Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS3905U-020
- Part No.:
- DS3905U-020
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
DS3905U-020.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 20KOHM 128TAP 10UMAX
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,420
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Product details
Overview
DS3905U-020 from Maxim Integrated is a triple-channel, nonvolatile digital potentiometer IC with three 20kΩ resistors, each offering 128 linear positions and high-impedance switch mode, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V over –40°C to +85°C in a 10-pin µSOP package. It replaces mechanical trimmers in power-supply calibration and fiber-optic transceiver gain control.
For engineers reviewing the DS3905U-020 datasheet, DS3905U-020 pinout, DS3905U-020 application, or DS3905U-020 equivalent, this page delivers verified resistor values, I²C-compatible 2-wire interface timing, address pin configuration (A0/A1/A2), NV memory endurance (50,000 writes), and precise RHIZ-enabled switching behavior - all confirmed for the DS3905U-020 variant.
Technical Context
The DS3905U-020 implements three independent 128-step digital resistors (F8h/F9h/FAh registers), each supporting position 00h (min resistance), 7Fh (max resistance), and 80h (high-impedance state). Its 2-wire serial interface complies with standard-mode (100kHz) and fast-mode (400kHz) I²C timing, with address decoding via A0, A1, and A2 pins enabling up to eight devices on one bus.
Each resistor terminal (H0/H1/H2) supports voltage up to 5.5V independent of VCC, allowing level-shifting applications. Nonvolatile storage retains settings across power cycles, and absolute linearity is ±1 LSB with temperature coefficient ≤±400 ppm/°C at position 7Fh for the 20kΩ elements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resistor Values | Three 20kΩ nominal elements (R0/R1/R2), each with 128 linear positions and RHIZ switch mode |
| Interface | 2-wire I²C-compatible serial bus with A0/A1/A2 address pins supporting up to eight devices |
| Supply Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - enables operation across 3.3V and 5V systems without level shifters |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +85°C industrial grade - validated for embedded telecom and portable electronics |
| Nonvolatile Endurance | 50,000 write cycles - sufficient for factory calibration and infrequent field adjustment |
| Terminal Voltage Rating | H0/H1/H2 tolerate up to 5.5V regardless of VCC - supports mixed-voltage system interfacing |
| Linearity Error | ±1 LSB absolute linearity - ensures predictable resistance vs. code across full range |
Pinout & Package
DS3905U-020 is housed in a 10-pin µSOP package (2.1mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable and optical modules.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | Address Select Input | LSB of 3-bit slave address; ties to GND/VCC to select device on shared I²C bus |
| A1 | Address Select Input | Middle bit of 3-bit slave address; enables unique addressing among up to eight DS3905 units |
| A2 | Address Select Input | MSB of 3-bit slave address; required for multi-device bus arbitration |
| SDA | Serial Data I/O | Open-drain bidirectional line for I²C data transfer; requires external pull-up |
| SCL | Serial Clock Input | Master-generated clock synchronizing all read/write operations |
| VCC | Power Supply | 2.7V–5.5V supply input; powers internal logic and resistor array |
| GND | Ground Reference | Return path for supply and signal currents; must be low-impedance |
| H0 | Resistor 0 High Terminal | Connects to wiper-side of first 20kΩ digital pot; supports RHIZ mode |
| H1 | Resistor 1 High Terminal | Connects to wiper-side of second 20kΩ digital pot; supports RHIZ mode |
| H2 | Resistor 2 High Terminal | Connects to wiper-side of third 20kΩ digital pot; supports RHIZ mode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Triple 20kΩ NV resistors | Enables simultaneous gain, offset, and bias trimming in single-chip solutions - eliminates three discrete trimmers |
| High-impedance (RHIZ) mode | Each resistor supports digital switch function via 80h register write - replaces SPST mechanical switches |
| 3-pin address configuration | A0/A1/A2 allow eight unique I²C addresses - simplifies multi-pot calibration in modular systems |
| Low tempco (≤±400 ppm/°C) | Stable resistance over –40°C to +85°C - critical for precision analog circuits in uncontrolled environments |
| Independent H-terminal voltage rating | H0/H1/H2 tolerate 5.5V even at 2.7V VCC - enables 3.3V MCU control of 5V analog signal paths |
Applications
| Power-Supply Calibration | Fibre Optic Transceiver Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning feedback resistors in DC-DC converter error amplifiers to meet tight output voltage tolerance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: DS3905U-020 acts as programmable gain-setting element in voltage reference loop, updated during production test. Use Value: Eliminates manual trimmer adjustment; enables automated calibration with <±0.5% output accuracy across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Adjusting laser bias current and modulation amplitude in SFP+ transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: DS3905U-020 configures current-source setpoints and TIA gain in analog front-end, controlled via host microcontroller. Use Value: Supports dynamic recalibration after thermal drift; maintains eye diagram compliance under varying ambient conditions. |
| Portable Electronics | Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Calibrating battery fuel gauges and sensor signal chains in smartphones and wearables. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: DS3905U-020 serves as NV offset trimmer for ADC reference buffers and current-sense amplifiers. Use Value: Preserves calibration across sleep/wake cycles and battery swaps; reduces BOM count versus mechanical alternatives. |
Use Scenario: Setting precision attenuation and gain stages in automated test fixtures for analog IC validation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: DS3905U-020 provides repeatable, software-controlled resistor values for stimulus/sense path calibration. Use Value: Enables script-driven calibration sequences; achieves <0.1% repeatability without operator intervention. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5243BRMZ10 | Dual 10kΩ channel; I²C interface; 64 positions; no RHIZ mode; 2.7V–5.5V supply | Lacks third resistor and high-Z switch capability; lower resolution limits fine-tuning precision | Select when only dual-channel trimming is needed and switch functionality is unnecessary |
| MCP45HV51-103 | Single 10kΩ channel; SPI interface; 257 positions; 5.5V tolerant H-ports; 2.7V–5.5V supply | Single-channel only; SPI instead of I²C; higher resolution but no multi-device addressing | Choose for high-precision single-resistor adjustment where bus simplicity outweighs multi-device scalability |
Compared with AD5243BRMZ10 and MCP45HV51-103, the DS3905U-020 uniquely delivers triple 20kΩ channels with RHIZ switch mode and 3-pin I²C addressing - making it the only option for compact, multi-pot, software-controllable calibration in space- and interface-constrained designs.
Availability
DS3905U-020 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power-supply calibration, fibre optic transceiver modules, and portable electronics requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.
Supply support for DS3905U-020 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, communications, and consumer applications.
The DS3905U-020 belongs to Maxim's digital potentiometer product line, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in automated calibration systems where nonvolatility, small footprint, and multi-device I²C control are essential.
FAQ
What is the resistance tolerance and temperature coefficient of DS3905U-020 at position 7Fh?
The DS3905U-020 exhibits a position 7Fh resistance of 14.5kΩ to 25.5kΩ at +25°C (20kΩ nominal), with temperature coefficient bounded between –200 ppm/°C and +400 ppm/°C across –40°C to +85°C. These values are measured and specified in the Analog Resistor Characteristics table of the official DS3905 datasheet Rev 3.
Can DS3905U-020 operate with VCC = 3.3V while driving 5V signals on H0/H1/H2 terminals?
Yes. The DS3905U-020 allows H0, H1, and H2 terminals to tolerate up to 5.5V independently of VCC, enabling direct interfacing with 5V analog circuitry while powered from a 3.3V rail. This is explicitly guaranteed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Applications Information sections of the DS3905 datasheet.
How many DS3905U-020 devices can share the same I²C bus, and what determines uniqueness?
Up to eight DS3905U-020 devices can share one I²C bus, determined by the combination of A0, A1, and A2 pin states (0 or 1), forming a 3-bit hardware address. Each device responds only to its assigned 7-bit slave address (1010xxxA), ensuring conflict-free communication without software address management.
Does DS3905U-020 support both standard-mode and fast-mode I²C communication?
Yes. The DS3905U-020 fully supports standard-mode I²C (up to 100kHz) and fast-mode I²C (up to 400kHz), with timing parameters including tSU:DAT, tHD:DAT, and tLOW explicitly specified for both modes in the AC Electrical Characteristics table.
What happens to resistor settings during power loss, and how many write cycles does DS3905U-020 support?
Resistor settings are stored in nonvolatile EEPROM memory and retained across power cycles. The DS3905U-020 guarantees 50,000 write cycles per resistor register, with typical endurance exceeding this specification - sufficient for factory calibration and occasional field updates.
DS3905U-020 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Rheostat
- Number of Circuits:
- 3
- Number of Taps:
- 128
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 20k
- Interface:
- I2C
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- Selectable Address
- Tolerance:
- -
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 123ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 10-uMAX/uSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- -
DS3905U-020 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for DS3905U-020 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for DS3905U-020 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 DS3905U-020 reliable?
The price and inventory of DS3905U-020 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for DS3905U-020 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for DS3905U-020?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for DS3905U-020 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for DS3905U-020?
DS3905U-020 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your DS3905U-020 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 DS3905U-020?
For technical support, including DS3905U-020 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your DS3905U-020 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that DS3905U-020 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All DS3905U-020 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 DS3905U-020 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of DS3905U-020?
All DS3905U-020 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with DS3905U-020, 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 DS3905U-020 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for DS3905U-020:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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