Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5160MEUA+T
- Part No.:
- MAX5160MEUA+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX5160MEUA+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 100KOHM 32TAP 8UMAX
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,764
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Product details
Overview
The MAX5160MEUA+T from Maxim Integrated is an 8-pin µMAX-packaged, 100kΩ linear-taper digital potentiometer with 32 tap positions, ±1LSB DNL, ±0.5LSB INL, and 400Ω wiper resistance. It operates from +2.7V to +5.5V, features power-on reset to midscale (position 16), and delivers low-temperature-coefficient performance (50ppm/°C end-to-end, 5ppm/°C ratiometric) for precision adjustable-gain circuits in LCD biasing and analog trimming.
For engineers reviewing the MAX5160MEUA+T datasheet, MAX5160MEUA+T pinout, MAX5160MEUA+T application, or MAX5160MEUA+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.
Technical Context
The MAX5160MEUA+T implements a 31-element resistor string with digitally controlled wiper positioning via a 3-wire serial interface (CS, U/D, INC). Its internal counter increments or decrements on high-to-low INC transitions under CS low, with non-wrapping behavior at scale extremes.
It integrates glitchless tap switching, power-on reset to position 16, and ±2kV ESD protection. The device supports single-supply operation and maintains stable ratiometric performance across -40°C to +85°C due to its 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco-critical for gain-setting accuracy in op-amp feedback networks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Resistance | 100kΩ - sets full-scale analog range for voltage divider or gain-setting applications |
| Tap Positions | 32 - enables 31.25kΩ step resolution (100kΩ/32) for fine analog control |
| Wiper Resistance | 400Ω - limits current injection error and signal attenuation in wiper-connected paths |
| DNL / INL | ±1LSB / ±0.5LSB - ensures monotonicity and <0.3% full-scale linearity error in closed-loop gain control |
| Supply Voltage Range | +2.7V to +5.5V - compatible with 3.3V and 5V logic/system rails without level shifting |
| Tempco (Ratiometric) | 5ppm/°C - guarantees <0.04% gain drift over 85°C temperature span in op-amp configurations |
| Power-On Reset | Midscale (position 16) - ensures known initial gain/voltage division state at system startup |
Pinout & Package
The MAX5160MEUA+T is housed in an 8-pin µMAX package (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained analog front-ends and display bias circuits.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD (Pin 8) | Positive supply input | Accepts +2.7V to +5.5V; powers internal logic and resistor array; decoupling required near pin |
| GND (Pin 4) | Ground reference | Common return for supply, logic, and analog terminals; must be low-impedance path |
| CS (Pin 7) | Chip-select enable | Active-low control: wiper updates only when CS = low; isolates bus during inactive periods |
| INC (Pin 1) | Wiper increment/decrement clock | High-to-low transition changes wiper position; timing requires tIH ≥25ns, tIL ≥25ns |
| U/D (Pin 2) | Direction control | High = increment (W→L resistance ↑), Low = decrement (W→L resistance ↓) when CS low |
| H (Pin 3) | Resistor high terminal | Analog end of potentiometer string; connects to VDD or signal source in voltage divider |
| L (Pin 6) | Resistor low terminal | Analog ground/reference end; ties to GND or feedback node in gain-setting topologies |
| W (Pin 5) | Wiper output | Variable tap point; drives op-amp inputs or feedback nodes; 400Ω series resistance affects bandwidth |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Glitchless tap switching | Eliminates transient voltage spikes during wiper movement-critical for stable LCD contrast or sensor calibration |
| Low ratiometric tempco (5ppm/°C) | Enables <0.04% gain variation over full industrial temperature range in noninverting amplifier feedback |
| 3-wire serial interface | Requires only three GPIOs (CS, U/D, INC); no SPI/I²C controller needed-reduces MCU resource load |
| 100nA typical supply current | Supports always-on analog trim in battery-powered displays or portable instrumentation |
| ±2kV HBM ESD rating | Withstands handling and board-level ESD events without external protection components |
Applications
| LCD Contrast Adjustment | Adjustable Op-Amp Gain Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Digitally tuning bias voltage applied to LCD segment drivers to maintain consistent contrast across temperature and aging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as programmable voltage divider between VDD and GND; wiper feeds LCD VCOM or VBIAS node. Use Value: Replaces mechanical trimpot with factory-set or user-adjustable contrast; 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco ensures <0.04% contrast drift over -40°C to +85°C. | Use Scenario: Setting precise closed-loop gain in instrumentation amplifiers where gain must be reconfigured via firmware without hardware change. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configures feedback network resistance in noninverting op-amp topology; wiper and L form Rf, H tied to output. Use Value: Enables 32 discrete gain settings (e.g., 1× to 11×) with <0.3% linearity error and minimal tempco-induced gain shift. |
| Mechanical Potentiometer Replacement | DC Offset Calibration |
Use Scenario: Substituting manual trimmers in production test fixtures or field-serviceable equipment requiring recalibration via software command. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emulates 3-terminal variable resistor; H and W shorted externally or internally (per variant), L used as second terminal. Use Value: Eliminates wear-out, vibration sensitivity, and contamination issues of mechanical pots; retains same PCB footprint as legacy designs. | Use Scenario: Nulling small DC offsets in sensor signal chains (e.g., thermocouple amplifiers, strain gauge bridges) during production calibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides digitally adjustable voltage injection into op-amp summing junction or reference input. Use Value: Achieves <1mV offset correction resolution (at 5V supply) with ±0.5LSB INL ensuring repeatable, traceable calibration records. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5171BRMZ-100 | I²C interface, 64 taps, 100kΩ, ±8% resistance tolerance, 125ppm/°C tempco | Requires I²C host; higher tempco limits use in precision gain control over temperature | Choose for systems with existing I²C infrastructure and lower resolution requirements |
| MCP41010-I/P | SPITM interface, 257 taps, 10kΩ, ±20% tolerance, 500ppm/°C tempco, 125Ω wiper | Higher resolution but significantly worse tempco and tolerance; unsuitable for stable gain setting | Prefer for coarse adjustment or cost-sensitive consumer applications where precision is secondary |
Compared with AD5171BRMZ-100 and MCP41010-I/P, the MAX5160MEUA+T offers superior ratiometric stability (5ppm/°C vs. 125/500ppm/°C) and tighter DNL/INL (±1/±0.5LSB vs. ±4/±8LSB), making it the optimal choice for industrial-grade analog trimming where temperature-invariant performance is mandatory.
Availability
The MAX5160MEUA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD biasing, op-amp gain calibration, and mechanical potentiometer replacement applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed industrial temperature operation (-40°C to +85°C).
Supply support for MAX5160MEUA+T 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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications systems.
The MAX5160MEUA+T belongs to Maxim's precision digital potentiometer product line, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in temperature-stable analog signal conditioning, LCD bias control, and programmable gain/offset circuits.
FAQ
What is the wiper resistance specification for the MAX5160MEUA+T?
The MAX5160MEUA+T has a typical wiper resistance of 400Ω, measured between the W pin and the L or H terminal depending on wiper position. This value is critical for calculating signal attenuation and loading effects when the wiper drives high-impedance nodes such as op-amp inputs. The 400Ω figure is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "RW" and remains stable across temperature and supply voltage within the operating range.
Does the MAX5160MEUA+T support SPI or I²C communication?
No, the MAX5160MEUA+T does not support SPI or I²C. It uses a proprietary 3-wire up/down serial interface with dedicated CS, U/D, and INC pins. Communication requires generating precise high-to-low transitions on INC while holding CS low and U/D at the desired logic level. This architecture eliminates protocol overhead and reduces MCU GPIO count compared to standard serial interfaces.
What is the power-on behavior of the MAX5160MEUA+T?
At power-on, the MAX5160MEUA+T automatically resets its internal counter to midscale (tap position 16), placing the wiper at 50% of the end-to-end resistance. This deterministic startup state ensures predictable initial gain or voltage division without requiring host initialization, simplifying system boot sequences in LCD bias or calibration circuits.
Can the MAX5160MEUA+T be used as a 2-terminal variable resistor?
Yes-the MAX5160MEUA+T can function as a 2-terminal variable resistor by connecting either H or L to the wiper (W) externally. For example, tying H to W creates a variable resistance between W/L and GND. Unlike the MAX5161 (which internally shorts H and W), the MAX5160MEUA+T requires external connection but retains full 3-terminal flexibility for voltage divider use.
What is the maximum operating frequency of the INC pin for the MAX5160MEUA+T?
The MAX5160MEUA+T supports a maximum INC clock frequency of 7MHz, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "fIMAX". This allows wiper position updates at up to 7 million steps per second, enabling rapid digital trimming during system calibration or dynamic gain adjustment in real-time control loops.
MAX5160MEUA+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 32
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 100k
- Interface:
- Up/Down (U/D, INC, CS)
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±25%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 50ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-uMAX/uSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 400
MAX5160MEUA+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX5160MEUA+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX5160MEUA+T 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 MAX5160MEUA+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX5160MEUA+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX5160MEUA+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX5160MEUA+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX5160MEUA+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX5160MEUA+T?
MAX5160MEUA+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX5160MEUA+T 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 MAX5160MEUA+T?
For technical support, including MAX5160MEUA+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX5160MEUA+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX5160MEUA+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX5160MEUA+T 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 MAX5160MEUA+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX5160MEUA+T?
All MAX5160MEUA+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX5160MEUA+T, 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 MAX5160MEUA+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX5160MEUA+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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