Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5427EGA
- Part No.:
- MAX5427EGA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX5427EGA.pdf
- Description:
- MAX5427 ONE-TIME PROGRAMMABLE, L
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:792
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Product details
Overview
The MAX5427EGA from Maxim Integrated is a one-time programmable, linear-taper digital potentiometer with 100kΩ end-to-end resistance, 32 wiper positions, and ultra-low 1.5µA static supply current. It replaces mechanical potentiometers in precision calibration circuits, operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, and features user-defined power-on reset position via 2-wire serial interface.
For engineers reviewing the MAX5427EGA datasheet, MAX5427EGA pinout, MAX5427EGA application, or MAX5427EGA equivalent, this device supports factory-trimmed analog signal conditioning, fixed-ratio voltage division after lockout, and low-power sensor biasing where long-term stability and nonvolatile wiper positioning are required.
Technical Context
The MAX5427EGA implements a 32-position decoder and up/down counter controlled by CS and U/D signals, enabling sequential wiper adjustment without address decoding. Its BiCMOS process ensures <±1 LSB integral and differential nonlinearity across temperature.
One-time programming uses VPP = 11V applied during six CS pulses to permanently store wiper position and disable the serial interface-converting it into a fixed resistor divider. The wiper performs make-before-break switching and supports both potentiometer and variable-resistor configurations between H, L, and W terminals.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Resistance | 100kΩ ±25% - defines full-scale voltage division ratio and load driving capability in bias networks |
| Wiper Positions | 32 taps - provides 5-bit resolution for fine-grained analog tuning (3.125% step size) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - enables direct integration with 3.3V and 5V microcontroller I/O without level shifting |
| Static Supply Current | 1.5µA max - supports always-on battery-powered calibration storage with negligible drain |
| Temperature Coefficient | 35ppm/°C end-to-end, 5ppm/°C ratiometric - ensures stable gain/offset over -40°C to +85°C industrial range |
| Power-On Reset Position | User-programmable (default tap 16) - eliminates boot-up uncertainty in closed-loop sensor feedback paths |
| Interface Type | 2-wire serial (CS/U/D) - requires only two GPIOs, no clock or data lines, simplifying MCU resource usage |
Pinout & Package
MAX5427EGA is housed in an 8-pin QFN-EP package with exposed paddle connected to GND for thermal and electrical stability. Pin 1 is W (wiper), Pin 2 is CS (chip-select), Pin 3 is VDD, Pin 4 is GND, Pin 5 is VPP (programming voltage), Pin 6 is U/D (up/down control), Pin 7 is L (low terminal), and Pin 8 is H (high terminal).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (W) | Wiper output | Provides adjustable voltage node between H and L; make-before-break switching prevents open-circuit transients |
| 2 (CS) | Chip-select input | Active-low enable for serial interface; also initiates one-time programming sequence when pulsed with VPP |
| 3 (VDD) | Positive supply | Single 2.7V–5.5V rail powers logic and resistor array; no separate analog/digital supplies required |
| 4 (GND) | Ground reference | Common return for VDD, VPP, and signal paths; exposed paddle must be soldered to PCB ground plane |
| 5 (VPP) | Programming voltage | 11V input used only during OTP programming; float or tie to GND during normal operation |
| 6 (U/D) | Direction control | Determines increment/decrement mode on CS falling edge; also triggers final programming pulse |
| 7 (L) | Low resistor terminal | Fixed end of resistor array; used as ground reference in variable-resistor mode or low-side of divider |
| 8 (H) | High resistor terminal | Fixed end of resistor array; connects to VDD or signal source in potentiometer configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| One-time programmable wiper position | Enables permanent factory calibration: five pulses set POR position; six pulses lock wiper and disable interface |
| User-defined power-on reset position | Eliminates default tap-16 uncertainty-critical for repeatable startup behavior in medical or test equipment |
| 35ppm/°C end-to-end tempco | Ensures <±0.3% resistance drift over full -40°C to +85°C range-superior to most mechanical pots |
| Ultra-low 1.5µA static current | Allows continuous connection in battery-backed systems without measurable impact on shelf life |
| Make-before-break wiper switching | Prevents momentary open-circuit during tap transitions-essential for stable bias in amplifier feedback loops |
Applications
| Medical Sensor Calibration | Industrial Transmitter Trim |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Calibrating zero/gain offsets in portable blood glucose meters before shipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital potentiometer configured as 2-terminal variable resistor to set reference current in ADC front-end. Use Value: One-time programming stores calibrated value permanently; no EEPROM or firmware update needed, reducing BOM cost and qualification effort. | Use Scenario: Factory trimming of 4–20mA loop transmitter output span and zero points. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 3-terminal potentiometer used in precision voltage divider for DAC reference scaling. Use Value: 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco maintains loop accuracy across ambient temperature shifts without recalibration. |
| Automotive Cabin Sensor Bias | Test Equipment Offset Nulling |
Use Scenario: Setting bias voltage for NTC thermistors in HVAC cabin temperature sensing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-resistor-divider mode after lockout-acts as passive, temperature-stable reference network. Use Value: Eliminates mechanical pot wear and vibration sensitivity while meeting AEC-Q200 reliability requirements via QFN packaging. | Use Scenario: Nulling input offset in high-precision bench DMM front-end amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Potentiometer configuration with H tied to VREF, L to GND, and W feeding op-amp inverting input. Use Value: 32-tap resolution enables sub-mV nulling accuracy; <±1 LSB INL ensures traceable calibration without iterative adjustment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5170BRMZ-100 | Nonvolatile EEPROM-based (not OTP); 256 positions; 100kΩ; I²C interface; higher 5µA quiescent current | Supports field re-calibration; requires I²C bus and firmware support; less suitable for sealed, unmodifiable calibration | Choose AD5170BRMZ-100 if post-deployment adjustment or multi-point calibration is required. |
| MCP41HV51-104 | Volatile wiper; 256 positions; 100kΩ; SPI interface; 1.5µA sleep current but 500µA active; no OTP or lockout feature | Requires external nonvolatile memory or MCU to retain setting; unsuitable for tamper-proof or maintenance-free deployment | Choose MCP41HV51-104 only when dynamic real-time adjustment is mandatory and security is not a concern. |
Compared with AD5170BRMZ-100 and MCP41HV51-104, the MAX5427EGA uniquely combines OTP permanence, ultra-low static current, and minimal 2-wire control-making it optimal for factory-set, maintenance-free analog tuning where EEPROM overhead or SPI complexity is undesirable.
Availability
MAX5427EGA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical sensor calibration, industrial transmitter trim, and automotive cabin sensor bias requiring stable component supply and guaranteed -40°C to +85°C operation.
Supply support for MAX5427EGA 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 industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX5427EGA belongs to Maxim's one-time programmable digital potentiometer product line, engineered specifically for factory-trimmed analog circuits where permanent, low-power, and mechanically robust calibration is required.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the VPP pin on the MAX5427EGA?
The VPP pin on the MAX5427EGA is dedicated to one-time programming (OTP) and must be supplied with 11V (±0.55V) during the programming sequence. It is not used during normal operation-connect to GND or leave floating. Applying VPP enables writing the wiper position to nonvolatile memory; five pulses set the power-on reset value, and six pulses additionally lock the interface and disable further adjustment. This ensures MAX5427EGA functions as a fixed resistor divider post-programming.
Can the MAX5427EGA be reprogrammed after initial OTP programming?
No, the MAX5427EGA cannot be reprogrammed after OTP programming. Its one-time programmable architecture uses fuse-based storage-once programmed (with five or six CS pulses under VPP = 11V), the wiper position is permanently stored. Six-pulse programming also sets a lockout bit that disables the CS/U/D interface entirely. There is no erase or rewrite capability. This design ensures MAX5427EGA remains tamper-resistant and stable across its lifetime, ideal for certified calibration applications.
What is the maximum current rating for the wiper terminal (Pin 1) of the MAX5427EGA?
The MAX5427EGA wiper terminal (Pin 1) supports a maximum continuous current of ±1.5mA, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This limit applies regardless of wiper position and ensures safe operation in voltage-divider or variable-resistor configurations. Exceeding ±1.5mA may cause irreversible damage. For applications requiring higher current, such as driving LEDs or small loads, external buffering is required-MAX5427EGA is intended for signal-level adjustment, not power control.
How does the MAX5427EGA handle power-up without prior OTP programming?
Without prior OTP programming, the MAX5427EGA defaults to power-on reset (POR) position tap 16 (midpoint of the 32-tap array). This factory-set default ensures predictable startup behavior in unprogrammed units. The wiper remains fully adjustable via the 2-wire interface until OTP programming is performed. Once programmed-even with just five pulses-the POR position becomes user-defined, and the MAX5427EGA will always initialize to that stored tap on subsequent power cycles, eliminating boot-time uncertainty in critical analog paths.
Is the exposed paddle on the MAX5427EGA's QFN package electrically connected?
Yes, the exposed paddle on the MAX5427EGA's 8-pin QFN-EP package is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to a PCB ground plane. This connection provides both thermal dissipation (enabling 1951mW continuous power dissipation at +70°C) and improved electrical stability by reducing ground impedance and noise coupling. Maxim's datasheet explicitly states "EXPOSED PADDLE. CONNECTED TO GND." Failure to connect the paddle to GND may result in degraded performance, thermal overstress, or noncompliance with specified operating limits for MAX5427EGA.
MAX5427EGA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 32
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 100k
- Interface:
- I2C, Up/Down (U/D, CS)
- Memory Type:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- -
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 35ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-QFN-EP (3x3)
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 100
MAX5427EGA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX5427EGA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX5427EGA 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 MAX5427EGA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX5427EGA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX5427EGA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX5427EGA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX5427EGA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX5427EGA?
MAX5427EGA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX5427EGA 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 MAX5427EGA?
For technical support, including MAX5427EGA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX5427EGA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX5427EGA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX5427EGA 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 MAX5427EGA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX5427EGA?
All MAX5427EGA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX5427EGA, 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 MAX5427EGA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX5427EGA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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