Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5481EUD+T

Overview

The MAX5481EUD+T from Maxim Integrated is a 10-bit, nonvolatile, linear-taper digital potentiometer in a 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 support - used for precision gain adjustment in programmable amplifiers.

For engineers reviewing the MAX5481EUD+T datasheet, MAX5481EUD+T pinout, MAX5481EUD+T application, or MAX5481EUD+T equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper position recall at power-up, ratiometric tempco of 5ppm/°C, single/dual supply operation (+2.7V to +5.25V or ±2.5V), 1µA max standby current, and compatibility with high-impedance analog nodes.

Technical Context

The MAX5481EUD+T implements a resistor string architecture with 1024 tap points, where the wiper position is controlled via either a 3-wire SPI-compatible interface (up to 7MHz) or a pin-selectable up/down digital interface. Its internal EEPROM stores wiper position for power-on recall.

As a voltage-divider (not variable resistor), it supports H–W–L terminal access with strict wiper current limits (±5mA max), requires high-impedance loading on W, and delivers 0.5% wiper settling time within 5µs (MAX5481) under 10pF load - optimized for low-drift analog signal conditioning.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX5481EUD+T is housed in a 14-pin TSSOP package (4.4mm × 5.0mm × 1.2mm), with exposed pad not present (TQFN variant has EP). Pin 1 is VDD; pins 2–3 are W and L; pin 4 is CS; pin 5 is DIN(U/D); pin 6 is SPI/UD; pin 13 is GND; pin 14 is VSS. Pins 7–9 and 11–12 are N.C.; pin 10 is SCLK(INC).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5171BRMZ-10 and MCP41010-I/P, the MAX5481EUD+T uniquely combines 10-bit resolution, dual SPI/up-down interface, 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco, and nonvolatile power-on recall - making it optimal for high-stability, self-initializing analog control loops.

Availability

MAX5481EUD+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for gain calibration, sensor signal conditioning, display biasing, and mechanical potentiometer replacement requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term sourcing.

Supply support for MAX5481EUD+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 and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX5481EUD+T belongs to the MAX5481–MAX5484 family of nonvolatile digital potentiometers engineered for high-accuracy, low-drift voltage division in programmable gain amplifiers and sensor interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum wiper current rating for MAX5481EUD+T?

The MAX5481EUD+T is specified for ±5mA maximum continuous current into the H, L, and W terminals. However, its voltage-divider topology is not intended for wiper current flow - the wiper must drive only high-impedance nodes (e.g., op-amp inputs) to preserve linearity and 5ppm/°C ratiometric tempco. Exceeding this limit risks nonlinear voltage drop and tempco degradation.

Does MAX5481EUD+T retain wiper position after power cycling?

Yes, the MAX5481EUD+T features internal EEPROM that stores the last wiper position. Upon power-up, the device automatically loads this value into the volatile wiper register, restoring the previous setting without host intervention - a key advantage over volatile digital potentiometers like the MCP41010-I/P.

Can MAX5481EUD+T operate from a dual ±2.5V supply?

Yes, the MAX5481EUD+T supports dual-supply operation with VDD = +2.5V and VSS = -2.5V, provided VDD – VSS ≤ +5.25V. This enables direct use in bipolar analog signal chains, such as AC-coupled sensor interfaces or audio gain stages, while maintaining full 10-bit resolution and nonvolatile storage functionality.

What is the wiper settling time for MAX5481EUD+T?

The MAX5481EUD+T achieves wiper settling within 5µs (typical) to 0.5% of final value when transitioning between extreme codes (0 to 1023) under 10pF capacitive load - measured in voltage-divider configuration with H = VDD and L = GND. This fast settling supports dynamic gain adjustment in real-time control applications.

How does the SPI/UD pin affect MAX5481EUD+T interface behavior?

The SPI/UD pin selects interface mode: logic high enables 3-wire SPI (DIN = data, SCLK = clock, CS = chip select); logic low enables up/down mode (DIN = direction, SCLK = increment/decrement clock, CS = store enable). This pin must be hardwired before power-up and cannot be changed dynamically - it defines the functional mapping of all three digital control pins.