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Microchip Technology MCP4021-202E/SN
- Part No.:
- MCP4021-202E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4021-202E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 2.1KOHM 64TAP 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:5,098
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Product details
Overview
MCP4021-202E/SN from Microchip Technology is a nonvolatile 6-bit digital potentiometer in SOT-23-6 package, configured as a potentiometer with 2.1 kΩ nominal resistance, 64-tap resolution, ±20% resistance tolerance, and WiperLock™ EEPROM write protection. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), used for precision gain/offset trimming in sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4021-202E/SN datasheet, MCP4021-202E/SN pinout, MCP4021-202E/SN application, or MCP4021-202E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper settling time (0.5 µs for 2.1 kΩ), low tempco (50 ppm/°C absolute), high-voltage tolerant U/D inputs (up to 12.5V), nonvolatile recall on power-up, and compatibility with simple up/down serial control without external clock or address lines.
Technical Context
The MCP4021-202E/SN implements a resistor ladder with digitally controlled wiper position stored in EEPROM, supporting both potentiometer and rheostat configurations via terminal floating. Its Up/Down (U/D) interface uses asynchronous edge-triggered logic with CS enable, requiring no clock or data framing.
WiperLock™ technology enables secure EEPROM writes only when CS and U/D are driven to high-voltage thresholds (≥8.5V), preventing accidental overwrites during normal 2.7–5.5V operation. The device features internal power-up initialization that recalls the last saved wiper value within 200 ns.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance | 2.1 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale analog adjustment range for voltage divider or current-limiting applications |
| Resolution | 64 taps (6-bit) - provides 15.625% step granularity across resistance range, enabling fine analog tuning |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes insertion loss and nonlinearity in low-impedance signal paths |
| Tempco (Absolute) | 50 ppm/°C (0°C to 70°C typ.) - ensures stable resistance value over temperature in calibration-critical systems |
| Bandwidth (–3 dB) | 4 MHz (2.1 kΩ device, 30 pF load) - supports audio and medium-speed control loop bandwidths |
| Supply Current | 1 µA max static - enables ultra-low-power operation in battery-backed or energy-harvesting systems |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - compatible with single-supply 3.3V and 5V microcontroller I/O domains |
| EEPROM Endurance | 1 million write cycles - supports field recalibration and lifetime parameter storage without wear-out concerns |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23-6 package with 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, thermal resistance θJA = 230°C/W, rated for –40°C to +125°C ambient operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (A) | Resistor Terminal A | Fixed end of resistor array; connects to high-side reference or signal source in potentiometer mode |
| 2 (W) | Wiper Terminal | Digitally controllable tap point; output node for variable voltage division or current sensing |
| 3 (B) | Resistor Terminal B | Fixed end of resistor array; connects to low-side reference (e.g., GND) in potentiometer mode |
| 4 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-low enable for U/D interface; high-voltage threshold (≥8.5V) triggers WiperLock™ EEPROM write |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Device substrate and logic reference; must be connected directly to system ground plane |
| 6 (VDD) | Power Supply | Positive supply input (2.7–5.5V); powers internal logic, EEPROM, and resistor array bias |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Nonvolatile Wiper Setting Recall | Automatically restores last EEPROM-stored wiper position within 200 ns of power-up, eliminating boot-time reinitialization code |
| WiperLock™ EEPROM Protection | Prevents unintended writes by requiring ≥8.5V on CS/U/D pins-no external hardware write-protect needed |
| High-Voltage Tolerant Digital Inputs | CS and U/D accept up to 12.5V regardless of VDD, enabling direct interface with 12V industrial control signals |
| Low Tempco Ratiometric Mode | 10 ppm/°C typical when used as potentiometer-ideal for ratio-metric sensor excitation where VDD drift cancels |
| Ultra-Low Static Power | 1 µA max IDD in inactive state-extends battery life in portable instrumentation and remote sensors |
| Simple 2-Wire Serial Interface | No clock, no address, no data framing-only CS and U/D edges required, reducing MCU GPIO and firmware overhead |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Programmable Gain Amplifier Trim |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Factory calibration of pressure transducer output offset and span across temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4021-202E/SN serves as nonvolatile trim element in Wheatstone bridge excitation and amplifier feedback networks. Use Value: Eliminates manual potentiometers and laser trimming; retains calibrated values through power cycles and field updates. | Use Scenario: Dynamic gain adjustment in programmable gain instrumentation amplifier (PGIA) front-end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4021-202E/SN sets feedback resistance in op-amp configuration, enabling software-selectable gain steps. Use Value: 0.5 µs wiper settling supports real-time gain switching in data acquisition systems sampling at >1 MSPS. |
| DC-DC Converter Feedback Divider | LED Brightness Control |
Use Scenario: Adjustable output voltage setting in isolated DC-DC modules for multi-rail power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4021-202E/SN replaces fixed resistors in feedback voltage divider network of secondary-side controller. Use Value: Enables field-programmable output voltage without PCB redesign; EEPROM retention maintains setting after power loss. | Use Scenario: Analog dimming control for high-brightness LED drivers in automotive interior lighting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4021-202E/SN adjusts current-sense resistor value to regulate LED forward current. Use Value: 2.1 kΩ resistance and 75 Ω wiper resistance minimize thermal drift and ensure consistent brightness across –40°C to +125°C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5160BRJZ-2.5RL7 | 2.5 kΩ, SPI interface, 1024-step resolution, 20 ppm/°C tempco | Requires SPI master and address decoding; higher resolution but no nonvolatile recall on power-up | Select when SPI infrastructure exists and finer resolution outweighs simplicity and EEPROM recall needs |
| MCP41010-I/P | 10 kΩ, SPI interface, volatile RAM wiper, no EEPROM, 100 ppm/°C tempco | Lacks nonvolatile storage; requires MCU to reload wiper at startup; lower cost but no field recalibration | Select for cost-sensitive, non-critical trimming where MCU can manage wiper state and power loss is not a concern |
Compared with AD5160BRJZ-2.5RL7 and MCP41010-I/P, the MCP4021-202E/SN uniquely combines nonvolatile recall, ultra-simple U/D interface, and industrial temperature support-making it optimal for embedded recalibration and maintenance-free analog tuning where SPI overhead or volatile settings are unacceptable.
Availability
MCP4021-202E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifier trim, and DC-DC converter feedback divider applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for MCP4021-202E/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The MCP40xx family was designed specifically for robust, low-complexity analog trimming in harsh environments-emphasizing nonvolatility, high-voltage tolerance, and minimal MCU resource usage over protocol flexibility.
FAQ
What is the resistance tolerance and tempco specification for the MCP4021-202E/SN?
The MCP4021-202E/SN has a nominal resistance of 2.1 kΩ with ±20% tolerance. Its absolute temperature coefficient is 50 ppm/°C (0°C to 70°C typical), and its ratiometric tempco is 10 ppm/°C (typical), measured in potentiometer configuration at code 1Fh. These values are confirmed in the DS20001945F datasheet Section 1.0 Electrical Characteristics.
Does the MCP4021-202E/SN retain its wiper setting after power cycling?
Yes, the MCP4021-202E/SN automatically recalls its last stored wiper position from EEPROM within 200 ns of power-up. This nonvolatile recall is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (–40°C to +125°C) and requires no external intervention or MCU initialization sequence.
How does WiperLock™ technology work on the MCP4021-202E/SN?
WiperLock™ prevents accidental EEPROM writes by requiring CS and/or U/D pins to be driven to ≥8.5V (at –40°C to +125°C) to enter high-voltage programming mode. During normal 2.7–5.5V operation, all digital commands only adjust the volatile wiper register-EEPROM writes occur exclusively during intentional high-voltage pulses.
What is the maximum operating frequency for the U/D interface of the MCP4021-202E/SN?
The MCP4021-202E/SN supports an Up/Down toggle frequency of up to 1 MHz under specified conditions (VDD = 2.7–5.5V, TA = –40°C to +125°C). Timing parameters including tLCUF, tLCUR, and tLUC are defined in Section 1.0 of the DS20001945F datasheet, with minimum setup/hold times of 500 ns.
Can the MCP4021-202E/SN be used in rheostat mode, and how is it configured?
Yes, the MCP4021-202E/SN can operate as a rheostat by floating either terminal A or B and using the remaining terminal plus the wiper (W) as the two-terminal variable resistor. This configuration is explicitly supported per datasheet Note 1 and enables current-source or current-sink adjustment without requiring external connections to both A and B.
MCP4021-202E/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- WiperLock™
- 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):
- 2.1k
- Interface:
- Up/Down (U/D, CS)
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 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
MCP4021-202E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4021-202E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4021-202E/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 MCP4021-202E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4021-202E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4021-202E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4021-202E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4021-202E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4021-202E/SN?
MCP4021-202E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4021-202E/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 MCP4021-202E/SN?
For technical support, including MCP4021-202E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4021-202E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4021-202E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4021-202E/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 MCP4021-202E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4021-202E/SN?
All MCP4021-202E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4021-202E/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 MCP4021-202E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4021-202E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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