Microchip Technology MCP4151-104E/MFVAO
- Part No.:
- MCP4151-104E/MFVAO
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4151-104E/MFVAO.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 100KOHM 257TAP 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP4151-104E/MFVAO from Microchip Technology is a single-channel, 8-bit volatile digital potentiometer in MSOP-8 package with 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance (RAB), 257-step resolution, SPI interface (10 MHz, modes 0,0 & 1,1), and wiper resistance of 75 Ω (typical). It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V and supports potentiometer or rheostat configurations in industrial sensor calibration and programmable gain amplifier circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO datasheet, MCP4151-104E/MFVAO pinout, MCP4151-104E/MFVAO application, or MCP4151-104E/MFVAO equivalent, key selection criteria include RAB tolerance (±20%), absolute tempco (50 ppm/°C), wiper disconnect via SHDN pin, brown-out reset (1.65 V), and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs (up to 12.5 V).
Technical Context
The MCP4151-104E/MFVAO implements a resistor ladder network with digitally controlled wiper position updated via SPI write commands. Its volatile RAM wiper register resets to mid-scale (0x80) on power-up or brown-out, and it supports terminal disconnect through dedicated SHDN pin or TCON register control.
It features SDI/SDO multiplexing for read operations only, operates across –40°C to +125°C, and maintains ratiometric tempco of 15 ppm/°C in potentiometer mode. Bandwidth is 100 kHz (typical) at 100 kΩ RAB, with INL ±0.5 LSb and DNL ±0.25 LSb over full scale.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 100 kΩ ±20% - defines maximum adjustable resistance range between terminals A and B |
| Resolution | 8-bit / 257 steps - enables fine-grained analog adjustment with 0.39% step size |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - contributes minimal series resistance in signal path at any wiper position |
| Tempco (Absolute) | 50 ppm/°C (0°C to 70°C) - ensures stable RAB value across temperature in rheostat use |
| SPI Speed | 10 MHz max (VDD ≥ 2.7 V) - supports fast real-time wiper updates in closed-loop systems |
| Supply Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - enables direct interfacing with 1.8 V logic and compatibility with 3.3 V/5 V systems |
| Brown-out Reset | 1.65 V typical - guarantees known wiper state during low-VDD conditions |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead MSOP (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), exposed pad (EP) for thermal enhancement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P0A | Resistor terminal A | Fixed end of RAB network; connects to reference voltage or signal source in potentiometer mode |
| P0W | Wiper terminal | Adjustable tap point; carries full signal current up to ±2.5 mA; low 75 Ω resistance minimizes insertion loss |
| P0B | Resistor terminal B | Fixed end of RAB network; tied to ground or return path in rheostat configuration |
| VSS | Ground reference | Logic and analog ground reference; must be low-impedance for accurate wiper positioning |
| VDD | Power supply | Supplies internal logic and resistor network; accepts 1.8–5.5 V with brown-out detection |
| CS | Chip select | Active-low SPI enable; supports high-voltage tolerance (up to 12.5 V) for mixed-supply systems |
| SDI/SDO | Serial data I/O | Multiplexed bidirectional SPI data line; requires external pull-up for read operations |
| SCK | Serial clock | Drives SPI timing; supports modes 0,0 and 1,1; max 10 MHz at VDD ≥ 2.7 V |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single Potentiometer Configuration | Three-terminal (A/W/B) layout enables direct replacement of mechanical pots in feedback networks and biasing circuits |
| Volatile Wiper Memory | RAM-based wiper register resets to 0x80 on power-up - ensures repeatable startup behavior without EEPROM wear |
| Wiper Disconnect Control | SHDN pin or TCON register can open-circuit P0A–P0W–P0B path - eliminates leakage in standby or fault states |
| High-Voltage Tolerant Inputs | CS, SCK, SDI, SHDN accept up to 12.5 V - allows direct connection to 5 V or 12 V control buses without level shifters |
| Extended Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C operation - qualified for under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor instrumentation |
Applications
| LED Brightness Control | Programmable Gain Amplifier |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Adjusting current through high-brightness LEDs in signage or automotive lighting using constant-current driver ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital potentiometer sets reference voltage or feedback divider ratio to regulate LED current. Use Value: Enables precise, software-controlled dimming without mechanical wear or manual calibration; 100 kΩ RAB supports wide current range scaling. | Use Scenario: Configuring gain of op-amp-based transimpedance or instrumentation amplifiers in sensor front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replaces fixed resistors in amplifier feedback loop to dynamically adjust gain based on signal amplitude or range. Use Value: 8-bit resolution provides 0.39% gain step accuracy; low wiper resistance (75 Ω) avoids gain error drift with temperature. |
| Sensor Calibration Trim | Power Supply Voltage Adjustment |
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning offset/gain of analog sensor outputs (e.g., pressure, temperature) before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as precision trim element in analog signal conditioning stage to compensate for sensor manufacturing variance. Use Value: Absolute tempco of 50 ppm/°C ensures calibration stability over industrial temperature range; SPI interface allows factory or field recalibration. | Use Scenario: Dynamically adjusting output voltage of adjustable DC-DC converters or linear regulators in adaptive power management. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replaces fixed resistor in feedback divider of voltage regulator IC to enable programmable output voltage. Use Value: 100 kΩ RAB matches common regulator feedback network impedances; SHDN pin allows complete feedback disconnection during fault shutdown. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4141-104E/MF | Non-volatile EEPROM wiper memory; retains last setting after power cycle; 2.7–5.5 V only | Required where power-loss recovery is critical (e.g., medical device calibration presets) | Select when persistent wiper state is mandatory; avoid if frequent reprogramming causes EEPROM endurance concerns |
| AD5171BRMZ-100 | I²C interface; 64-step (6-bit) resolution; 100 kΩ RAB; no SHDN pin; 2.7–5.5 V | Suitable for space-constrained designs needing I²C bus sharing and lower pin count | Choose for I²C-based systems; note reduced resolution and absence of hardware wiper disconnect |
Compared with MCP4141-104E/MF and AD5171BRMZ-100, the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO offers faster SPI update rate (10 MHz vs. 3.4 MHz I²C or 1 MHz EEPROM write), deterministic mid-scale power-on default, and dedicated SHDN for fail-safe open-circuit operation - making it optimal for real-time control loops and safety-critical trimming.
Availability
MCP4151-104E/MFVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, LED brightness control, and power supply voltage adjustment requiring stable component supply and extended temperature performance.
Supply support for MCP4151-104E/MFVAO 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 interface ICs, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing infrastructure.
The MCP41XX family delivers SPI-controlled digital potentiometers optimized for precision analog trimming, sensor calibration, and programmable biasing in harsh environments - emphasizing reliability, wide voltage/temperature operation, and robust digital interface design.
FAQ
What is the RAB resistance tolerance and temperature coefficient of the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO?
The MCP4151-104E/MFVAO has an RAB resistance of 100 kΩ with ±20% initial tolerance. Its absolute temperature coefficient is 50 ppm/°C (typical, 0°C to 70°C) in rheostat configuration and 15 ppm/°C (ratiometric, mid-scale) in potentiometer mode. These values are confirmed in the DS22060B datasheet Table 1-1 and Section 1.0 Electrical Characteristics.
Does the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO retain its wiper setting after power cycling?
No, the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO uses volatile RAM for its wiper register and resets to mid-scale (0x80) on power-up or brown-out event. This behavior is specified in the Device Features table (DS22060B-page 2) and ensures predictable startup without EEPROM wear concerns. For non-volatile retention, consider the pin-compatible MCP4141-104E/MF.
What SPI modes and maximum clock frequency does the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO support?
The MCP4151-104E/MFVAO supports SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1 with a maximum SCK frequency of 10 MHz at VDD ≥ 2.7 V (1 MHz at 1.8–2.7 V). Timing parameters including setup/hold times and CS-to-SCK delays are fully specified in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 of DS22060B. The SDI/SDO pin is multiplexed, requiring specific timing for read operations per Table 1-3.
Can the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO be used in rheostat (two-terminal) configuration?
Yes, the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO supports rheostat operation by floating either P0A or P0B terminal while using P0W and the remaining terminal. This is explicitly stated in the "Device Features" note on DS22060B-page 2 and validated in the AC/DC characteristics section for R-INL and R-DNL testing. Maximum current through any terminal is ±2.5 mA.
What is the purpose of the SHDN pin on the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO?
The SHDN (shutdown) pin on the MCP4151-104E/MFVAO provides hardware-level wiper disconnect: when driven low, it opens the internal switch between P0A, P0W, and P0B, effectively isolating the resistor network. This feature enables zero-power leakage paths in standby mode and is documented in the Features list and Device Block Diagram (DS22060B-page 1 and 2). It functions independently of SPI commands.
MCP4151-104E/MFVAO Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 257
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 100k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 150ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-DFN (3x3)
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 75
MCP4151-104E/MFVAO FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4151-104E/MFVAO through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4151-104E/MFVAO 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 MCP4151-104E/MFVAO reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4151-104E/MFVAO are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4151-104E/MFVAO is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4151-104E/MFVAO?
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MCP4151-104E/MFVAO orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4151-104E/MFVAO 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 MCP4151-104E/MFVAO?
For technical support, including MCP4151-104E/MFVAO datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4151-104E/MFVAO requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4151-104E/MFVAO is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4151-104E/MFVAO 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 MCP4151-104E/MFVAO meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4151-104E/MFVAO?
All MCP4151-104E/MFVAO units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4151-104E/MFVAO, 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 MCP4151-104E/MFVAO part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4151-104E/MFVAO:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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