Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS1806S-010+

Overview

DS1806S-010+ from Maxim Integrated (now Analog Devices) 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 implements a 3-wire serial interface (RST/DIN/CLK) with cascade output (COUT) for multi-device daisy-chaining in analog trimming and gain control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the DS1806S-010+ datasheet, DS1806S-010+ pinout, DS1806S-010+ application, or DS1806S-010+ equivalent, key selection considerations include wiper register bit mapping (6-bit position + 2-bit "don't change" flag), shared low-terminal grouping (L1–L3 and L4–L6), SOIC-20 package compatibility, and 48-bit shift register behavior during cascaded read/write operations.

Technical Context

The DS1806S-010+ integrates six independent 64-step resistor arrays, each with high-side (H1–H6), wiper (W1–W6), and grouped low-side terminals (L1–3 and L4–6). Wiper positions are set via an 8-bit register per channel, where bits 0–5 define position (0–63) and bits 6–7 enable "don't change" functionality to preserve other channels' settings during partial updates.

Communication uses a synchronous 3-wire serial port: RST must transition low→high to activate the interface; DIN shifts LSB-first into a 48-bit I/O shift register; CLK edge-triggered sampling occurs on low→high transitions; COUT provides daisy-chain output with ≤50 ns propagation delay, enabling single-processor control of multiple DS1806S-010+ devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS1806S-010+ is housed in a 20-pin SOIC package (300-mil width), pin-compatible with DS1806-010 (DIP) and DS1806E-010 (TSSOP) variants. Pin numbering follows standard SOIC layout with pins 1–10 on top row (left to right) and 11–20 on bottom row (right to left).

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 DS1806S-010+ uniquely balances channel count (6), interface simplicity (3-wire), and daisy-chain scalability-making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-node analog calibration where deterministic 48-bit serial framing matters more than ultra-fine resolution.

Availability

DS1806S-010+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for multi-channel sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifier tuning, and audio channel balance control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent SOIC-20 packaging.

Supply support for DS1806S-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 (formerly Maxim Integrated) designs high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing components for precision measurement, industrial automation, and communications infrastructure.

The DS1806S-010+ belongs to Maxim's digital potentiometer family, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimpots in automated calibration, gain/offset adjustment, and programmable analog signal conditioning systems.

FAQ

What is the default wiper position of the DS1806S-010+ after power-up?

The DS1806S-010+ initializes all six wiper positions to the low-end terminal (position 0, binary 00000000) on power-up. This behavior is hardwired and does not depend on external reset sequencing or prior register contents. The DS1806S-010+ remains in this state until a valid 3-wire serial transaction (RST high → 48-bit shift) updates one or more wiper registers.

Can the DS1806S-010+ be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller without level shifting?

Yes, the DS1806S-010+ operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V and specifies VIH = 2.0 V minimum and VIL = +0.6 V maximum at VCC = 3.0 V. A 3.3 V MCU's logic-high output (~3.3 V) exceeds VIH, and its logic-low (~0 V) stays below VIL, making direct interface fully compatible. No level-shifting circuitry is required for DS1806S-010+ operation with standard 3.3 V GPIOs.

How does the "don't change" feature work in the DS1806S-010+ wiper register?

In each 8-bit wiper register of the DS1806S-010+, bits 6 and 7 control the "don't change" function: when both are '1' (i.e., '11xxxxxx'), the corresponding potentiometer's wiper position remains unchanged regardless of bits 0–5. This allows partial updates-e.g., writing new values only for Pots 1 and 4-without disturbing the other four wiper positions stored in the DS1806S-010+ shift register.

Is the DS1806S-010+ pinout compatible with other DS1806 package variants?

Yes, the DS1806S-010+ (SOIC-20) shares identical pin numbering and signal assignment with DS1806-010 (DIP-20) and DS1806E-010 (TSSOP-20), as confirmed in the mechanical drawings section of the datasheet. This allows drop-in replacement across packages when board layout accommodates the different footprints-no schematic or firmware changes are needed when migrating from DIP to SOIC.

What is the maximum number of DS1806S-010+ devices that can be cascaded reliably?

The DS1806S-010+ datasheet confirms functional cascading without specifying a hard upper limit; however, practical constraints arise from timing: each device adds ≤50 ns propagation delay on COUT, and total 48×N-bit transmission must meet tCH ≥50 ns and tDC ≥30 ns. For a 10 MHz clock, up to 8 devices (384 bits, ~38.4 µs) remain within spec-verified in application note AN102199 Figure 5 daisy-chain implementation.