Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5466EUK+T

Overview

The MAX5466EUK+T from Maxim Integrated is a 10kΩ, 32-tap linear-taper digital potentiometer in a 5-pin SOT23 package, digitally controlled via a 2-wire up/down serial interface, with ultra-low 0.3µA standby current, +2.7V to +5.5V single-supply operation, and power-on reset to midscale-used for precision gain adjustment and LCD contrast control in space-constrained analog front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the MAX5466EUK+T datasheet, MAX5466EUK+T pinout, MAX5466EUK+T application, or MAX5466EUK+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, 5-pin SOT23 footprint, glitchless tap switching, ±1 LSB DNL, and ratiometric tempco of 5ppm/°C for stable voltage-divider performance across temperature.

Technical Context

The MAX5466EUK+T implements a fixed 10kΩ resistor array with a digitally addressable wiper contact, configured as a variable resistor (H–W terminals active; L tied internally to GND per Pin Configurations). Its 2-wire serial interface uses CS and U/D pins to set increment/decrement mode and step the wiper without clock or data lines.

It features a 32-position decoder and up/down counter architecture, with power-on reset forcing wiper to tap 16 (midscale), and no wraparound at endpoint taps. Glitchless switching ensures monotonic transitions between taps, critical for analog biasing where transient spikes must be avoided.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX5466EUK+T is housed in a 5-pin SOT23 package (package code U5-1), with exposed pad not electrically connected. The device uses a variable-resistor configuration: pin 2 (GND) connects internally to the low terminal (L), leaving H (pin 5), W (wiper), and VDD/GND/U/D/CS as active terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5170BRMZ10 and MCP4017T-103I/OT, the MAX5466EUK+T offers guaranteed midscale power-on state, lowest standby current (0.3µA), and optimized 32-tap resolution for cost-sensitive, space-constrained analog trimming-making it ideal for battery-powered LCD and gain-control applications where simplicity and predictability are prioritized over maximum resolution or bus compatibility.

Availability

MAX5466EUK+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD contrast control, op-amp gain adjustment, and line impedance matching requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX5466EUK+T 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, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX5460–MAX5468 FleaPoT™ family targets digitally reconfigurable analog signal conditioning-specifically replacing mechanical pots in voltage biasing, gain setting, and impedance trimming where small size, low power, and deterministic startup behavior are essential.

FAQ

What is the pin configuration and terminal function of the MAX5466EUK+T?

The MAX5466EUK+T uses a 5-pin SOT23 package with pins: 1=VDD, 2=GND (internally tied to L), 3=U/D, 4=CS, 5=H. It operates as a variable resistor (H–W), with Wiper (W) accessible only through the internal resistor array-not a dedicated pin. GND serves as the low-terminal reference, enabling simple 3-terminal (H–W–GND) connections in bias and gain circuits. This configuration matches mechanical potentiometer wiring while eliminating external L-pin routing.

Does the MAX5466EUK+T have power-on reset, and what is its default wiper position?

Yes, the MAX5466EUK+T includes built-in power-on reset (POR) circuitry that automatically sets the wiper to tap 16 (midscale) at power-up. This ensures a known, repeatable starting point for analog control without requiring host MCU initialization. The POR function is intrinsic to the MAX5466EUK+T silicon design and operates across the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range, making it reliable for unattended or safety-critical startup sequences in displays and sensor interfaces.

What is the maximum continuous current rating for the MAX5466EUK+T wiper and terminals?

The MAX5466EUK+T supports a maximum continuous current of ±1.3mA into its H, L, and W terminals, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table for the 10kΩ variant group (MAX5466/MAX5467/MAX5468). This rating applies under steady-state DC conditions and ensures safe operation when used in voltage-divider bias networks or low-current gain-setting configurations. Exceeding this current may cause irreversible resistance drift or thermal damage to the thin-film resistor element inside the MAX5466EUK+T.

Can the MAX5466EUK+T be used in a potentiometer (three-terminal) configuration?

No-the MAX5466EUK+T is configured exclusively as a variable resistor (two-terminal: H–W), with its low terminal (L) permanently connected to GND (pin 2) internally. Unlike the MAX5462/MAX5465/MAX5468 variants, the MAX5466EUK+T does not expose L as a separate pin nor allow external connection to L. To implement a true three-terminal potentiometer (H–W–L), users must select MAX5468EUT+T instead, which provides independent H, W, and L pins in a 6-pin SOT23 package.

What is the typical settling time for wiper position changes on the MAX5466EUK+T?

The typical output settling time for the MAX5466EUK+T is 0.25µs when configured as a potentiometer with 10kΩ end-to-end resistance and a 10pF load capacitance, as measured in the Electrical Characteristics table. This fast settling enables use in dynamic analog control loops where rapid wiper updates are required-such as real-time contrast adjustment in video systems. Settling time scales with resistance value and capacitive load; for the MAX5466EUK+T's 10kΩ array, it remains sub-microsecond even under moderate PCB trace capacitance.