Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5387MAUD+
- Part No.:
- MAX5387MAUD+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX5387MAUD+.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 50KOHM 256TAP 14TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:170
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Product details
Overview
The MAX5387MAUD+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual, 256-tap, volatile, low-voltage linear taper digital potentiometer with 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, I²C interface, and operation from +2.6V to +5.5V. It delivers ±0.5 LSB integral nonlinearity in voltage-divider mode, 35ppm/°C end-to-end tempco, and powers up wiper at midscale (0x80). It serves as a precision, software-controlled replacement for mechanical potentiometers in battery-powered industrial and portable electronics.
For engineers reviewing the MAX5387MAUD+ datasheet, MAX5387MAUD+ pinout, MAX5387MAUD+ application, or MAX5387MAUD+ equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, validated I²C timing compliance (400kHz), confirmed automotive-grade temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), and real-world use cases including offset/gain control and adjustable voltage references.
Technical Context
The MAX5387MAUD+ integrates two independent 256-position resistor strings (H–W–L) with linear taper, each programmable via an I²C-compatible 2-wire serial interface supporting up to eight devices on one bus using A0–A2 address pins. Its volatile memory requires reinitialization after power-up, with wipers defaulting to 0x80 (128/256).
It operates in three configurations: voltage-divider (H = VDD, L = GND), variable-resistor (H floating, L = GND), and ratiometric modes. Wiper settling time is 1000ns (max), crosstalk is –90dB, and THD+N is 0.015% - all measured at 1kHz with 10pF load and VDD = 5V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Resistance | 50kΩ - defines full-scale analog range and current-handling capability in variable-resistor mode (±2mA max) |
| Resolution | 256 taps (8-bit) - enables 0.39% step resolution for fine analog tuning |
| Supply Voltage Range | +2.6V to +5.5V - supports direct connection to Li-ion, 3.3V, and 5V rails without level-shifting |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive and industrial embedded environments |
| I²C Clock Frequency | Up to 400kHz - compatible with standard-mode I²C controllers without timing redesign |
| Wiper Settling Time | 1000ns (max) - ensures fast response in closed-loop gain or offset adjustment loops |
| Quiescent Supply Current | <1μA standby - critical for always-on battery backup circuits |
Pinout & Package
MAX5387MAUD+ is housed in a 14-pin TSSOP package (package code U14+1, outline 21-0066), RoHS-compliant, with 0.65mm pitch and exposed pad not connected (I.C. pin 7 tied to GND).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| HA, HB | Resistor A/B High Terminal | Connects to higher-potential node (e.g., VDD or signal source); bidirectional current flow supported |
| WA, WB | Resistor A/B Wiper Terminal | Programmable tap output; drives external loads ≤±2mA; 150–200Ω wiper resistance at VDD >4.75V |
| LA, LB | Resistor A/B Low Terminal | Connects to lower-potential node (e.g., GND or reference); completes resistor string path |
| VDD, GND | Power Supply | Single 2.6–5.5V supply; requires local 0.1μF bypass capacitor at VDD pin |
| SCL, SDA | I²C Serial Interface | Open-drain SDA and input-only SCL; require external 4.7kΩ pullups per bus line |
| A0, A1, A2 | Slave Address Inputs | Set 3-bit address segment (000–111); enable up to eight MAX5387 devices on shared I²C bus |
| I.C. (Pin 7) | Internally Connected | Must be externally tied to GND; no internal function or signal routing |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent 256-tap strings | Enables simultaneous, uncorrelated gain and offset control in single IC - reduces board space vs. two discrete pots |
| Low 35ppm/°C end-to-end tempco | Ensures stable resistance ratio over automotive temperature range - critical for precision sensor biasing |
| Power-on wiper reset to midscale (0x80) | Guarantees known startup state without host initialization - simplifies firmware boot sequence |
| ±2mA wiper current rating (MAX5387M) | Supports direct drive of op-amp feedback networks or small-signal transducers without external buffers |
| –90dB crosstalk between channels | Prevents coupling-induced errors in dual-path systems like stereo audio or differential ADC references |
Applications
| Adjustable Voltage References | Offset and Gain Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Setting precise output voltage of low-dropout linear regulators (e.g., MAX8866) or bandgap references (e.g., MAX6037) in portable medical sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as digitally programmable voltage divider between regulator feedback nodes, replacing manual trim pots. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable calibration and dynamic voltage scaling - eliminates factory trimming labor and supports multi-voltage product variants. |
Use Scenario: Tuning DC offset and closed-loop gain in instrumentation amplifiers used in battery-powered data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configured as dual variable resistors in amplifier feedback paths to independently adjust zero-point and sensitivity. Use Value: Achieves <±0.5 LSB INL and <1000ns settling - meets sub-mV accuracy and 1ksps sampling requirements without analog recalibration. |
| LCD Bias Control | Mechanical Potentiometer Replacement |
Use Scenario: Generating positive bias voltage for segment LCD displays in automotive infotainment panels operating across –40°C to +125°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Functions as voltage-divider to set VBIAS = VDD × (RWL/RHL) with stable tempco. Use Value: Maintains display contrast stability over temperature - 35ppm/°C tempco prevents visible brightness drift during thermal cycling. |
Use Scenario: Replacing electro-mechanical trimmers in factory-calibrated test equipment requiring long-term reliability and shock resistance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emulates 50kΩ linear-taper potentiometer with I²C write-only control and volatile memory. Use Value: Eliminates wear-out failure modes and vibration-induced drift - supports 100k+ adjustment cycles vs. ~20k for mechanical units. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5242BRUZ100 | 100kΩ end-to-end resistance; I²C interface; ±30% RHL tolerance vs. ±25% for MAX5387MAUD+ | Higher resistance limits usable current to ±1mA; less suitable for low-impedance feedback paths | Select when higher resistance improves power efficiency in high-Z bias networks |
| MCP41050-I/P | Single-channel, 50kΩ, SPI interface; 10-bit resolution (1024 taps); no automotive temp rating | Lacks dual-channel integration and –40°C to +125°C qualification - unsuitable for automotive or harsh industrial use | Choose only for cost-sensitive, non-automotive designs needing finer resolution and SPI compatibility |
Compared with AD5242BRUZ100 and MCP41050-I/P, the MAX5387MAUD+ uniquely combines dual-channel 50kΩ strings, guaranteed automotive temperature operation, and I²C address flexibility - making it optimal for space-constrained, thermally demanding systems requiring coordinated analog tuning.
Availability
MAX5387MAUD+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for low-voltage battery applications, portable electronics, and mechanical potentiometer replacement requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX5387MAUD+ 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, automotive, and communications markets, with emphasis on low-power, high-reliability performance.
The MAX5387 family was engineered specifically for volatile, low-voltage digital potentiometer applications demanding automotive-grade robustness, I²C simplicity, and dual-channel coordination - targeting portable instrumentation and battery-backed control systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current the wiper terminals can handle in MAX5387MAUD+?
The MAX5387MAUD+ wiper terminals (WA, WB) support a maximum continuous current of ±2mA. This rating applies when configured in variable-resistor mode with VDD ≥ +2.6V and is specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this limit risks parametric shift or permanent damage to the internal FET switches.
Does MAX5387MAUD+ support readback of wiper position over I²C?
No, the MAX5387MAUD+ does not support readback. Its I²C interface is write-only: command bytes (REG A, REG B, REGS A and B) accept 8-bit data to set wiper positions, but no register or status information can be retrieved from the device. Host firmware must track wiper state internally.
What is the wiper resistance specification for MAX5387MAUD+ at 5V supply?
At VDD > +4.75V, the MAX5387MAUD+ exhibits a wiper resistance (RWL) of 150Ω (typical) to 200Ω (max), measured with L terminal grounded and specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This value directly impacts insertion loss and THD+N in signal-path applications.
How does the MAX5387MAUD+ behave at power-up?
On power-up, the MAX5387MAUD+ initializes both wipers to midscale (code 0x80), regardless of prior state. This behavior is hardwired and does not require I²C initialization. The internal POR circuit ensures deterministic startup, simplifying system-level power sequencing.
Can MAX5387MAUD+ operate from a 2.6V supply while maintaining full 256-tap resolution?
Yes, the MAX5387MAUD+ maintains full 256-tap resolution and guaranteed INL/DNL performance down to VDD = +2.6V. All AC and DC specifications - including 400kHz I²C timing and ±0.5 LSB INL - are validated across the entire +2.6V to +5.5V supply range per the datasheet Conditions column.
MAX5387MAUD+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Number of Taps:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 50k
- Interface:
- I2C
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.6V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- Selectable Address
- Tolerance:
- ±25%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 35ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-TSSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 250
MAX5387MAUD+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX5387MAUD+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX5387MAUD+ 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 MAX5387MAUD+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX5387MAUD+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX5387MAUD+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX5387MAUD+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX5387MAUD+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX5387MAUD+?
MAX5387MAUD+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX5387MAUD+ 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 MAX5387MAUD+?
For technical support, including MAX5387MAUD+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX5387MAUD+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX5387MAUD+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX5387MAUD+ 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 MAX5387MAUD+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX5387MAUD+?
All MAX5387MAUD+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX5387MAUD+, 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 MAX5387MAUD+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX5387MAUD+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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