Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS1868-10+
- Part No.:
- DS1868-10+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
DS1868-10+.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 10KOHM 256TAP 14DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
DS1868-10+ from Analog Devices (formerly Dallas Semiconductor) is a dual-channel, 256-tap digital potentiometer with 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance per channel, operated via 3-wire serial interface (RST/CLK/DQ), supporting stacked and cascaded configurations for extended resistance range and multi-device control in analog signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the DS1868-10+ datasheet, DS1868-10+ pinout, DS1868-10+ application, or DS1868-10+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its ±0.3 LSB relative linearity, ultra-low 400 µA supply current at 5 V, industrial -40°C to +85°C operation, and support for series stacking to achieve 20 kΩ total resistance with 512-step resolution.
Technical Context
The DS1868-10+ integrates two independent 256-position resistive ladders with temperature-compensated elements (±0.3 LSB relative linearity), each controlled by an 8-bit wiper value stored in a 17-bit I/O shift register that also includes a stack-select bit. Communication uses a synchronous 3-wire protocol requiring RST activation before CLK/DQ data transfer.
It supports two advanced topologies: stacked configuration (H0–L0 and H1–L1 connected in series, SOUT multiplexing W0/W1 based on stack bit) and daisy-chained cascade (COUT of one device drives DQ of next, enabling multi-unit control over single bus with 17×N-bit transactions).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resistance Value | 10 kΩ per potentiometer; enables precise gain/attenuation scaling in 5 V analog front-ends without external scaling resistors. |
| Resolution | 256 positions per channel (8-bit); provides 0.39% step resolution for fine analog tuning in closed-loop systems. |
| Linearity | ±0.3 LSB relative linearity; ensures monotonic voltage division across full wiper travel, critical for sensor calibration and DAC replacement. |
| Supply Current | 400 µA typical at 5 V; allows battery-powered or low-power embedded systems to retain analog trim without significant quiescent load. |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +85°C industrial grade; guarantees stable resistance ratio and wiper behavior across automotive and industrial ambient conditions. |
| Interface | 3-wire serial (RST/CLK/DQ); eliminates need for I²C or SPI peripherals-compatible with GPIO-driven microcontrollers using bit-banged timing. |
| Wiper Resistance | 400–1000 Ω; must be accounted for in high-impedance feedback paths (e.g., op-amp gain networks) to avoid gain error. |
Pinout & Package
DS1868-10+ is available in 20-pin TSSOP (173-mil), 16-pin SOIC (300-mil), and 14-pin DIP (300-mil) packages. Pin functions are identical across packages except for NC/DNC pin count variations; all GND pins must be connected.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| L0, L1 | Low-end terminals of potentiometers | Reference nodes for resistor ladder; connect to circuit ground or bias reference to define lower voltage boundary. |
| H0, H1 | High-end terminals of potentiometers | Define upper voltage rail for each pot; must remain within VB−0.5 V to VCC+0.5 V limits. |
| W0, W1 | Wiper outputs | Provide variable voltage taps; output impedance varies 400–1000 Ω depending on position and voltage-requires high-Z loading. |
| SOUT | Stacked output multiplexer | Delivers W0 or W1 based on stack-select bit; used when potentiometers are series-connected for 20 kΩ total resistance. |
| RST | Serial port enable input | Active-high signal initiating communication; must transition low→high to start transaction and return low to latch new wiper values. |
| CLK | Serial clock input | Drives synchronous data sampling on rising edge; supports up to 10 MHz for fast reconfiguration (<1.7 µs per 17-bit write). |
| DQ | Serial bidirectional data | Carries 17-bit shift register contents (stack bit + W1 + W0); requires external pull-up for open-drain compatibility. |
| COUT | Cascade output | Propagates stack bit after 50 ns delay; enables daisy-chaining multiple DS1868-10+ units with single processor interface. |
| VCC / GND | Power supply | +5 V ±10% supply; all GND pins must be tied to common ground plane to ensure noise immunity and linearity stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Stacked configuration support | Enables series connection of both potentiometers to double total resistance (20 kΩ) while preserving 256-step resolution per segment and offering 512-step effective wiper control via SOUT. |
| Daisy-chain cascade capability | Allows up to N devices on one 3-wire bus using COUT→DQ interconnect; reduces MCU GPIO count and simplifies BOM for multi-channel trimming systems. |
| Temperature-compensated resistive elements | Maintains ±0.3 LSB relative linearity across -40°C to +85°C, eliminating recalibration drift in thermal-varying environments like motor control or outdoor instrumentation. |
| Ultra-low power operation | Draws only 400 µA at 5 V and drops to 1 µA in standby (RST low), making it suitable for always-on analog monitoring nodes in energy-constrained IoT endpoints. |
| Independent wiper control | Each 8-bit wiper value is separately programmable and readable via serial interface, enabling asymmetric gain/offset adjustment in differential amplifier topologies. |
Applications
| Variable Gain Amplifier | Fixed-Gain Signal Attenuator |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Programmable gain stage in optical transceiver front-end where laser bias must adapt to aging and temperature drift. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual potentiometer configures non-inverting op-amp feedback network (Rf/Rin) to adjust gain from 1× to 10× in discrete steps. Use Value: Replaces mechanical trimpots with field-updatable gain settings; 10 kΩ value matches standard op-amp impedance targets, minimizing noise contribution. |
Use Scenario: Precision attenuation of sensor output (e.g., thermocouple, strain gauge) prior to ADC sampling in industrial PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as digitally adjustable voltage divider between sensor and ADC input, with W0/W1 independently trimmed to null offset and scale full-scale range. Use Value: Enables factory and field calibration without soldering; ±0.3 LSB linearity ensures <0.12% full-scale error across entire 0–5 V input span. |
| Multi-Channel Audio Level Control | Embedded System Power Supply Trim |
Use Scenario: Channel-by-channel volume balancing in professional audio mixer ASICs with 8+ analog inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Each DS1868-10+ controls two channels via stacked mode (SOUT) or independent W0/W1; cascaded for system-wide sync. Use Value: Eliminates 16 individual mechanical pots; 256-step resolution delivers <0.5 dB step size at line level, meeting AES17 loudness standards. |
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning of 3.3 V or 5 V DC-DC converter feedback voltage in FPGA carrier boards requiring ±1% output tolerance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replaces fixed resistor in feedback divider (e.g., RT/RTOP) to dynamically adjust VOUT during production test or firmware update. Use Value: Enables post-silicon margin testing and voltage binning; 10 kΩ value avoids loading switch-mode controller compensation network. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5232BRUZ10 | Nonvolatile EEPROM storage (retains wiper settings after power loss); SPI interface; 10 kΩ, 256-tap; higher 500 µA ICC. | Required where power-cycle persistence is mandatory (e.g., medical device calibration); not suitable for high-speed dynamic reconfiguration due to EEPROM write latency. | Select AD5232BRUZ10 if nonvolatile wiper storage is required; DS1868-10+ is preferred for volatile, low-latency, low-power trimming. |
| MCP42010-I/P | Single-supply 2.7–5.5 V operation; SPI interface; 10 kΩ, 256-tap; no stacking/cascading; 14-pin PDIP only. | Lacks SOUT/COUT features-cannot implement series resistance doubling or multi-device daisy chains; limited to basic dual-pot use cases. | Choose MCP42010-I/P for cost-sensitive, single-device applications without advanced topology needs; DS1868-10+ adds architectural flexibility at modest BOM premium. |
Compared with AD5232BRUZ10 and MCP42010-I/P, the DS1868-10+ uniquely combines ultra-low power (400 µA), stacking/cascading capability, and 3-wire simplicity-making it optimal for battery-powered or multi-node analog trimming where EEPROM persistence is unnecessary and topology scalability matters.
Availability
DS1868-10+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded power supply trimming, audio level control, and optical transceiver gain management requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for DS1868-10+ 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The DS1868-10+ belongs to the legacy Dallas digital potentiometer family engineered for replacing mechanical trimpots in automated calibration, sensor signal conditioning, and programmable analog front-ends.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the DS1868-10+ serial interface?
The DS1868-10+ supports a maximum CLK frequency of 10 MHz, enabling full 17-bit wiper register writes in under 1.7 µs. This timing allows rapid reconfiguration in real-time analog control loops. The DS1868-10+ datasheet specifies minimum pulse widths and setup/hold times (e.g., tCH ≥ 50 ns, tDC ≥ 30 ns) to ensure reliable operation at this rate. Exceeding 10 MHz may cause shift register corruption or incomplete writes.
Does the DS1868-10+ retain wiper settings after power cycling?
No, the DS1868-10+ does not retain wiper settings after power loss-it lacks nonvolatile memory. Wiper positions reset to random values on power-up. To restore calibrated settings, the host microcontroller must reinitialize the DS1868-10+ via its 3-wire interface during boot. For persistent storage, external EEPROM or flash with initialization firmware is required. This volatile behavior is inherent to the DS1868-10+ architecture.
Can the DS1868-10+ be used in ±3 V supply configurations?
Yes, the DS1868-10+ supports ±3 V operation per its datasheet specifications. When using dual supplies, VB (substrate bias) must be tied to -3.3 V, and all resistor terminal voltages (L/H/W) must stay within VB−0.5 V to VCC+0.5 V. In ±3 V mode, the DS1868-10+ maintains full 256-step resolution and ±0.3 LSB linearity, enabling bipolar signal conditioning in audio or instrumentation amplifiers.
How does the stacked configuration affect resolution and total resistance in the DS1868-10+?
In stacked configuration, the DS1868-10+ connects H0–L0 and H1–L1 in series, yielding 20 kΩ total end-to-end resistance. Resolution remains 256 steps per potentiometer, but the effective wiper count becomes 512 due to SOUT multiplexing W0 or W1 based on the stack-select bit. The DS1868-10+ datasheet confirms this doubles resistance without degrading linearity-each segment retains its ±0.3 LSB relative linearity specification.
What is the purpose of the COUT pin on the DS1868-10+ and how is it used in practice?
The COUT pin on the DS1868-10+ outputs the stack-select bit (bit 0) with 50 ns propagation delay, enabling daisy-chained cascading of multiple devices. In practice, COUT of one DS1868-10+ drives DQ of the next, allowing a single 3-wire bus to configure N units using 17×N-bit serial streams. An optional 2–10 kΩ isolation resistor enables bidirectional readback, letting the host verify wiper settings across the chain without additional hardware.
DS1868-10+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Number of Taps:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 10k
- Interface:
- Serial
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.3V, 5V
- Features:
- Cascade Pin
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 750ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-PDIP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 400
DS1868-10+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for DS1868-10+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for DS1868-10+ 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 DS1868-10+ reliable?
The price and inventory of DS1868-10+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for DS1868-10+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for DS1868-10+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for DS1868-10+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for DS1868-10+?
DS1868-10+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your DS1868-10+ 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 DS1868-10+?
For technical support, including DS1868-10+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your DS1868-10+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that DS1868-10+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All DS1868-10+ 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 DS1868-10+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of DS1868-10+?
All DS1868-10+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with DS1868-10+, 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 DS1868-10+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for DS1868-10+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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