BRZ100 saves board space and cost in single-channel systems; compared with MCP41HV51-104E/SN, it delivers superior temperature stability and integrated logic outputs at the expense of voltage range and interface protocol flexibility.

Availability

AD5241BRZ100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, instrumentation gain adjustment, communications line impedance matching, and programmable voltage-to-current conversion requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature grades.

Supply support for AD5241BRZ100 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, headquartered in Wilmington, MA, with design centers worldwide.

The AD5241/AD5242 product line was engineered specifically for precision electronic replacement of mechanical potentiometers in industrial, medical, and communications equipment-emphasizing low tempco, I²C configurability, and robust shutdown behavior.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating voltage for AD5241BRZ100?

The AD5241BRZ100 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 (single) or ±2.7 V (dual) risks permanent damage per Table 4 in the Rev. F datasheet.

Does AD5241BRZ100 support I²C readback of the wiper position?

Yes, AD5241BRZ100 supports I²C readback: after sending the target address byte with R/W = 1, the device returns the current 8-bit RDAC latch value on SDA. This enables verification of programmed settings and fault detection without relying on host memory retention.

How does the shutdown function affect the AD5241BRZ100 wiper register?

The SHDN pin is asynchronous and does not alter the AD5241BRZ100 wiper register contents. When active (low), it physically opens Terminal A and shorts Wiper W to Terminal B-preserving the programmed code so that the exact same resistance value resumes immediately upon exit from shutdown.

Can AD5241BRZ100 operate with only a positive supply, or is VSS required?

VSS must be connected even in single-supply operation: the AD5241BRZ100 datasheet specifies VSS = DGND for proper internal biasing. Leaving VSS floating violates Absolute Maximum Ratings and may cause erratic behavior or latch-up. Tie VSS directly to DGND when using 2.7–5.5 V single supply.

What is the guaranteed resistance tolerance for AD5241BRZ100 at room temperature?

Per Table 1 in the Rev. F datasheet, the nominal resistance tolerance for AD5241BRZ100 (100 kΩ version) at TA = 25°C is ±50%. This reflects process variation across wafers and is distinct from the tighter 30 ppm/°C temperature coefficient governing drift over temperature.