Microchip Technology MCP4021-503E/SN

Overview

MCP4021-503E/SN from Microchip Technology is a nonvolatile 6-bit digital potentiometer in SOT-23-6 package, configured as a potentiometer with 50 kΩ nominal resistance, 64-tap resolution, and WiperLock™ EEPROM retention. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, supports –40°C to +125°C extended temperature range, and delivers 200 kHz –3 dB bandwidth for precision analog trimming in sensor calibration circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MCP4021-503E/SN datasheet, MCP4021-503E/SN pinout, MCP4021-503E/SN application, or MCP4021-503E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include nonvolatile wiper recall, high-voltage tolerant U/D inputs (up to 12.5V), low 75 Ω typical wiper resistance, absolute tempco of 50 ppm/°C, and compatibility with simple up/down serial control in space-constrained analog front-ends.

Technical Context

The MCP4021-503E/SN implements a resistor ladder with digitally controlled wiper position stored in EEPROM, enabling power-on restoration without external memory. Its U/D interface requires no clock or address lines-only two GPIOs-and supports both standard (≤5.5V) and high-voltage (≥8.5V) wiper increment/decrement modes.

WiperLock™ technology secures the last-written setting in EEPROM without requiring a dedicated write-protect pin; instead, it uses voltage-level detection on the CS pin to enter/exit programming mode. The device functions as a true 3-terminal potentiometer (A–W–B), with terminal polarity unrestricted and floating-terminal rheostat configuration possible via external wiring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-6 package with 1.6 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, and gull-wing leads; RoHS-compliant, Pb-free, halogen-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5175BRMZ-50 and MCP41050-I/P, the MCP4021-503E/SN offers unique advantages in minimal GPIO usage, hardware-secured nonvolatility, and 12.5V input tolerance - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-limited, and high-reliability analog trimming where simplicity and robustness are prioritized over resolution or bus flexibility.

Availability

MCP4021-503E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for temperature sensor calibration, programmable gain amplification, laser diode bias control, and power supply trim requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and medical OEM programs.

Supply support for MCP4021-503E/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 devices, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The MCP40xx family was designed specifically for embedded analog trimming applications requiring nonvolatile, low-pin-count, and robust digital potentiometers - targeting space-constrained PCBs where EEPROM retention, wide temperature operation, and simple GPIO control are critical.

FAQ

What is the resistance tolerance of the MCP4021-503E/SN?

The MCP4021-503E/SN has a nominal resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table for -503 devices. This tolerance applies across the full operating temperature range of –40°C to +125°C and reflects the initial factory calibration of the resistor array. Actual measured RAB values fall between 40.0 kΩ and 60.0 kΩ under standard conditions.

Does the MCP4021-503E/SN support rheostat configuration?

Yes, the MCP4021-503E/SN can be used in rheostat mode by floating either terminal A or B and connecting the remaining fixed terminal and wiper (W) into the circuit. Although the MCP4021 is internally configured as a potentiometer, the datasheet explicitly states that floating one terminal enables rheostat operation - and electrical specifications including R-INL and R-DNL are provided for this mode in the AC/DC Characteristics tables.

How does WiperLock™ technology work on the MCP4021-503E/SN?

WiperLock™ on the MCP4021-503E/SN uses voltage-level detection on the CS pin to enter secure write mode: applying ≥8.5V (at –40°C to +125°C) to CS while toggling U/D initiates EEPROM programming. No additional write-protect pin or command sequence is needed. Once written, the wiper value is retained in EEPROM and restored automatically at power-up, eliminating external supervision requirements.

What is the maximum operating frequency for the U/D interface of the MCP4021-503E/SN?

The MCP4021-503E/SN supports an Up/Down toggle frequency (fUD) of up to 1 MHz under standard operation (VDD ≤ 5.5V). Timing parameters such as tLCUF (CS-to-U/D setup) and tLUC (U/D-to-CS hold) are specified at 500 ns minimum, enabling reliable control from fast GPIOs. For high-voltage mode (CS ≥ 8.5V), timing margins increase slightly, with tHCUF requiring ≥8 µs setup time.

Can the MCP4021-503E/SN operate from a 3.3V supply?

Yes, the MCP4021-503E/SN is fully specified for operation from 2.7V to 5.5V, including 3.3V nominal supplies. All key parameters - including 1 µA max static current, 64-tap resolution, 50 kΩ resistance, and 200 kHz bandwidth - are guaranteed across this range. Supply current scales with VDD: IDD is 15 µA typical at 2.7V and 45 µA at 5.5V under active U/D toggling at 1 MHz.