Analog Devices Inc. AD5241BRZ1M

Overview

AD5241BRZ1M from Analog Devices is a single-channel, I²C-compatible 256-position digital potentiometer with 1 MΩ 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 for instrumentation and audio signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the AD5241BRZ1M datasheet, AD5241BRZ1M pinout, AD5241BRZ1M application, or AD5241BRZ1M equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed midscale power-on reset, shutdown capability via SHDN pin or I²C command, dual programmable logic outputs (O1/O2), and verified 1 MΩ resistance tolerance of ±50% at 25°C.

Technical Context

The AD5241BRZ1M implements a thin-film resistor ladder with 256 discrete tap points and a low-impedance CMOS wiper switch (60–120 Ω). Its I²C interface supports standard-mode (400 kHz) communication with address bits AD0/AD1 enabling up to four devices on one bus.

It operates in two primary modes: rheostat (A–W or B–W) and potentiometer divider (A–W–B), where output voltage accuracy relies on resistor ratio matching-yielding only 5 ppm/°C tempco in divider mode versus 30 ppm/°C in rheostat mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5241BRZ1M is housed in a 14-lead SOIC package (body width 3.9 mm, JEDEC MS-012AC), RoHS-compliant and rated for −40°C to +105°C operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5241BRZ1M, AD5241BRZ10 offers superior speed and tighter resistance tolerance but lacks the high-impedance flexibility needed for low-current biasing; MAX5487ETE+T trades interface convenience and feature integration for marginally better tempco, requiring redesign of control firmware and PCB routing.

Availability

AD5241BRZ1M is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for instrumentation calibration, audio signal conditioning, and programmable biasing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AD5241BRZ1M 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 replacing mechanical potentiometers in automated calibration, programmable gain control, and precision voltage division-emphasizing reliability, temperature stability, and digital configurability in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating voltage across terminals A, B, and W of the AD5241BRZ1M?

The AD5241BRZ1M supports voltage ranges from VSS to VDD across all resistor terminals (A, B, W). With VDD = 5.5 V and VSS = 0 V, the maximum differential voltage is 5.5 V. When using dual supplies (e.g., VDD = +2.7 V, VSS = −2.7 V), the absolute voltage at any terminal must stay within −2.7 V to +2.7 V relative to ground. Exceeding these limits risks permanent damage per Absolute Maximum Ratings table.

Does the AD5241BRZ1M retain its wiper setting during shutdown?

Yes, the AD5241BRZ1M retains its programmed wiper position during shutdown-whether activated via the SHDN pin (active-low) or the SD bit in the I²C instruction byte. The internal RDAC register contents remain unchanged, and the wiper returns immediately to the stored position upon exit from shutdown, ensuring deterministic behavior after power cycling or low-power sleep states.

Can the AD5241BRZ1M operate with a 3.3 V microcontroller I²C bus?

Yes, the AD5241BRZ1M fully supports 3.3 V I²C operation: its SDA and SCL inputs accept VIH ≥ 2.1 V and VIL ≤ 0.6 V at VDD = 3 V, and its open-drain outputs are compatible with 3.3 V pull-ups. No level-shifting is required when interfacing with 3.3 V controllers, though AD0/AD1 pins must be biased to valid logic levels referenced to the same VDD.

What is the minimum wiper resistance of the AD5241BRZ1M, and how does it affect zero-scale operation?

The AD5241BRZ1M has a wiper resistance (RW) of 60–120 Ω. At code 0x00, RWB = 60 Ω (minimum), meaning the lowest achievable resistance between W1 and B1 is 60 Ω-not zero. This must be accounted for in current-sensing or low-impedance shunt applications; exceeding 20 mA through this path risks degradation of the internal switch contact.

How many AD5241BRZ1M devices can share the same I²C bus?

Up to four AD5241BRZ1M devices can coexist on a single I²C bus using unique addresses set by combinations of AD0 and AD1 pins (00, 01, 10, 11). Each device responds only to its assigned 7-bit address (0x2C–0x2F), enabling independent read/write access without software arbitration or hardware modification.