Microchip Technology MCP4011-503E/SN
- Part No.:
- MCP4011-503E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4011-503E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 50KOHM 64TAP 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,991
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Product details
Overview
MCP4011-503E/SN from Microchip Technology is a volatile 6-bit digital potentiometer in SOT-23-6 package, configured as a potentiometer with 64 taps, 50 kΩ nominal resistance, ±20% tolerance, and 75 Ω typical wiper resistance. It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, supports up/down serial interface, and is used for precision gain/offset trimming in sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4011-503E/SN datasheet, MCP4011-503E/SN pinout, MCP4011-503E/SN application, or MCP4011-503E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 kΩ resistance value, SOT-23-6 footprint, 125°C extended temperature rating, low 1 µA static current, and high-voltage tolerant U/D inputs up to 12.5V.
Technical Context
The MCP4011-503E/SN implements a resistor ladder with digitally controlled wiper position via simple up/down (U/D) serial protocol - no clock or data lines beyond CS and U/D. Its volatile RAM wiper register resets to mid-scale (0x1F) on power-up, and it supports both potentiometer (three-terminal) and rheostat (two-terminal) configurations by floating A or B.
It features high-voltage input thresholds (VIHH ≥ 8.5V) enabling direct connection to 12V control signals without level-shifting, while maintaining full compatibility with 1.8V–5.5V logic. The device exhibits ratiometric tempco of 10 ppm/°C in potentiometer mode and absolute tempco of 150 ppm/°C over –40°C to +125°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance | 50 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale analog range for voltage divider or bias network design |
| Resolution | 64 taps (6-bit) - enables 1.56% step resolution across total resistance |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - limits insertion error and signal attenuation at wiper output |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 5.5V - supports single-supply operation in battery-powered and mixed-voltage systems |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C - qualified for automotive under-hood and industrial motor-control environments |
| Bandwidth | 200 kHz (–3 dB, 50 kΩ device) - suitable for DC and low-frequency analog adjustment, not RF |
| Static Current | 1 µA max - enables ultra-low-power trimming in always-on sensor front-ends |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23-6 package with 1.6 mm × 2.8 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, and standard gull-wing leads. RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL1).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (A) | Resistor Terminal A | Fixed end of resistor array; connects to reference voltage or signal source in potentiometer mode |
| 2 (W) | Wiper Output | Digitally adjustable tap point; delivers intermediate voltage between A and B |
| 3 (B) | Resistor Terminal B | Fixed end of resistor array; typically grounded or connected to return path |
| 4 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-low enable for U/D commands; high-voltage tolerant (up to 12.5V) |
| 5 (U/D) | Up/Down Control | Edge-triggered direction input; high = increment wiper, low = decrement; HV-tolerant |
| 6 (VSS) | Ground | Logic and analog ground reference; must be low-impedance for stable wiper performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Volatile 6-bit wiper register | Enables rapid reconfiguration during system calibration; defaults to 0x1F (mid-scale) at power-on |
| High-voltage tolerant U/D and CS inputs | Accepts up to 12.5V logic - eliminates external level shifters when interfacing with 5V/12V controllers |
| Low wiper resistance (75 Ω typ.) | Minimizes loading error and nonlinearity in precision voltage-divider applications |
| Ratiometric tempco of 10 ppm/°C | Ensures stable voltage division ratio over temperature - critical for sensor bridge biasing |
| Extended temperature operation (–40°C to +125°C) | Validated for use in harsh environments including automotive engine control and industrial motor drives |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Automotive Cabin Temperature Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Trimming offset/gain in RTD or thermistor signal chains within programmable analog front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configurable voltage divider providing precise DC bias and scaling for ADC input stages. Use Value: Enables factory and field calibration without soldered trim-pots; maintains 10 ppm/°C ratiometric stability across operating temperature. | Use Scenario: Adjusting reference voltage for HVAC blower motor speed feedback loops in climate control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable resistor setting closed-loop setpoint in analog PI controller networks. Use Value: Supports 125°C ambient operation and withstands 12.5V microcontroller GPIO directly - reduces BOM count vs. discrete solutions. |
| Medical Patient Monitor Front-End | Programmable Power Supply Trim |
Use Scenario: Calibrating gain in ECG amplifier stages to accommodate varying electrode impedances and lead configurations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision potentiometer configuring feedback network of instrumentation amplifiers. Use Value: 50 kΩ value matches common op-amp gain-setting ranges; 75 Ω wiper resistance avoids gain error drift in high-Z nodes. | Use Scenario: Fine-tuning output voltage of isolated DC-DC converters in telecom power modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode adjustment of feedback resistor divider to dynamically adjust regulation setpoint. Use Value: Volatile memory allows safe reset on power cycle; 1.8V–5.5V supply compatibility simplifies integration with supervisory ICs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5160BRJZ-50-R7 | Nonvolatile EEPROM wiper memory; SPI interface; 50 kΩ; SOT-23-8 package | Retains setting after power loss; requires SPI host instead of simple U/D GPIO | Select if persistent wiper state is required and SPI resources are available |
| MCP4017-503E/SN | Volatile 7-bit (128-step) resolution; same SOT-23-6 package; identical 50 kΩ value and 125°C rating | Higher resolution for finer analog tuning; otherwise pin- and function-compatible | Select if improved step granularity (0.78% vs. 1.56%) improves system accuracy |
Compared with AD5160BRJZ-50-R7, MCP4011-503E/SN offers simpler GPIO-based control and lower cost but lacks nonvolatility; compared with MCP4017-503E/SN, it provides adequate resolution for most trimming tasks at reduced complexity and price.
Availability
MCP4011-503E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive cabin controls, medical front-end trimming, and programmable power supply applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MCP4011-503E/SN 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
Microchip Technology is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and timing solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The MCP40xx family delivers low-cost, volatile digital potentiometers optimized for precision analog trimming in space-constrained, high-reliability applications across automotive, industrial, and medical markets.
FAQ
What is the nominal resistance and tolerance of the MCP4011-503E/SN?
The MCP4011-503E/SN has a nominal resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table for the "–503" device variant. This value represents the resistance between terminals A and B at 25°C and VDD = 2.7V–5.5V. The tolerance accounts for process variation and is confirmed across the full operating temperature range.
Does the MCP4011-503E/SN retain its wiper setting after power cycling?
No, the MCP4011-503E/SN is a volatile digital potentiometer and does not retain its wiper setting after power removal. Upon power-up, it automatically recalls the default mid-scale setting (0x1F, or decimal 31). Custom power-on wiper values require factory programming and are not supported for standard-orderable MCP4011-503E/SN units.
Can the MCP4011-503E/SN be used in rheostat mode?
Yes, the MCP4011-503E/SN can operate in rheostat mode by leaving either terminal A or B unconnected (floating), using only two terminals (e.g., A and W, or B and W). In this configuration, it functions as a digitally adjustable variable resistor, supporting applications like LED current limiting or bias current adjustment.
What is the maximum allowable voltage on the U/D and CS pins of the MCP4011-503E/SN?
The U/D and CS pins of the MCP4011-503E/SN tolerate voltages up to 12.5V with respect to VSS, independent of VDD. This high-voltage tolerance allows direct interfacing with 5V or 12V microcontrollers without external level-shifting circuitry, simplifying system design and improving robustness.
What package type and footprint does the MCP4011-503E/SN use?
The MCP4011-503E/SN uses the SOT-23-6 package: a 6-pin, surface-mount, gull-wing outline measuring 2.8 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm. It is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and rated MSL1 - suitable for standard reflow assembly without moisture preconditioning.
MCP4011-503E/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 64
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 50k
- Interface:
- Up/Down (U/D, CS)
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 150ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 70
MCP4011-503E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4011-503E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4011-503E/SN 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 MCP4011-503E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4011-503E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4011-503E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4011-503E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4011-503E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4011-503E/SN?
MCP4011-503E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4011-503E/SN 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 MCP4011-503E/SN?
For technical support, including MCP4011-503E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4011-503E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4011-503E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4011-503E/SN 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 MCP4011-503E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4011-503E/SN?
All MCP4011-503E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4011-503E/SN, 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 MCP4011-503E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4011-503E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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