Analog Devices Inc. AD5242BRZ10

Overview

AD5242BRZ10 from Analog Devices is a dual-channel, I²C-compatible 256-position digital potentiometer with 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, ±1% channel-to-channel matching, 30 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and operation from 2.7 V to 5.5 V single supply or ±2.7 V dual supply. It replaces mechanical potentiometers in precision gain/offset adjustment circuits for audio, instrumentation, and communications systems.

For engineers reviewing the AD5242BRZ10 datasheet, AD5242BRZ10 pinout, AD5242BRZ10 application, or AD5242BRZ10 equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-channel matching tolerance, I²C readback capability, programmable logic outputs O1/O2, shutdown functionality, and guaranteed −40°C to +105°C operation.

Technical Context

The AD5242BRZ10 implements two independent 8-bit digitally controlled resistor ladders (RDAC1/RDAC2), each with 256 tap points and fixed 10 kΩ A–B resistance. Wiper position is set via I²C interface with address bits AD0/AD1 enabling up to four devices on one bus.

It supports both rheostat (A–W or B–W) and potentiometer divider (A–W–B) configurations. In divider mode, output voltage drift is reduced to 5 ppm/°C due to ratio-based operation, while rheostat mode maintains 30 ppm/°C absolute resistance drift. Shutdown (SHDN) disconnects Terminal A and shorts W to B, preserving register contents.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD5242BRZ10 is housed in a 16-lead SOIC package (body width 7.5 mm, pitch 1.27 mm), RoHS-compliant and rated for industrial temperature range.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5242BRZ10, AD5242BRUZ10 offers identical functionality in a smaller package but with higher thermal resistance, while MCP42010-I/P sacrifices dual-channel matching, I²C compatibility, and temperature stability for lower cost and simpler interface.

Availability

AD5242BRZ10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, instrumentation gain adjustment, and communications line impedance matching requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AD5242BRZ10 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, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets since 1965.

The AD5242BRZ10 belongs to Analog Devices' precision digital potentiometer product line, engineered for applications demanding mechanical potentiometer replacement with guaranteed matching, low tempco, and robust digital interface reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the AD5242BRZ10?

The AD5242BRZ10 is fully specified and guaranteed to operate from −40°C to +105°C. This extended temperature range is validated per the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Typical Performance Characteristics sections of the Rev. F datasheet, making it suitable for industrial and automotive under-hood applications where thermal stress is a concern. All parametric specifications-including resistance tolerance, tempco, and I²C timing-apply across this full range.

Does the AD5242BRZ10 support I²C readback of wiper position?

Yes, the AD5242BRZ10 supports full I²C readback of both RDAC1 and RDAC2 register values. After selecting a channel via the A/B bit in the instruction byte during a write cycle, a subsequent read operation returns the current 8-bit wiper code. This feature is explicitly documented in the "Readback RDAC Value" section and enables verification, debugging, and closed-loop calibration in safety-critical systems using AD5242BRZ10.

What is the function of pins AD0 and AD1 on the AD5242BRZ10?

Pins AD0 and AD1 on the AD5242BRZ10 are hardware-programmable I²C address bits. They combine with the fixed 5-bit prefix (01011) to form a 7-bit slave address, enabling up to four AD5242BRZ10 devices on a single I²C bus. The resulting addresses are 0x2C (AD1=0, AD0=0), 0x2D (AD1=0, AD0=1), 0x2E (AD1=1, AD0=0), and 0x2F (AD1=1, AD0=1), as defined in Table 5 and Figure 3 of the datasheet.

Can the AD5242BRZ10 operate with a single 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the AD5242BRZ10 operates reliably with a single 3.3 V supply (within its 2.7 V to 5.5 V specification). Input logic thresholds scale with VDD: VIH ≥ 2.1 V and VIL ≤ 0.6 V at 3.3 V, ensuring compatibility with standard 3.3 V microcontrollers. All DC and dynamic specifications-including 2 µs settling time and 650 kHz bandwidth at 10 kΩ-are confirmed at VDD = 3.3 V in the datasheet's test conditions.

How does the shutdown function affect the wiper position in the AD5242BRZ10?

When SHDN is asserted (logic low), the AD5242BRZ10 opens Terminal A and shorts Wiper W to Terminal B for both channels, placing each RDAC in a near-zero-resistance rheostat state (≈60 Ω). Crucially, the internal 8-bit RDAC registers retain their last programmed values, so wiper position is restored immediately upon exit from shutdown-no reinitialization or I²C command is required. This behavior is confirmed in the "Shutdown Function" section and Figure 31 of the datasheet.