My Inquiry
My Account
Microchip Technology MCP41050T-E/SN
- Part No.:
- MCP41050T-E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP41050T-E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 50KOHM 256TAP 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,454
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MCP41050T-E/SN from Microchip Technology is a single-channel, 256-tap digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ nominal resistance, SPI™ interface (mode 0,0 and 1,1), ±1 LSB max INL/DNL, and operates from 2.7V to 5.5V supply. It functions as a programmable rheostat or voltage divider in precision gain control, sensor calibration, and offset adjustment circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP41050T-E/SN datasheet, MCP41050T-E/SN pinout, MCP41050T-E/SN application, or MCP41050T-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper resistance (125 Ω typ at 5.5V), shutdown capability via software command, static supply current ≤1 µA, and SOIC-8 package compatibility with industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).
Technical Context
The MCP41050T-E/SN implements an 8-bit linear wiper register controlling a segmented resistor array between terminals PA0, PB0, and PW0. Its SPI interface uses CS-active-low framing, rising-edge SCK sampling on SI, and supports mid-scale power-up reset (80h) and software shutdown that opens PA0 and shorts PW0 to PB0.
All analog terminals (PA0, PB0, PW0) tolerate 0–VDD voltage range with no polarity restriction; dynamic performance includes 280 MHz –3dB bandwidth (at code 80h, 30 pF load) and 8 µs settling time from code 00h to 80h under ±1% error band conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance | 50 kΩ ±15% at +25°C - defines full-scale rheostat or divider impedance for gain/offset scaling. |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 taps) - enables 0.39% step resolution for fine analog tuning in closed-loop systems. |
| INL / DNL | ±1 LSB max - ensures monotonicity and predictable linearity across all codes for measurement-critical applications. |
| Wiper Resistance | 125 Ω typical at VDD = 5.5V, code 00h - directly impacts minimum achievable resistance and signal path loss. |
| Supply Current | ≤1 µA static, 500 µA active max - enables battery-powered or ultra-low-power sensor interface designs. |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers without level-shifting. |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C industrial grade - validated for embedded control and industrial instrumentation environments. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-pin SOIC (E/SN suffix), body width 3.9 mm, lead pitch 1.27 mm, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - CS | SPI chip select input | Active-low enable for command latching; gates internal clock and data paths to minimize leakage during idle. |
| 2 - SCK | SPI serial clock input | Rising-edge sampled; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity; disabled when CS high to reduce dynamic current. |
| 3 - SI | SPI serial data input | Accepts 16-bit command/data frame (8-bit opcode + 8-bit wiper value); gated by CS to prevent spurious writes. |
| 4 - VSS | Ground reference | Analog and digital common return; must be low-impedance to maintain INL/DNL and PSRR performance. |
| 5 - PA0 | Potentiometer terminal A | High-side resistive endpoint; opened during software shutdown to isolate upstream circuitry. |
| 6 - PW0 | Wiper output | Variable tap point; connected to PB0 during shutdown; exhibits 5.6 pF capacitance affecting high-frequency response. |
| 7 - PB0 | Potentiometer terminal B | Low-side resistive endpoint; tied to PW0 in shutdown mode to establish known zero-resistance state. |
| 8 - VDD | Power supply | Single 2.7–5.5V rail powering both digital logic and resistor array; requires 0.1 µF local bypass per layout guidelines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software shutdown mode | Opens PA0 and shorts PW0 to PB0 without altering wiper register - enables true zero-power analog path isolation. |
| Mid-scale power-up default | Wiper auto-initializes to code 80h (25.6 kΩ in 50 kΩ device) - prevents undefined output states at system startup. |
| Schmitt-trigger digital inputs | VIH = 0.7VDD, VIL = 0.3VDD, hysteresis = 0.05VDD - rejects noise on CS/SCK/SI in electrically noisy industrial environments. |
| Low wiper-to-endpoint capacitance | CA/CB = 11 pF, CW = 5.6 pF at 1 MHz - preserves bandwidth in audio and signal conditioning applications up to 280 MHz. |
| Channel matching (dual variants) | <1% RAB mismatch between P0/P1 - not applicable to MCP41050T-E/SN but confirms family-grade precision for future dual upgrades. |
Applications
| Audio Volume Control | Laser Diode Bias Adjustment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Programmable attenuation of line-level audio signals in consumer DAC output stages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode two-terminal variable resistor replacing mechanical potentiometer in analog signal path. Use Value: Eliminates mechanical wear and drift; 256-step resolution enables smooth volume ramping with microcontroller-based UI. |
Use Scenario: Precision setting of bias current for telecom laser diodes requiring stable optical output power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-divider configuration generating reference voltage for current-sense amplifier feedback loop. Use Value: ±1 LSB INL ensures repeatable bias points across temperature; 50 kΩ value matches typical transimpedance amplifier gain ranges. |
| Sensor Offset Calibration | Programmable Gain Amplifier |
Use Scenario: Nulling thermal or process-induced DC offset in bridge-based pressure sensor front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Potentiometer-mode adjustable voltage divider injecting correction voltage into op-amp summing node. Use Value: 125 Ω wiper resistance minimizes injection error; software shutdown allows safe re-calibration without signal disruption. |
Use Scenario: Setting closed-loop gain of instrumentation amplifiers in data acquisition modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat connecting amplifier feedback path, where resistance determines gain (G = 1 + RF/RG). Use Value: 280 MHz bandwidth supports >100 kHz signal bandwidths; low tempco (800 ppm/°C) maintains gain stability over operating range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5241BRMZ10 | 10 kΩ nominal resistance, I²C interface, 2.7–5.5V operation, ±30% RAB tolerance, 120 Ω wiper resistance. | Lower resolution (256-tap same), but higher RAB tolerance reduces absolute accuracy in gain-setting roles. | Select when I²C bus availability simplifies MCU integration and 10 kΩ impedance better matches existing feedback networks. |
| MCP42050-I/P | Dual-channel 50 kΩ device in 14-pin PDIP; adds SO, RS, SHDN pins; supports daisy-chaining and hardware reset/shutdown. | Enables simultaneous control of two independent analog paths (e.g., differential channel trimming) without additional ICs. | Select when board space permits larger package and dual-channel functionality justifies added pin count and cost. |
Compared with AD5241BRMZ10 and MCP42050-I/P, the MCP41050T-E/SN offers optimal trade-off of SPI compatibility, 50 kΩ impedance, and SOIC-8 footprint for single-channel precision analog tuning-without I²C dependency or dual-channel overhead.
Availability
MCP41050T-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio equipment manufacturing, industrial sensor calibration, and laser driver design requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MCP41050T-E/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 devices, and timing solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The MCP41XXX series was designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in digitally controlled analog circuits-emphasizing low power, high linearity, SPI simplicity, and industrial-grade reliability.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the MCP41050T-E/SN SPI interface?
The MCP41050T-E/SN supports up to 10 MHz SCK frequency at VDD = 5V, with minimum high/low times of 40 ns each. At lower VDD (e.g., 3.3V), timing margins tighten; design verification against AC timing specs in DS11195C-page 5 is required for robust operation above 5 MHz.
Does the MCP41050T-E/SN have hardware shutdown or reset pins?
No. The MCP41050T-E/SN is a single-channel device and lacks dedicated SHDN or RS pins-those features are exclusive to dual-channel MCP42XXX variants. Shutdown is implemented exclusively via SPI command (0x00 write to shutdown register), and reset occurs only at power-up (to code 80h).
What is the wiper resistance specification for the MCP41050T-E/SN at 3.3V supply?
At VDD = 3.3V and IW = 1 mA, the MCP41050T-E/SN wiper resistance is 175–250 Ω (max), per DS11195C-page 3. This increases vs. 5.5V operation (125–175 Ω) due to CMOS transistor on-resistance dependence on VDD.
Can the MCP41050T-E/SN be used in rheostat mode with terminal A disconnected?
Yes. In rheostat mode, the MCP41050T-E/SN requires only two terminals: PB0 and PW0 (or PA0 and PW0). The unused terminal (e.g., PA0 when using PB0/PW0) must be left unconnected-not tied to ground or VDD-to avoid parasitic current paths that degrade linearity and tempco.
Is the MCP41050T-E/SN pin-compatible with other MCP41XXX variants like MCP41010 or MCP41100?
Yes. All MCP41XXX devices-including MCP41010 (10 kΩ), MCP41050 (50 kΩ), and MCP41100 (100 kΩ)-share identical SOIC-8 pinout and SPI command structure. Only the nominal resistance value differs; PCB layout and firmware remain unchanged across this family.
MCP41050T-E/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 50k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±30%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 800ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 175
MCP41050T-E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP41050T-E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP41050T-E/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 MCP41050T-E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP41050T-E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP41050T-E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP41050T-E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP41050T-E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP41050T-E/SN?
MCP41050T-E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP41050T-E/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 MCP41050T-E/SN?
For technical support, including MCP41050T-E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP41050T-E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP41050T-E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP41050T-E/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 MCP41050T-E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP41050T-E/SN?
All MCP41050T-E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP41050T-E/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 MCP41050T-E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP41050T-E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MCP41050T-E/SN Tags
-
MCP4018T-103E/LT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4018T-503E/LT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4011T-103E/SN
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4018T-104E/LT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4017T-503E/LT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4018T-502E/LT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4017T-103E/LT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4531T-103E/MF
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4021T-202E/SN
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4023T-103E/CH
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4022T-503E/CH
Microchip Technology
-
MCP4551T-502E/MS
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
