Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS1803Z-050+T&R

Overview

DS1803Z-050+T&R from Maxim Integrated is a dual-channel, volatile digital potentiometer with 256-position resolution per channel, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, 2-wire I²C-compatible interface, and industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). It serves as a programmable analog gain/offset adjustment element in precision sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the DS1803Z-050+T&R datasheet, DS1803Z-050+T&R pinout, DS1803Z-050+T&R application, or DS1803Z-050+T&R equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper position volatility, 50kΩ resistor tolerance (±20%), 400kHz I²C clock support, and SOIC-16 lead-free tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly.

Technical Context

The DS1803Z-050+T&R implements two independent 8-bit wiper registers controlling 256-tap resistor arrays. Each potentiometer's wiper terminal (W0/W1) connects to one of 256 positions between its respective high-end (H0/H1) and low-end (L0/L1) terminals, with resolution defined as 50kΩ/255 ≈ 196Ω per step.

It operates as an I²C slave device using SDA/SCL pins, with address selection via A0–A2 inputs enabling up to eight devices on one bus. The device is volatile: wiper positions reset to 00h (L-terminal) at power-up and require host initialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS1803Z-050+T&R is housed in a 16-pin SOIC (150 mil) surface-mount package with lead-free finish and tape-and-reel packaging for SMT assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/P, DS1803Z-050+T&R offers I²C simplicity and SOIC-16 SMT compatibility for new industrial sensor and power management designs where volatile startup behavior is acceptable and bus sharing is required.

Availability

DS1803Z-050+T&R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable power supply trimming, and audio signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and lead-free compliance.

Supply support for DS1803Z-050+T&R 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, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The DS1803Z-050+T&R belongs to Maxim's digital potentiometer product line, engineered for replacing mechanical trimpots in automated calibration, gain control, and bias adjustment circuits where programmability and reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the resistance tolerance and temperature coefficient of the DS1803Z-050+T&R?

The DS1803Z-050+T&R has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50kΩ with a tolerance of ±20% and a temperature coefficient of 750ppm/°C. These values are specified over the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), ensuring predictable drift behavior in thermal cycling environments. The DS1803Z-050+T&R's resistor array is trimmed at wafer level to meet these specifications without requiring post-assembly calibration.

Does the DS1803Z-050+T&R retain wiper settings after power loss?

No, the DS1803Z-050+T&R is a volatile digital potentiometer: wiper positions reset to 00h (low-end terminal) upon power-up. This behavior ensures a known, safe default state-critical in systems where unintended output could cause malfunction. Host firmware must reinitialize the DS1803Z-050+T&R's wiper registers after each power cycle using its 2-wire interface.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the DS1803Z-050+T&R?

The DS1803Z-050+T&R supports standard-mode I²C operation up to 100kHz and fast-mode operation up to 400kHz. Its timing parameters-including tLOW, tHIGH, and tSU:DAT-are fully compliant with I²C specification Rev. 6. For reliable communication, ensure SDA/SCL rise/fall times meet the 300ns max requirement under 400pF bus capacitance, as specified in the DS1803Z-050+T&R datasheet.

Can multiple DS1803Z-050+T&R devices share the same I²C bus?

Yes, up to eight DS1803Z-050+T&R devices can share one I²C bus using the A0, A1, and A2 address pins to configure unique 3-bit slave addresses. Each DS1803Z-050+T&R responds only to its assigned address (0101xxx binary prefix), enabling coordinated control of multiple analog adjustments from a single microcontroller without bus contention.

What package type and finish does the DS1803Z-050+T&R use?

The DS1803Z-050+T&R is supplied in a 16-pin SOIC (150 mil) package with lead-free (Pb-free) finish and tape-and-reel (T&R) packaging. This format supports automated pick-and-place assembly and complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Pin pitch is 1.27mm, and body width is 3.9mm-compatible with standard SOIC footprints and reflow soldering profiles.