Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS1806-010+

Overview

DS1806-010+ from Analog Devices (formerly Dallas Semiconductor) is a six-channel, digitally controlled, solid-state linear potentiometer with 64-position resolution per channel, 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, ±0.5 LSB absolute linearity, and industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). It interfaces via a 3-wire serial port (RST/DIN/CLK), supports daisy-chain cascading, and operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply.

For engineers reviewing the DS1806-010+ datasheet, DS1806-010+ pinout, DS1806-010+ application, or DS1806-010+ equivalent, key selection considerations include wiper register control logic (8-bit with "don't change" bits), shared low-end terminals (L1–3 and L4–6), cascade timing (≤50 ns COUT propagation), and analog resistor specifications including 400–1000 Ω wiper resistance and 1 MHz -3 dB bandwidth.

Technical Context

The DS1806-010+ implements six independent 63-section resistor arrays, each with programmable wiper position set by an 8-bit register where bits 0–5 define position (0–63) and bits 6–7 enable "don't change" functionality. All six wiper positions are loaded simultaneously via a 48-bit I/O shift register using LSB-first serial protocol.

Its 3-wire interface requires RST high to activate communication; DIN and CLK are ignored when RST is low. Cascading uses COUT to feed DIN of the next device, enabling single-processor control of multiple DS1806-010+ units with total bit count = 48 × number of devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS1806-010+ is available in 20-pin DIP (300-mil), SOIC, and TSSOP packages. The DIP variant is used for through-hole prototyping and industrial control modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5206BRUZ-10 and MCP42010-I/P, the DS1806-010+ uniquely combines six channels, 3-wire simplicity, hardware cascade support, and ±0.5 LSB linearity-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, multi-node industrial trimming where layout efficiency and deterministic timing matter.

Availability

DS1806-010+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, audio level control, programmable power supply feedback, and multi-channel analog front-end trimming requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for DS1806-010+ 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 acquired Dallas Semiconductor in 2001 and maintains its precision analog portfolio, including digital potentiometers, temperature sensors, and 1-Wire interface products.

The DS1806-010+ belongs to the Digital Sextet Potentiometer family, designed specifically for microcontroller-based analog trimming in space-constrained industrial and instrumentation systems where multi-channel coordination and daisy-chain scalability are essential.

FAQ

What is the wiper resistance specification for DS1806-010+ and how does it affect circuit design?

The DS1806-010+ has a wiper resistance of 400 Ω to 1000 Ω, varying with wiper position and applied voltage. This resistance introduces loading error when driving low-impedance loads or high-gain amplifier inputs. To maintain accuracy, designers should buffer the wiper output with a unity-gain op-amp or ensure the connected load impedance exceeds 100 kΩ. The DS1806-010+ datasheet specifies this range under DC operating conditions at -40°C to +85°C.

Does DS1806-010+ retain wiper settings after power cycle?

No, the DS1806-010+ does not have non-volatile memory. Upon power-up, all six wipers reset to position 0 (connected to L1–3 or L4–6). System firmware must reinitialize the desired wiper positions via the 3-wire serial interface after each power-on or reset event. This behavior is explicitly defined in the DS1806-010+ datasheet's Operation section and applies regardless of package variant (DIP/SOIC/TSSOP).

Can DS1806-010+ be used in AC-coupled signal paths?

Yes, the DS1806-010+ supports AC signals up to 1 MHz (for the -010 version), as specified by its -3 dB cutoff frequency. However, AC coupling requires ensuring that DC bias conditions at HX, WX, and LX terminals remain within GND–0.5 V to VCC+0.5 V, per Absolute Maximum Ratings. Capacitive loading from external circuitry may reduce effective bandwidth, so layout and termination must follow the DS1806-010+ recommended practices in Figure 6.

How does the "don't change" feature work in DS1806-010+ wiper registers?

In each 8-bit wiper register of the DS1806-010+, bits 6 and 7 control the "don't change" function: if both are '1', the wiper position remains unchanged regardless of bits 0–5. This allows partial updates-e.g., modifying only potentiometer 2's setting while preserving positions 1, 3–6-without reading back or retransmitting all 48 bits. This feature is documented in the DS1806-010+ datasheet Figure 2 and Operation section.

Is DS1806-010+ pin-compatible with other DS1806 variants like DS1806-050+ or DS1806-100+?

Yes, all DS1806 variants-including DS1806-010+, DS1806-050+, and DS1806-100+-share identical pinouts, package footprints, and electrical interface timing. Only the end-to-end resistance differs (10 kΩ vs. 50 kΩ vs. 100 kΩ), making them direct drop-in replacements where resistance value meets system requirements. This compatibility is confirmed in the DS1806 Ordering Information table and Mechanical Drawings section.