Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5481EUD+
- Part No.:
- MAX5481EUD+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX5481EUD+.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 10KOHM 1024TP 14TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,244
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Product details
Overview
MAX5481EUD+ from Maxim Integrated is a 10-bit, nonvolatile, linear-taper digital potentiometer in 14-pin TSSOP package, configured as a 3-terminal voltage-divider with 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, ±2 LSB integral nonlinearity, 35ppm/°C end-to-end tempco, and SPI/up-down interface-used for precision gain adjustment in programmable amplifiers.
For engineers reviewing the MAX5481EUD+ datasheet, MAX5481EUD+ pinout, MAX5481EUD+ application, or MAX5481EUD+ equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper position recall on power-up, ratiometric tempco of 5ppm/°C, 1µA max standby current, dual-supply (±2.5V) support, and compatibility with low-drift analog signal chains requiring stable voltage division.
Technical Context
The MAX5481EUD+ implements a resistor string architecture with 1024 tap points, where wiper position is controlled via either a 7MHz SPI-compatible serial interface or a pin-selectable up/down digital interface. Its internal EEPROM stores wiper state for power-on recall.
As a voltage-divider (not variable resistor), it supports H–W–L terminal access with no wiper current loading-requiring high-impedance output nodes to maintain linearity and low temperature drift. It operates across -40°C to +85°C with single (+2.7V to +5.25V) or dual (±2.5V) supplies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 10-bit (1024 taps): enables fine-grained gain/offset control with 0.1% step resolution over full scale. |
| End-to-end resistance | 10kΩ ±25%: matches standard feedback network values and minimizes PCB layout sensitivity. |
| Ratiometric tempco | 5ppm/°C: ensures stable voltage division ratio across temperature-critical for precision gain-setting applications. |
| Standby current | 1.0µA max: enables battery-powered or always-on systems without significant quiescent power penalty. |
| SPI clock rate | 7MHz: supports fast wiper updates in real-time calibration loops without microcontroller timing bottlenecks. |
| Power supply range | +2.7V to +5.25V single or ±2.5V dual: interoperates with both 3.3V and 5V logic domains and bipolar analog stages. |
| Wiper settling time | 5µs (MAX5481): ensures rapid response during dynamic gain switching in closed-loop systems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 14-pin TSSOP (3.0mm × 4.4mm × 1.2mm), RoHS-compliant, exposed pad not present (TQFN variant has EP; TSSOP does not).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| H | High terminal | Voltage divider top node-connects to reference or supply rail; must be driven by low-impedance source. |
| W | Wiper terminal | Output node; requires high-impedance load (≥1MΩ) to avoid nonlinear error and tempco degradation. |
| L | Low terminal | Voltage divider bottom node-typically tied to GND or negative rail; defines zero-scale reference. |
| CS | Active-low chip select | Enables serial interface; rising edge with SCLK high stores wiper position to NV memory in up/down mode. |
| SPI/UD | Interface mode select | High = SPI mode; Low = up/down mode-configures pin function at power-up; no reconfiguration during operation. |
| DIN(U/D) | Data input / up-down control | In SPI mode: serial data input; in up/down mode: direction control (high = increment, low = decrement). |
| SCLK(INC) | Clock input / increment control | In SPI mode: serial clock; in up/down mode: falling-edge wiper step trigger. |
| VDD | Positive supply | +2.7V to +5.25V; bypass with 0.1µF ceramic capacitor close to pin for noise immunity. |
| VSS | Negative supply | For dual supply: -2.5V to -0.2V; for single supply: connect to GND; bypass required. |
| GND | Ground reference | Analog/digital common reference; separate ground plane recommended for mixed-signal layouts. |
| N.C. | No connection | Pins 1, 7–9, 13: unconnected internally-leave floating or tie to GND per layout best practice. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Nonvolatile wiper storage | EEPROM retains last wiper position across power cycles-eliminates boot-up calibration in gain-setting circuits. |
| Pin-selectable interface | Single hardware pin (SPI/UD) configures between SPI and up/down protocols-reduces firmware complexity and pin count. |
| Low ratiometric tempco | 5ppm/°C ensures <0.05% ratio drift over -40°C to +85°C-enables stable gain in industrial temperature environments. |
| Ultra-low standby current | 1.0µA max allows integration into energy-sensitive systems like portable instrumentation or sensor nodes. |
| Wide supply flexibility | Operates from +2.7V single or ±2.5V dual rails-supports both modern low-voltage MCUs and legacy bipolar op-amp stages. |
Applications
| Gain and Offset Adjustment | LCD Contrast Adjustment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Programmable gain amplifier in precision data acquisition system with auto-ranging capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-divider sets feedback ratio for op-amp; wiper position determines gain factor (1× to 100×) in real time. Use Value: Eliminates mechanical pot wear and manual calibration; 10-bit resolution enables 0.1% gain accuracy across temperature. | Use Scenario: Contrast control in automotive dashboard LCD display operating from 12V supply with local 3.3V rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Divides regulated 3.3V rail to generate adjustable bias voltage for LCD VCOM driver. Use Value: 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco maintains consistent contrast across cabin temperature (-40°C to +85°C). |
| Pressure Sensors | Mechanical Potentiometer Replacement |
Use Scenario: Bridge offset nulling in MEMS pressure transducer signal conditioning circuit. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides precise DC offset injection at bridge output to cancel initial sensor offset before amplification. Use Value: ±2 LSB INL ensures <0.2% offset correction accuracy; nonvolatile storage retains calibration after sensor module power-down. | Use Scenario: Factory-set trim in medical infusion pump motor control loop requiring long-term stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replaces panel-mounted mechanical pot; wiper position programmed once during production test and retained indefinitely. Use Value: 200,000-cycle EEPROM endurance and 50-year data retention exceed 10-year product lifecycle requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5171BRMZ-10 | 64-tap (6-bit), I²C interface only, 10kΩ, 35ppm/°C end-to-end tempco, no up/down mode. | Limited resolution reduces gain step granularity; lacks pin-selectable interface-requires firmware I²C stack. | Choose when board space is constrained and 6-bit resolution suffices; avoid for precision gain calibration. |
| MCP41HV51-103 | 257-tap (8-bit), SPI-only, 10kΩ, 100ppm/°C end-to-end tempco, no nonvolatile memory (requires external MCU storage). | Higher tempco degrades ratio stability; volatile operation mandates MCU intervention at every power-up. | Choose for cost-sensitive designs where gain recalibration at startup is acceptable and tempco is not critical. |
Compared with AD5171BRMZ-10 and MCP41HV51-103, the MAX5481EUD+ delivers superior resolution (10-bit vs. 6/8-bit), guaranteed power-on wiper recall, and lower ratiometric drift-making it optimal for high-stability analog trimming where repeatability and hands-off operation are mandatory.
Availability
MAX5481EUD+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for gain and offset adjustment, LCD contrast control, pressure sensor calibration, and mechanical potentiometer replacement requiring stable component supply across industrial, medical, and automotive design cycles.
Supply support for MAX5481EUD+ 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 MAX5481EUD+ belongs to Maxim's nonvolatile digital potentiometer family, engineered specifically for high-accuracy, low-drift voltage division in programmable gain amplifiers and sensor signal conditioning circuits.
FAQ
What is the maximum wiper current rating for MAX5481EUD+?
The MAX5481EUD+ is specified as a voltage-divider-not a variable resistor-and is not intended for current flow through the wiper. Per datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings, maximum continuous current into H, L, and W terminals is ±5mA, but wiper current must be kept near zero (high-impedance load) to preserve linearity and 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco. Exceeding µA-level wiper current introduces nonlinear voltage drop and drift.
Does MAX5481EUD+ support dual-supply operation?
Yes, MAX5481EUD+ supports dual-supply operation with VDD = +2.5V and VSS = -2.5V (total 5V span), as confirmed in Electrical Characteristics table under "Dual-Supply Voltage". This enables direct interfacing with bipolar op-amps and AC-coupled signal paths while maintaining full 10-bit resolution and nonvolatile storage functionality.
How does the power-on wiper recall function work in MAX5481EUD+?
At power-up, MAX5481EUD+ automatically loads the wiper register with the value stored in its internal EEPROM. This nonvolatile memory retains the last written wiper position-even after years of storage-ensuring repeatable startup behavior without host MCU initialization. The recall occurs within microseconds of supply stabilization and requires no external command.
Can MAX5481EUD+ be used in place of a mechanical potentiometer in audio volume control?
No-MAX5481EUD+ is not recommended for audio volume control. Its 10kΩ end-to-end resistance and voltage-divider topology are optimized for DC/low-frequency precision trimming (e.g., gain calibration), not AC signal attenuation. Audio applications require logarithmic taper, higher bandwidth (>20kHz), and wiper current capability-none of which apply to MAX5481EUD+.
What is the write endurance and data retention of MAX5481EUD+ EEPROM?
MAX5481EUD+ EEPROM is rated for 50,000 write cycles at +85°C and guarantees 50 years of data retention at +85°C (200,000 years at +25°C), as specified in "Nonvolatile Memory Reliability" section. Each wiper store operation (via SPI COPY or CS↑ in up/down mode) consumes one cycle; typical applications perform writes infrequently-during calibration or configuration-well within lifetime limits.
MAX5481EUD+ 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:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 1024
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 10k
- Interface:
- SPI, Up/Down (U/D, INC, CS)
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.25V, ±2.5V ~ 5.25V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±25%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 35ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-TSSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 50
MAX5481EUD+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX5481EUD+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX5481EUD+ 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 MAX5481EUD+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX5481EUD+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX5481EUD+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX5481EUD+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX5481EUD+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX5481EUD+?
MAX5481EUD+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX5481EUD+ 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 MAX5481EUD+?
For technical support, including MAX5481EUD+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX5481EUD+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX5481EUD+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX5481EUD+ 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 MAX5481EUD+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX5481EUD+?
All MAX5481EUD+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX5481EUD+, 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 MAX5481EUD+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX5481EUD+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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