Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5386LATE+
- Part No.:
- MAX5386LATE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX5386LATE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 10KOHM 256TAP 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,408
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Product details
Overview
MAX5386LATE+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual, 256-tap, volatile, low-voltage linear taper digital potentiometer in a 16-pin TQFN-EP package with 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, operating from +2.6V to +5.5V, featuring SPI interface and -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range-used for precision offset/gain control in battery-powered instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX5386LATE+ datasheet, MAX5386LATE+ pinout, MAX5386LATE+ application, or MAX5386LATE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10kΩ resistance value, 35ppm/°C end-to-end tempco, <1μA quiescent current, dual independent wiper control, and voltage-divider configuration per channel.
Technical Context
The MAX5386LATE+ integrates two digitally controlled potentiometers configured exclusively as voltage dividers (HA–WA–LA and HB–WB–LB), each with 256 linear-taper tap positions and independent SPI register addressing (A0 bit selects Register A or B). It uses BiCMOS process and features power-on reset to midscale (0x80) for both registers.
Its SPI interface requires only CS, SCLK, and DIN signals with 9-bit frame format (1 address + 8 data bits), supports up to 10MHz clock, and latches data on CS rising edge. No internal nonvolatile memory-wiper settings are lost on power cycle.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 256 taps - enables 0.39% step resolution across full resistance range |
| End-to-End Resistance | 10kΩ - sets maximum adjustable gain/attenuation ratio and load compatibility for low-voltage bias networks |
| Supply Voltage Range | +2.6V to +5.5V - supports direct operation from single Li-ion, USB, or regulated 3.3V/5V rails |
| Quiescent Supply Current | <1μA - enables always-on calibration or standby trimming without measurable battery drain |
| Temperature Coefficient | 35ppm/°C - ensures stable resistance ratio over -40°C to +125°C, critical for automotive sensor conditioning |
| SPI Clock Frequency | Up to 10MHz - allows sub-1μs wiper update latency for real-time gain adaptation |
| Integral Nonlinearity (INL) | ±0.5 LSB - guarantees monotonicity and ≤0.2% absolute voltage-divider error at any tap position |
Pinout & Package
MAX5386LATE+ is housed in a 16-pin, 3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch TQFN-EP package with exposed pad (internally connected to GND). Pin 1 is located at top-left corner adjacent to marking dot; EP must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal and electrical performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 14 | HB / HA / LA | Resistor B high / Resistor A high / Resistor A low terminals - form two independent voltage-divider strings; bidirectional current capability ±5mA |
| 2, 4, 15, 16 | WB / LB / WA / LA | Wiper outputs for each resistor - directly drive op-amp inputs or feedback nodes without buffering at low frequencies |
| 5, 12 | GND / VDD | Ground reference and power supply - requires local 0.1μF ceramic bypass capacitor at VDD pin |
| 8, 9, 10 | CS / DIN / SCLK | SPI interface control - CS active-low enables serial write; DIN/SCLK accept standard 3.3V/5V logic levels |
| 6, 7, 11, 13 | N.C. | No internal connection - must be left floating or tied to GND; no routing or trace required |
| I.C. (Pin 4) | Internally Connected | Internal node tied to GND - must be externally connected to system ground for proper operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual voltage-divider topology | Enables simultaneous, independent adjustment of two analog signal paths (e.g., dual-channel sensor gain or dual-output regulator feedback) |
| Volatile wiper memory | Eliminates EEPROM wear-out and write-cycle delays; ideal for applications requiring frequent dynamic recalibration |
| Automotive-grade temperature range | Validated operation from -40°C to +125°C ambient - suitable for under-hood or industrial control environments |
| Low 35ppm/°C ratiometric tempco | Maintains precise voltage division ratio across temperature - essential for stable reference generation and offset correction |
| Power-on wiper reset to midscale | Guarantees known startup state (0x80) for both channels - prevents undefined output transients during power-up |
Applications
| Adjustable Dual Linear Regulator | Offset and Gain Control in Sensor Signal Chain |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dual-output LDO (e.g., MAX8866) with independently programmable VOUT1 and VOUT2 via external feedback resistors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX5386LATE+ replaces mechanical pots in both feedback dividers, enabling digital trim of each output voltage without hardware change. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable output voltages and production-line calibration with 0.39% resolution, eliminating manual pot adjustment and test fixtures. |
Use Scenario: Precision thermocouple amplifier with cold-junction compensation requiring independent offset nulling and gain scaling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One channel trims input-stage offset voltage; the other adjusts gain-setting resistor ratio in instrumentation amplifier feedback network. Use Value: Achieves <±10μV offset drift and <0.01% gain error over temperature using only one IC-reducing BOM count and board area vs. discrete solutions. |
| Adjustable Voltage Reference | LCD Bias Control |
Use Scenario: Programmable reference for ADC or DAC requiring stable, user-adjustable VREF between 1.2V and 4.0V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX5386LATE+ forms a digitally controlled voltage divider from a fixed +5V rail to generate VREF, buffered by an op-amp. Use Value: Provides 256-step resolution and <0.2% linearity error, supporting factory calibration and end-user voltage selection via microcontroller SPI. |
Use Scenario: Positive bias generation for STN/TN LCD panels requiring fine-tuned VBIAS between +15V and +30V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX5386LATE+ acts as high-side voltage divider (HA–WA–LA) referenced to +30V rail, with WA driving op-amp inverter stage. Use Value: Enables closed-loop contrast optimization during display initialization and compensates for panel aging-without mechanical potentiometer drift or wear. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5243BRMZ10 | 256-tap, dual I²C interface, 10kΩ, ±30% end-to-end tolerance, 500ppm/°C tempco | Requires I²C host; higher tempco limits use in wide-temperature analog signal chains | Prefer when I²C bus is already present and temperature stability is secondary to protocol compatibility |
| MCP42010-I/SL | 256-tap, dual SPI interface, 10kΩ, nonvolatile EEPROM, 150ppm/°C tempco, SOIC-14 package | Persistent wiper setting after power loss; larger SOIC footprint; higher tempco degrades precision over temperature | Choose when power-loss retention is mandatory and board space allows SOIC; avoid for automotive-temp precision apps |
Compared with AD5243BRMZ10 and MCP42010-I/SL, the MAX5386LATE+ offers superior temperature stability (35ppm/°C vs. ≥150ppm/°C), lower quiescent current (<1μA vs. ≥2μA), and automotive-grade operating range-making it optimal for battery-critical, high-stability embedded systems where SPI is available.
Availability
MAX5386LATE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable electronics, battery-backed industrial controllers, and automotive sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX5386LATE+ 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, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX5386/MAX5388 family was engineered specifically for low-voltage, low-power, high-stability digital trimming in portable and harsh-environment systems-emphasizing SPI simplicity, ultra-low current, and extended temperature performance.
FAQ
What is the default wiper position of the MAX5386LATE+ at power-on?
The MAX5386LATE+ incorporates internal power-on reset (POR) circuitry that automatically sets both wiper registers to midscale (0x80, or tap 128) upon power application. This behavior is guaranteed across the full -40°C to +125°C operating range and eliminates undefined output states during system startup-ensuring predictable initial voltage division for both channels of the MAX5386LATE+.
Can the MAX5386LATE+ be used in variable-resistor mode?
No-the MAX5386LATE+ is configured exclusively as two voltage dividers (HA–WA–LA and HB–WB–LB) per its datasheet specification and functional diagram. Unlike the MAX5388 variant, it does not support variable-resistor (rheostat) mode. Attempting to float one terminal will violate absolute maximum ratings and may cause measurement inaccuracy or device damage. The MAX5386LATE+ must be used strictly in three-terminal voltage-divider configuration.
What is the maximum continuous current rating for the wiper terminals of the MAX5386LATE+?
The MAX5386LATE+ wiper terminals (WA, WB) support a maximum continuous current of ±5mA when configured with 10kΩ end-to-end resistance (as specified for the 'L' grade). This rating applies under conditions where VH_ = VDD and VL_ = GND. Exceeding ±5mA risks irreversible degradation of wiper resistance and long-term linearity-designs must ensure external circuitry limits current through WA/WB accordingly for reliable operation of the MAX5386LATE+.
Is the exposed pad (EP) on the MAX5386LATE+ package electrically connected?
Yes-the exposed pad (EP) on the MAX5386LATE+ TQFN-EP package is internally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for optimal thermal dissipation and electrical noise immunity. Leaving EP unconnected or floating violates recommended layout practices and may result in elevated junction temperature, degraded AC performance (e.g., crosstalk, bandwidth), and reduced reliability-especially under sustained load conditions for the MAX5386LATE+.
Does the MAX5386LATE+ support daisy-chained SPI communication?
No-the MAX5386LATE+ does not support daisy-chaining. Its SPI interface is strictly point-to-point: CS, DIN, and SCLK are dedicated per device. Each MAX5386LATE+ requires its own CS line from the controller. While multiple units can share SCLK and DIN lines, individual CS assertion is mandatory to prevent bus contention and erroneous register writes-so true daisy-chain (single DIN-out-to-DIN-in cascade) is not implemented or supported for the MAX5386LATE+.
MAX5386LATE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Number of Taps:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 10k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.6V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±25%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 35ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (3x3)
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 250
MAX5386LATE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX5386LATE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX5386LATE+ 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 MAX5386LATE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX5386LATE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX5386LATE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX5386LATE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX5386LATE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX5386LATE+?
MAX5386LATE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX5386LATE+ 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 MAX5386LATE+?
For technical support, including MAX5386LATE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX5386LATE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX5386LATE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX5386LATE+ 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 MAX5386LATE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX5386LATE+?
All MAX5386LATE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX5386LATE+, 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 MAX5386LATE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX5386LATE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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