Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5461EXT+

Overview

MAX5461EXT+ from Maxim Integrated is a 100kΩ, 32-tap, 2-wire digital potentiometer in a 6-pin SC70 package, configured as a variable resistor with ultra-low 0.3µA standby supply current and ±0.5 LSB integral nonlinearity. It operates from +2.7V to +5.5V and features glitchless wiper switching and power-on reset to midscale - ideal for LCD contrast adjustment and precision gain control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MAX5461EXT+ datasheet, MAX5461EXT+ pinout, MAX5461EXT+ application, or MAX5461EXT+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100kΩ end-to-end resistance, 6-pin SC70 footprint, 2-wire up/down interface timing (1MHz toggle rate), and ratiometric tempco of 5ppm/°C for stable analog tuning across temperature.

Technical Context

The MAX5461EXT+ implements a fixed 100kΩ resistor array with digitally controlled wiper position via a 2-wire up/down serial interface (CS and U/D pins), requiring no clock or address lines. Its internal 5-bit counter drives a 32-position decoder that selects one of 32 tap points without wraparound at limits.

It functions exclusively as a variable resistor (not potentiometer): the wiper (W) and high terminal (H) are internally connected at Pin 5, while Pin 2 is GND and Pin 1 is VDD. This configuration enables two-terminal resistance adjustment with grounded low-side reference and rail-referenced high-side connection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX5461EXT+ uses a 6-pin SC70 package (package code X6S-1), measuring 2.0mm × 1.25mm × 0.95mm, with wettable flank leads for automated optical inspection. Pin 1 = VDD, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = U/D, Pin 4 = CS, Pin 5 = H/W (internally shorted high and wiper terminals), Pin 6 = not connected (NC).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar variable-resistor applications.

Compared with MAX5462EXT+, the MAX5461EXT+ saves board space and simplifies routing by integrating H and W, while AD5160BRJZ-100-R7 trades 12× higher standby current and larger package for 8× more taps and industry-standard SPI - making MAX5461EXT+ optimal for space- and power-constrained 2-terminal tuning.

Availability

MAX5461EXT+ 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 traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MAX5461EXT+ 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 MAX5460–MAX5468 family delivers ultra-low-power, miniature digital potentiometers optimized for replacing mechanical trimmers in space-constrained, battery-sensitive, or high-reliability analog tuning applications.

FAQ

What is the exact terminal configuration of the MAX5461EXT+?

The MAX5461EXT+ is configured as a two-terminal variable resistor: Pin 5 internally connects the high terminal (H) and wiper (W), Pin 2 is the low terminal (L/GND), and Pins 1 (VDD), 3 (U/D), and 4 (CS) serve digital control. This differs from potentiometer variants like MAX5462EXT+, which expose H, L, and W separately. The MAX5461EXT+ does not support three-terminal voltage-divider operation.

Does the MAX5461EXT+ support true 32-step linear taper adjustment?

Yes, the MAX5461EXT+ provides 32 discrete, equally spaced tap positions across its 100kΩ end-to-end resistance, with integral nonlinearity specified at ±0.5 LSB typical. This ensures monotonic behavior and predictable step-size (~3.125% of full scale per step), validated by R-INL and R-DNL plots in the datasheet for the 100kΩ variants (MAX5460/MAX5461/MAX5462).

Can the MAX5461EXT+ operate from a 3.3V supply?

Yes, the MAX5461EXT+ operates over +2.7V to +5.5V, making it fully compatible with standard 3.3V systems. At VDD = +3.3V, input thresholds (VIH = 0.7×VDD ≈ 2.31V, VIL = 0.3×VDD ≈ 0.99V) interface cleanly with 3.3V CMOS logic, and all electrical specifications - including 0.3µA standby current and 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco - remain guaranteed across the full temperature range.

What is the maximum continuous current rating for the MAX5461EXT+?

The MAX5461EXT+ (100kΩ variant) supports a maximum continuous current of ±0.6mA into its H/W and L terminals, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this may cause irreversible resistance drift or thermal damage. For applications requiring higher current, such as driving LED bias or power-stage references, external buffering or lower-resistance digital pots (e.g., 10kΩ MAX5466–MAX5468) should be considered.

Is the MAX5461EXT+ pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX5460–MAX5468 family?

No - the MAX5461EXT+ uses a 6-pin SC70 package with Pin 5 as H/W and Pin 6 as NC, whereas 5-pin variants (e.g., MAX5460EXK+) omit Pin 6 and reassign functionality. Even among 6-pin parts, MAX5462EXT+ exposes separate H, L, and W pins (Pins 5, 2, and 6), making it electrically and functionally incompatible. PCB layout must match the exact pinout and package code (X6S-1) for MAX5461EXT+.