Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS1267-050

Overview

DS1267-050 from Maxim Integrated (formerly Dallas Semiconductor) is a dual 256-position digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 200 kHz –3 dB bandwidth, and 3-wire serial interface. It integrates two temperature-compensated resistive arrays (±0.3 LSB relative linearity), operates from 4.5–5.5 V, and supports stacked/cascaded configurations for extended resolution or multi-device control in analog signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the DS1267-050 datasheet, DS1267-050 pinout, DS1267-050 application, or DS1267-050 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping to 16-pin SOIC, wiper position control timing, stack/cascade operation details, and real-world use cases in programmable gain amplifiers and precision attenuators.

Technical Context

The DS1267-050 implements two independent 8-bit-controlled potentiometers, each with 256 resistive sections and wiper terminals (W0/W1). Its 3-wire serial interface (RST/CLK/DQ) shifts 17-bit data - including stack select bit, pot-1 wiper (bits 1–8), and pot-0 wiper (bits 9–16) - into an internal shift register before loading on RST low transition.

Stacked configuration connects both potentiometers in series via L1–H0, doubling total resistance to 100 kΩ and resolution to 512 steps; SOUT outputs W0 or W1 based on stack select bit. Cascading uses COUT-to-DQ daisy-chaining with 50 ns propagation delay, enabling multi-device control over one bus without external logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS1267-050 is packaged in 16-pin SOIC (300-mil), with pin 1 at top-left corner when notch faces up. Pin functions are electrically validated per Maxim DS1267 datasheet Rev. 0, pages 1–2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DS1267-050, AD5232BRUZ100 adds EEPROM persistence at the cost of higher power and SPI dependency, while MCP42050-I/P offers wider voltage range but omits the key stacking and cascading features essential for scalable analog tuning architectures.

Availability

DS1267-050 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial instrumentation, medical device calibration, programmable analog front-ends, and distributed sensor networks requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for DS1267-050 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications, emphasizing low-power, high-reliability performance.

The DS1267-050 belongs to Maxim's digital potentiometer product line, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in automated calibration, gain control, and sensor signal conditioning systems where digital reconfiguration and thermal stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the end-to-end resistance and tolerance of the DS1267-050?

The DS1267-050 has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, measured at 25°C. This value is specified in the Analog Resistor Characteristics table of the official datasheet and applies to both potentiometers independently. The tolerance remains valid across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and the resistive elements are temperature-compensated to maintain ±0.3 LSB relative linearity.

Does the DS1267-050 retain wiper settings after power cycling?

No, the DS1267-050 does not retain wiper settings after power removal. Upon power-up, both potentiometers default to the 50% position (binary 10000000). To preserve settings, external microcontroller firmware must reinitialize the DS1267-050 via its 3-wire serial interface during system startup. Unlike nonvolatile alternatives such as the AD5232, the DS1267-050 relies on volatile register storage only.

How does the stacked configuration work on the DS1267-050?

In stacked configuration, the DS1267-050 connects potentiometer-0 and potentiometer-1 in series (L1 to H0), yielding 100 kΩ total resistance and 512-step resolution. The SOUT pin outputs either W0 or W1 based on the stack select bit (bit 0 of the 17-bit shift register). This mode is enabled solely through serial command - no external wiring changes beyond the L1–H0 connection are needed.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the DS1267-050 serial interface?

The DS1267-050 supports a maximum serial clock frequency of 10 MHz, as confirmed in the AC Electrical Characteristics table. At this rate, a full 17-bit write completes in under 1.7 µs. Timing parameters including tCH (50 ns min), tDC (30 ns min), and tPLH/tPHL (50 ns max) are guaranteed across –40°C to +85°C, ensuring robust operation in high-speed embedded control loops.

Can multiple DS1267-050 devices be controlled from a single microcontroller?

Yes, the DS1267-050 supports daisy-chain cascading via its COUT and DQ pins. When multiple units are connected COUT→DQ, a single 3-wire transaction shifts data through all devices sequentially with 50 ns inter-device propagation delay. Total bits transmitted equal 17 × number of devices, enabling synchronized wiper updates across the chain without additional GPIO or address logic.