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Microchip Technology MCP41100-E/SN
- Part No.:
- MCP41100-E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP41100-E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 100KOHM 256TAP 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:345
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Product details
Overview
MCP41100-E/SN from Microchip Technology is a single-channel, 256-tap digital potentiometer with 100 kΩ nominal resistance, SPI™ serial 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/offset calibration circuits for analog front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the MCP41100-E/SN datasheet, MCP41100-E/SN pinout, MCP41100-E/SN application, or MCP41100-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper resistance (≤250 Ω at 2.7V), shutdown capability via software command, static supply current ≤1 µA, and SOIC-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The MCP41100-E/SN implements an 8-bit wiper register controlling a linear 100 kΩ resistor array with terminals PA0, PB0, and PW0. Its SPI interface uses CS-active-low framing, rising-edge SCK sampling, and supports daisy-chaining only on dual-channel variants (not applicable here).
It features a software-initiated shutdown mode that opens the A terminal and shorts W to B, reducing power consumption while preserving wiper register contents. Power-up resets the wiper to mid-scale (0x80), and no hardware reset (RS) or shutdown (SHDN) pins are present - confirming its single-channel MCP41XXX identity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance | 100 kΩ ±30% at +25°C - defines full-scale rheostat range and voltage-divider impedance scaling. |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 taps) - enables 0.39% step resolution for fine analog tuning in calibration loops. |
| INL / DNL | ±1 LSB max - guarantees monotonicity and predictable linearity error across all codes. |
| Wiper Resistance | 125–250 Ω - impacts minimum achievable resistance and signal path insertion loss. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers without level shifting. |
| Static Supply Current | ≤1 µA - enables battery-powered or ultra-low-power systems to retain programmable biasing. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive and industrial control environments. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), surface-mount, 150 mil width, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - CS | SPI chip select input | Active-low enable; gates SCK/SI activity and reduces dynamic current draw when high. |
| 2 - SCK | SPI clock input | Rising-edge sampled; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity on noisy PCBs. |
| 3 - SI | SPI serial data input | Accepts 16-bit command/data frame; gated by CS to minimize standby leakage. |
| 4 - VSS | Ground reference | Primary analog/digital return; must be low-impedance and separated from noisy digital ground. |
| 5 - PA0 | Potentiometer terminal A | High-side resistor endpoint; open during software shutdown mode. |
| 6 - PW0 | Potentiometer wiper | Programmable tap point; connected to PB0 during shutdown, otherwise variable between PA0/PB0. |
| 7 - PB0 | Potentiometer terminal B | Low-side resistor endpoint; tied to PW0 in shutdown for zero-resistance bypass path. |
| 8 - VDD | Power supply | Single 2.7–5.5V rail powers logic and resistor array; requires local 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software shutdown command | Opens PA0 and shorts PW0–PB0, enabling zero-power bias networks without external switches. |
| Mid-scale power-on reset | Automatically loads 0x80 into wiper register, ensuring known startup state for repeatable system initialization. |
| Schmitt-trigger digital inputs | VIH = 0.7×VDD, VIL = 0.3×VDD - rejects noise on CS/SCK/SI in electrically harsh environments. |
| Low wiper tempco | 1 ppm/°C (voltage-divider mode, code 0x80) - maintains stable gain/attenuation over temperature. |
| Resistor terminal voltage range | 0 V to VDD - allows bidirectional signal swing and AC-coupled applications without clamping diodes. |
Applications
| Audio Signal Level Control | DC Bias Calibration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Programmable volume control in headphone amplifiers using I²S-to-analog DAC outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode adjustable series resistance setting analog output amplitude. Use Value: Replaces mechanical pots with 256-step repeatability, eliminating wear-out and enabling remote firmware updates. |
Use Scenario: Offset trimming in precision instrumentation amplifier front-ends for sensor signal conditioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-divider configuration providing stable DC reference to op-amp summing junction. Use Value: Enables factory/software calibration of offset drift without manual pot adjustment or laser trimming. |
| Laser Diode Current Control | ADC Reference Divider |
Use Scenario: Setting feedback resistance in constant-current source driving 5 mW laser diodes in optical modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-mode element in op-amp transconductance loop defining IOUT = VREF/RPOT. Use Value: Supports closed-loop recalibration after thermal aging, maintaining optical power within ±2% tolerance. |
Use Scenario: Scaling internal 2.048V ADC reference to 1.25V for 12-bit SAR converter in energy metering SoCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage divider generating accurate sub-reference for ADC input range mapping. Use Value: Achieves <0.1% total error (INL + tempco) over -40°C to +125°C, exceeding standard resistor network performance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5243BRMZ100 | Dual-channel, I²C interface, 100 kΩ, ±30% end-to-end tolerance, no shutdown command. | Requires I²C host; lacks software shutdown; dual-channel adds redundancy but increases footprint. | Select when I²C bus is preferred and dual independent pots are needed for matched channel control. |
| MCP42100-E/SN | Dual-channel version in 14-pin SOIC/TSSOP; includes SHDN and RS pins; same 100 kΩ resistance and SPI interface. | Supports hardware shutdown/reset and daisy-chaining; occupies larger PCB area and higher cost per channel. | Select when two synchronized potentiometers are required, e.g., stereo audio or differential sensor biasing. |
Compared with AD5243BRMZ100 and MCP42100-E/SN, the MCP41100-E/SN offers minimal footprint and lowest system-level cost for single-pot applications requiring SPI control and software-initiated power gating - ideal for space- and power-constrained embedded analog subsystems.
Availability
MCP41100-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio signal conditioning, sensor bias calibration, laser driver feedback, and precision reference scaling requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for MCP41100-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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and timing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The MCP41XXX family was designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in digitally controlled analog circuits - emphasizing low power, SPI simplicity, and robust operation across extended temperature ranges.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the MCP41100-E/SN SPI interface?
The MCP41100-E/SN supports up to 10 MHz SCK frequency at VDD = 5V. At lower supply voltages (e.g., 2.7V), timing margins reduce - consult AC Timing Characteristics table in DS11195C for tSU/tHD compliance. The device uses mode 0,0 and 1,1 SPI polarity/phase configurations, and does not require external pull-ups on SCK or SI due to integrated Schmitt triggers.
Does the MCP41100-E/SN have a hardware reset or shutdown pin?
No. The MCP41100-E/SN is a single-channel MCP41XXX device and lacks dedicated RS and SHDN pins - those are exclusive to dual-channel MCP42XXX variants. Reset is performed via power cycle (wiper auto-initializes to 0x80), and shutdown is executed exclusively through SPI command (0x00–0x0F register write), which opens PA0 and connects PW0 to PB0.
What is the wiper resistance specification for the MCP41100-E/SN at 3.3V supply?
At VDD = 3.3V and IW = 1 mA (code 0x00), the MCP41100-E/SN wiper resistance is specified as 175–250 Ω (max). This value directly impacts minimum achievable resistance in rheostat mode and contributes to total harmonic distortion in AC-coupled signal paths - design margins should account for worst-case 250 Ω at low VDD.
Can the MCP41100-E/SN be used in voltage-divider mode with bipolar signals?
No. The MCP41100-E/SN resistor terminals (PA0, PB0, PW0) operate strictly between 0 V and VDD. Applying voltages outside this range - including negative or >VDD signals - violates Absolute Maximum Ratings and may cause latch-up or permanent damage. For bipolar operation, external level-shifting circuitry or rail-to-rail op-amps must isolate the pot from signal excursions beyond its supply rails.
How does the MCP41100-E/SN handle power supply noise rejection?
The MCP41100-E/SN exhibits 35 dB PSRR at 1 kHz (10 kΩ version) and maintains >20 dB up to 100 kHz, measured with VA = 4V and code 0x80. Its power supply sensitivity is 0.0015–0.0035 %/%, meaning a 1% VDD change induces <0.0035% resistance shift - critical for stable gain-setting in precision amplifiers powered from switching regulators.
MCP41100-E/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:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 100k
- 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
MCP41100-E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP41100-E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP41100-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 MCP41100-E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP41100-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 MCP41100-E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP41100-E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP41100-E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP41100-E/SN?
MCP41100-E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP41100-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 MCP41100-E/SN?
For technical support, including MCP41100-E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP41100-E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP41100-E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP41100-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 MCP41100-E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP41100-E/SN?
All MCP41100-E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP41100-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 MCP41100-E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP41100-E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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