Analog Devices Inc. AD8400AR50-REEL
- Part No.:
- AD8400AR50-REEL
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AD8400AR50-REEL.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 50KOHM 256TAP 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,801
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Product details
Overview
AD8400AR50-REEL from Analog Devices is a single-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer in SOIC-8 package with 50 kΩ nominal end-to-end resistance, ±1% channel matching, 500 ppm/°C tempco, and SPI-compatible 3-wire interface-used for precision programmable gain control in industrial sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the AD8400AR50-REEL datasheet, AD8400AR50-REEL pinout, AD8400AR50-REEL application, or AD8400AR50-REEL equivalent, key selection factors include its 50 kΩ resistance value, 8-bit resolution, shutdown current <5 μA, 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range, and guaranteed operation from −40°C to +125°C for automotive and harsh-environment designs.
Technical Context
The AD8400AR50-REEL implements a digitally controlled rheostat or potentiometer divider using an 8-bit serial-input latch and precision resistor ladder with wiper-switching architecture that avoids make-before-break or break-before-make transitions. Its internal 50 kΩ fixed resistor is tapped by a digitally positioned wiper, delivering linear resistance vs. code behavior with monotonicity guaranteed.
It features dedicated SHDN and RS pins: SHDN forces A-terminal open-circuit and shorts W to B (microwatt shutdown), while RS resets wiper to midscale (code 0x80). The SPI-compatible interface operates up to 10 MHz with 10-bit data words (2 address + 8 data bits) and supports daisy-chaining via SDO.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal RAB | 50 kΩ ±15% at 25°C - defines full-scale resistance range for gain/attenuation scaling |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 positions) - enables 0.39% incremental resistance step control |
| Tempco | 500 ppm/°C - ensures stable resistance over industrial temperature range (−40°C to +125°C) |
| Wiper Resistance | ≤100 Ω at 5 V - minimizes insertion error in low-impedance feedback paths |
| Shutdown Current | <5 μA - enables ultra-low-power standby in battery-operated systems |
| Supply Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - supports direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V logic/microcontrollers |
| Interface | SPI-compatible 3-wire (CS, CLK, SDI), 10 MHz max clock - simplifies MCU integration without protocol translation |
Pinout & Package
AD8400AR50-REEL is housed in an 8-pin SOIC surface-mount package (JEDEC MS-012, 3.9 mm width) with standard thermal and mechanical footprint for automated assembly.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Resistor terminal B (low side) | Fixed endpoint of 50 kΩ resistor; referenced to GND in most rheostat configurations |
| GND | Digital/analog ground reference | Common return for digital interface and resistor terminals; must be low-impedance |
| CS | Chip select input (active low) | Enables serial register load on rising edge; latches address/data into target VR latch |
| SDI | Serial data input | Accepts 10-bit word (A1,A0,D7–D0); LSB-first or MSB-first per timing diagram |
| CLK | Serial clock input (positive edge) | Drives data shift-in; supports up to 10 MHz for fast wiper repositioning |
| VDD | Positive supply (2.7–5.5 V) | Power source for logic and resistor array; also sets analog voltage range for terminals |
| W1 | Wiper output | Variable tap point between A1 and B1; delivers programmable resistance to A1 or B1 |
| A1 | Resistor terminal A (high side) | Fixed endpoint of 50 kΩ resistor; often tied to VDD or signal source in gain-setting networks |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 256-position digital adjustment | Replaces mechanical potentiometers with non-volatile-free, repeatable, and shock-resistant resistance tuning |
| 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance | Optimized for mid-range impedance applications including sensor bridge biasing and op-amp feedback networks |
| Power shutdown mode | Reduces current to <5 μA while preserving wiper position for instant wake-up without recalibration |
| Channel-to-channel matching | ±1% RAB tolerance across channels - critical for dual-ratio or matched-gain configurations |
| Automotive qualification | Qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C) - suitable for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS subsystems |
Applications
| Programmable Sensor Gain Calibration | Audio Volume Control |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Calibrating offset and span in bridge-based pressure or temperature transducers during production test. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode AD8400AR50-REEL adjusts op-amp feedback resistance to scale sensor output to ADC input range. Use Value: Enables one-time digital calibration stored in host MCU memory, eliminating manual trim pots and improving long-term stability. |
Use Scenario: Implementing mute-capable, click-free volume control in automotive infotainment head units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Potentiometer-divider mode AD8400AR50-REEL acts as digitally adjustable voltage divider for analog audio path attenuation. Use Value: Provides 0.39% resolution steps and glitch-minimized switching-reducing audible artifacts versus mechanical pots. |
| Power Supply Trim | Line Impedance Matching |
|
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning output voltage of isolated DC-DC converters in telecom power modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AD8400AR50-REEL replaces fixed resistor in feedback divider of secondary-side TL431 regulator loop. Use Value: Allows remote firmware-based voltage adjustment without hardware change-supporting multi-voltage SKUs from single PCB design. |
Use Scenario: Dynamically matching termination impedance in legacy analog video (CVBS) or RS-485 communication lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode AD8400AR50-REEL sets series termination resistance between driver and cable. Use Value: Compensates for trace length variations and connector tolerances across production batches-improving signal integrity margin. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5204BRZ10 | Quad-channel, 10 kΩ, 33-position, I²C interface, no shutdown pin | Lacks microwatt shutdown and SPI compatibility; suited for low-resolution, multi-channel trimming | Select when board space allows quad integration and 10 kΩ impedance matches system requirements |
| MCP41050-I/P | Single-channel, 50 kΩ, 256-position, SPI interface, 5 V only, no RS pin | No reset-to-midscale function; not qualified for automotive temperature range | Choose for cost-sensitive 5 V-only consumer applications where AEC-Q100 compliance is unnecessary |
Compared with AD5204BRZ10 and MCP41050-I/P, AD8400AR50-REEL uniquely combines automotive-grade temperature range, dedicated shutdown and reset pins, and guaranteed 50 kΩ resistance tolerance-making it optimal for high-reliability industrial and automotive trimming where deterministic startup and low-power standby are required.
Availability
AD8400AR50-REEL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive power management, and programmable analog front-ends requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for AD8400AR50-REEL 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.
The AD8400 family was designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in precision analog adjustment applications-including sensor signal chains, power supply feedback, and audio systems-where reliability, temperature stability, and digital control are essential.
FAQ
What is the resistance tolerance and temperature coefficient of AD8400AR50-REEL?
The AD8400AR50-REEL has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of ±15% at 25°C (per Table 2, Rev. E datasheet), and a typical temperature coefficient of 500 ppm/°C. This tempco applies to the A-to-B terminal resistance and ensures predictable drift across the full −40°C to +125°C operating range. Channel-to-channel matching is ±1%, critical for multi-pot systems.
Does AD8400AR50-REEL support daisy-chaining with other digital potentiometers?
Yes, AD8400AR50-REEL supports daisy-chaining via its SDO (serial data out) pin. When multiple AD8400AR50-REEL or compatible devices (e.g., AD8402/AD8403) are connected, the SDO of one feeds the SDI of the next, allowing a single SPI bus to program several devices without external decoding logic-reducing GPIO count and simplifying firmware.
Can AD8400AR50-REEL operate from a 3.3 V supply?
Yes, AD8400AR50-REEL is fully specified for 2.7 V to 5.5 V single-supply operation. At 3.3 V, it maintains full functionality: logic thresholds adjust (VIH = 2.1 V min, VIL = 0.6 V max), wiper settling time is 9 μs (for 50 kΩ), and shutdown current remains below 5 μA. All AC/DC specs in the datasheet include 3 V ±10% test conditions.
What happens to the wiper position during shutdown of AD8400AR50-REEL?
When SHDN is pulled low, AD8400AR50-REEL enters microwatt shutdown: Terminal A opens, and the wiper is shorted to Terminal B-but the internal 8-bit latch retains its last programmed code. Upon returning SHDN to high, the wiper immediately resumes the exact prior resistance setting without delay or recalibration-enabling seamless low-power sleep/wake cycles.
Is AD8400AR50-REEL pin-compatible with other members of the AD8400 family?
No-AD8400AR50-REEL (SOIC-8) is not pin-compatible with AD8402 (SOIC-14/PDIP-14) or AD8403 (SOIC-24/TSSOP-24). While all share identical functional blocks and serial protocol, the AD8400AR50-REEL has only one VR channel and uses Pins 1 (B1), 2 (GND), 3 (CS), 4 (SDI), 5 (CLK), 6 (VDD), 7 (W1), and 8 (A1). No alternate channel or SDO pin exists in this 8-pin variant.
AD8400AR50-REEL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 50k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±30%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 500ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 200
AD8400AR50-REEL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AD8400AR50-REEL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AD8400AR50-REEL 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 AD8400AR50-REEL reliable?
The price and inventory of AD8400AR50-REEL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AD8400AR50-REEL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AD8400AR50-REEL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AD8400AR50-REEL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AD8400AR50-REEL?
AD8400AR50-REEL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AD8400AR50-REEL 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 AD8400AR50-REEL?
For technical support, including AD8400AR50-REEL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AD8400AR50-REEL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AD8400AR50-REEL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AD8400AR50-REEL 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 AD8400AR50-REEL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AD8400AR50-REEL?
All AD8400AR50-REEL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AD8400AR50-REEL, 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 AD8400AR50-REEL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AD8400AR50-REEL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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