Analog Devices Inc. AD5242BRZ1M
- Part No.:
- AD5242BRZ1M
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AD5242BRZ1M.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 1MOHM 256TAP 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:328
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Product details
Overview
AD5242BRZ1M from Analog Devices is a dual-channel, I²C-compatible 256-position digital potentiometer with 1 MΩ end-to-end resistance, 30 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and ±1% channel-to-channel matching. It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V single supply or ±2.7 V dual supply, features programmable logic outputs O1/O2, and supports midscale power-on reset and shutdown mode for low-power system control in precision analog adjustment circuits.
For engineers reviewing the AD5242BRZ1M datasheet, AD5242BRZ1M pinout, AD5242BRZ1M application, or AD5242BRZ1M equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-channel 1 MΩ rheostat/potentiometer configuration, guaranteed −40°C to +105°C operation, I²C readback capability, and integrated O1/O2 logic outputs usable for system-level signal coordination without external drivers.
Technical Context
The AD5242BRZ1M implements two independent 8-bit digitally controlled resistor ladders (RDAC1/RDAC2), each with 256 tap points and fixed A–B resistance of 1 MΩ. Its I²C interface supports standard-mode (400 kHz) communication with address bits AD0/AD1 enabling up to four devices on one bus, and includes dedicated subaddress bit (A/B) to select channel during write/read operations.
Each channel supports both rheostat (W–B or W–A) and potentiometer divider modes. In divider mode, output voltage drift is reduced to 5 ppm/°C due to ratio-based operation, while rheostat mode maintains 30 ppm/°C RAB drift. The SHDN pin and SD bit provide asynchronous and register-controlled shutdown, respectively, connecting wiper to B and opening A terminal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resistance value | 1 MΩ nominal A–B end-to-end resistance per channel, enabling high-impedance gain/offset tuning and line impedance matching without loading source signals. |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 positions), providing 0.39% step resolution for fine analog control in calibration and trimming applications. |
| Tempco | 30 ppm/°C (rheostat mode), ensuring stable resistance over −40°C to +105°C industrial temperature range without recalibration. |
| Supply range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V single supply or ±2.7 V dual supply, supporting both unipolar and bipolar ac-coupled signal paths. |
| I²C speed | Up to 400 kHz clock frequency, compatible with standard-mode controllers and enabling fast reconfiguration in real-time systems. |
| Wiper resistance | 60 Ω to 120 Ω, limiting minimum achievable resistance and defining low-end accuracy in rheostat configurations. |
| Channel matching | ±1% A–B resistance tolerance between RDAC1 and RDAC2, critical for matched dual-path circuits like balanced amplifiers or differential ADC biasing. |
Pinout & Package
AD5242BRZ1M is housed in a 16-lead SOIC package with 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, and rated for −40°C to +105°C operation. Pin 1 is O1; pin 16 is A2. All pins are surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| O1 | Programmable logic output | Configurable push-pull output (VDD/VSS) driven via I²C instruction byte; usable as system enable, LED driver, or analog switch control without external buffers. |
| A1 | Resistor terminal A1 | Fixed end of first 1 MΩ resistor ladder; connects to high-side reference or signal source in potentiometer/rheostat configurations. |
| W1 | Wiper terminal W1 | Digitally positioned tap point on RDAC1 ladder; provides variable resistance to A1 or B1 depending on circuit topology. |
| B1 | Resistor terminal B1 | Fixed end of first 1 MΩ resistor ladder; commonly grounded or tied to reference in divider mode. |
| VDD | Positive supply | Primary power input (2.7–5.5 V); powers internal logic, I²C interface, and resistor ladder biasing circuits. |
| SHDN | Active-low shutdown | Asynchronous control: pulls W1/W2 to B1/B2 and opens A1/A2, reducing current to <1 µA while preserving register contents. |
| SCL | I²C clock input | Drives internal state machine timing; requires external pull-up; supports 400 kHz standard-mode operation. |
| SDA | I²C bidirectional data | Open-drain I/O with internal weak pull-up; supports readback of RDAC register values and multi-byte write sequences. |
| AD0, AD1 | I²C address bits | Hardwired pins setting 2-bit portion of 7-bit slave address; allow up to four AD5242BRZ1M devices on shared bus. |
| DGND | Digital ground | Reference for I²C logic and internal digital circuitry; must be connected to system ground plane. |
| VSS | Negative supply | Supports ±2.7 V dual-supply operation; required for true bipolar signal handling in potentiometer mode. |
| O2 | Programmable logic output | Second independent push-pull output, synchronized with O1 but individually configurable via same I²C instruction byte. |
| B2 | Resistor terminal B2 | Fixed end of second 1 MΩ resistor ladder; enables independent dual-path adjustment in stereo or differential designs. |
| W2 | Wiper terminal W2 | Digitally positioned tap point on RDAC2 ladder; functionally identical to W1 but isolated for independent control. |
| A2 | Resistor terminal A2 | Fixed end of second 1 MΩ resistor ladder; completes dual-channel architecture for matched gain/offset networks. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual 1 MΩ channels with ±1% matching | Enables precise differential or stereo analog signal conditioning where inter-channel tracking is critical, such as in balanced audio volume control or dual-sensor offset compensation. |
| I²C readback capability | Allows host controller to verify programmed wiper position after write cycles or recover settings after brown-out, improving system reliability in safety-critical embedded applications. |
| Programmable O1/O2 logic outputs | Eliminates need for discrete GPIO expanders or level translators when coordinating peripheral enable signals, LED indicators, or analog switch banks alongside resistance adjustment. |
| Midscale power-on preset | Guarantees known initial state (code 0x80) at startup, preventing undefined output transients in gain-setting or biasing circuits before firmware initialization. |
| Shutdown mode (SHDN/SD) | Reduces total supply current to <1 µA while retaining wiper position in latch, supporting ultra-low-power sleep states in battery-operated instrumentation and portable medical devices. |
Applications
| Audio Volume Control | Instrumentation Offset Calibration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dual-channel stereo audio system requiring independent left/right volume adjustment with no mechanical wear or contact noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual 1 MΩ digital potentiometer configured as voltage dividers between audio DAC output and amplifier input, with O1/O2 driving mute relays. Use Value: Eliminates potentiometer drift and scratch noise; ±1% channel matching ensures consistent left/right gain tracking across temperature and time. | Use Scenario: Precision sensor signal chain where offset voltage must be trimmed during factory calibration and field maintenance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode AD5242BRZ1M placed in op-amp feedback path to adjust DC bias; second channel used for gain scaling. Use Value: 30 ppm/°C tempco and 8-bit resolution enable sub-mV offset correction stability over full industrial temperature range without recalibration. |
| Programmable Gain Amplifier | Line Impedance Matching |
Use Scenario: Configurable gain stage in test equipment supporting multiple input ranges (e.g., 1×, 10×, 100×) via software-selectable feedback networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AD5242BRZ1M configured as programmable resistor in non-inverting amplifier feedback loop; O1 triggers range-change sequencing. Use Value: 1 MΩ resistance supports high-gain configurations with minimal parasitic capacitance; I²C readback confirms gain setting before measurement cycle begins. | Use Scenario: High-speed data line (e.g., RS-485, CAN) requiring dynamic termination resistance adjustment to compensate for cable length variations or EMI conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode AD5242BRZ1M placed between differential pair and ground as adjustable termination; O2 signals termination status to host MCU. Use Value: 1 MΩ range covers typical 120 Ω to 1 kΩ termination needs; 400 kHz I²C allows real-time adaptation during link training or fault recovery. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5242BRZ100 | Same dual-channel architecture and pinout, but 100 kΩ nominal resistance instead of 1 MΩ; lower wiper resistance (60–120 Ω vs. same), higher bandwidth (69 kHz vs. 6 kHz at 1 MΩ). | Better suited for lower-impedance gain stages and higher-frequency AC signal paths where 1 MΩ would limit bandwidth or increase noise. | Select AD5242BRZ100 when circuit impedance is ≤100 kΩ or signal bandwidth exceeds 10 kHz; retain AD5242BRZ1M for high-Z biasing, precision DC trimming, or low-current applications. |
| MAX5487ETE+T | Dual-channel, 256-tap, I²C digital potentiometer with 100 kΩ resistance; includes EEPROM for power-on recall (AD5242BRZ1M lacks nonvolatile storage); different pinout (16-pin TQFN vs. SOIC). | Required where wiper position must survive power cycles without host reinitialization; not drop-in replaceable due to package and pin assignment differences. | Choose MAX5487ETE+T only if EEPROM retention is mandatory; otherwise AD5242BRZ1M offers superior tempco (30 ppm/°C vs. 45 ppm/°C) and wider supply range (2.7–5.5 V vs. 2.7–5.5 V, but no dual-supply support). |
Compared with AD5242BRZ100 and MAX5487ETE+T, the AD5242BRZ1M delivers highest impedance and lowest tempco for precision DC applications, but trades off bandwidth and nonvolatile storage-making it optimal for factory-trimmed, high-Z, thermally stable analog front-ends where host MCU manages state.
Availability
AD5242BRZ1M is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio volume control, instrumentation offset calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, and line impedance matching requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature grades and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for AD5242BRZ1M 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 AD5242 product line delivers precision digitally controlled resistors for replacing mechanical potentiometers in automated calibration, sensor conditioning, and programmable analog signal paths-designed specifically for robustness in extended temperature environments and seamless integration with microcontroller-based systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature range for the AD5242BRZ1M?
The AD5242BRZ1M is fully specified and guaranteed to operate from −40°C to +105°C. This extended temperature range is validated across all electrical parameters including resistance tolerance, tempco, I²C timing, and wiper performance, making it suitable for industrial control, automotive under-hood, and outdoor instrumentation applications where thermal stability is critical. The AD5242BRZ1M maintains 30 ppm/°C tempco and monotonic 256-step behavior across this full range.
Does the AD5242BRZ1M support dual-supply operation, and what are the limits?
Yes, the AD5242BRZ1M supports true dual-supply operation with VDD = +2.7 V and VSS = −2.7 V (±2.7 V). This enables bipolar signal handling in potentiometer divider mode, allowing input voltages across terminals A and B to swing symmetrically around ground. The device retains full functionality-including I²C communication, O1/O2 logic outputs, and shutdown-under dual-supply conditions. Absolute maximum ratings permit VDD–VSS ≤ 7 V, so ±2.7 V is the recommended operational limit.
Can the AD5242BRZ1M wiper position be read back after programming?
Yes, the AD5242BRZ1M supports I²C readback of the current wiper position for both channels. To read RDAC1, the host sends a start condition, target address with R/W = 1, and reads one byte; to read RDAC2, the host must first issue a write command selecting RDAC2 (A/B = 1) and then perform a separate read cycle. This readback capability allows verification of programmed settings, fault detection, and state recovery after power interruption-key for reliable operation in the AD5242BRZ1M's target applications.
How does the AD5242BRZ1M handle power-on initialization?
The AD5242BRZ1M features an internal power-on reset circuit that automatically loads code 0x80 (midscale) into both RDAC registers at power-up. This ensures a known, repeatable starting resistance (500 kΩ per channel in rheostat mode) without requiring host MCU intervention. The midscale preset simplifies system design by eliminating startup transients in gain-setting or biasing circuits and provides fail-safe behavior during brown-out recovery. This behavior is inherent to the AD5242BRZ1M silicon and requires no external components.
What are the absolute maximum current ratings for the resistor terminals of the AD5242BRZ1M?
Per the AD5242BRZ1M datasheet, the maximum current through terminals A, B, or W depends on nominal resistance and package: for the 1 MΩ version in SOIC, the limit is 0.5 mA. Exceeding this risks degradation of the thin-film resistor element or wiper switch. This rating assumes continuous DC operation; pulsed currents may be higher but must respect thermal limits. The 0.5 mA limit directly derives from power dissipation constraints (P = I²R) and is strictly enforced to maintain long-term reliability and parameter stability in the AD5242BRZ1M.
AD5242BRZ1M Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Number of Taps:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 1M
- Interface:
- I2C
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V, ±2.3V ~ 2.7V
- Features:
- Selectable Address
- Tolerance:
- -30%, +50%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 30ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 60
AD5242BRZ1M FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AD5242BRZ1M through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AD5242BRZ1M on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AD5242BRZ1M reliable?
The price and inventory of AD5242BRZ1M are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AD5242BRZ1M is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AD5242BRZ1M?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AD5242BRZ1M transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AD5242BRZ1M?
AD5242BRZ1M orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AD5242BRZ1M order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AD5242BRZ1M?
For technical support, including AD5242BRZ1M datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AD5242BRZ1M requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AD5242BRZ1M is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AD5242BRZ1M products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AD5242BRZ1M meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AD5242BRZ1M?
All AD5242BRZ1M units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AD5242BRZ1M, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AD5242BRZ1M part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AD5242BRZ1M:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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