Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5161LEZT+TG071

Overview

MAX5161LEZT+TG071 from Maxim Integrated is a 6-pin SOT23 digital potentiometer with 32-tap linear taper, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, ±25% resistance tolerance, and 400Ω wiper resistance. It operates from +2.7V to +5.5V, draws only 135nA supply current at +5V, and features glitchless tap switching for LCD contrast adjustment and gain control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MAX5161LEZT+TG071 datasheet, MAX5161LEZT+TG071 pinout, MAX5161LEZT+TG071 application, or MAX5161LEZT+TG071 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 6-pin SOT23 footprint, ratiometric tempco of 5ppm/°C, power-on reset to midscale (position 16), and compatibility with low-power embedded biasing and trimming functions.

Technical Context

The MAX5161LEZT+TG071 implements a 32-position resistor string between H and L terminals, with wiper position controlled via two-wire up/down interface (U/D and INC) and internal counter logic. CS is internally tied to GND, eliminating external chip-select wiring.

Unlike the 8-pin MAX5160, this variant functions strictly as a two-terminal variable resistor: W is internally shorted to H, so only H–L and L–W (i.e., L–H) resistances are configurable. Its ratiometric tempco (5ppm/°C) ensures stable voltage-divider ratios across -40°C to +85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX5161LEZT+TG071 is housed in a 6-pin SOT23 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.1mm height), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable displays and sensor front-ends.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5160BRJZ-50-R7 and MCP4017T-503E/CH, the MAX5161LEZT+TG071 offers the lowest power consumption (135nA), smallest footprint (SOT23), and simplest control (2-wire up/down), making it optimal for ultra-low-power, space-constrained, and cost-sensitive LCD bias and trimming applications.

Availability

MAX5161LEZT+TG071 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD screen adjustment, volume control, and mechanical potentiometer replacement requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed extended-industrial temperature performance.

Supply support for MAX5161LEZT+TG071 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, medical, communications, and consumer applications, with emphasis on low-power, high-reliability solutions.

The MAX5161 belongs to Maxim's digital potentiometer product line, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in space- and power-constrained systems while maintaining precision, stability, and ease of digital control.

FAQ

What is the function of the U/D and INC pins on the MAX5161LEZT+TG071?

The U/D pin sets direction: high for increment, low for decrement. The INC pin accepts high-to-low transitions to move the wiper one tap per edge. With CS internally grounded, no external chip-select signal is needed. This two-wire interface simplifies microcontroller GPIO usage and eliminates timing-critical setup/hold requirements found in SPI/I²C variants. MAX5161LEZT+TG071 requires no clock polarity or phase configuration.

Does the MAX5161LEZT+TG071 support three-terminal potentiometer operation?

No - the MAX5161LEZT+TG071 internally shorts the wiper (W) to the high terminal (H), leaving only two externally accessible terminals: H/W and L. It functions exclusively as a two-terminal variable resistor. For true three-terminal operation (separate H, L, W), the 8-pin MAX5160 must be used. MAX5161LEZT+TG071's pinout and internal connection prohibit independent wiper access.

What is the significance of the 5ppm/°C ratiometric temperature coefficient in the MAX5161LEZT+TG071?

The 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco means the resistance ratio between any two tap points remains stable over temperature - critical when MAX5161LEZT+TG071 is used in voltage dividers or gain-setting networks. Unlike end-to-end tempco (50ppm/°C), ratiometric drift directly affects output accuracy in bias and amplification circuits. This spec enables ±0.05% ratio stability across -40°C to +85°C without calibration.

Can the MAX5161LEZT+TG071 be used in a 3.3V system?

Yes - MAX5161LEZT+TG071 operates from +2.7V to +5.5V, fully supporting 3.3V logic levels. Input thresholds (V_IL = 0.3×V_DD, V_IH = 0.7×V_DD) ensure reliable recognition of 3.3V GPIO signals. At V_DD = 3.3V, supply current remains below 200nA, and wiper-settling time stays within 1µs. MAX5161LEZT+TG071 requires no level shifters or voltage translators.

How does the power-on reset behavior of the MAX5161LEZT+TG071 work?

At power-up, internal circuitry forces the wiper to position 16 (midscale), regardless of prior state or supply ramp rate. This guarantees a known 25kΩ resistance (for 50kΩ version) between H/W and L terminals at startup - essential for safe initialization of LCD bias or amplifier gain circuits. No external RC network or firmware delay is required. MAX5161LEZT+TG071 achieves this autonomously using on-chip bandgap and reset comparators.