Microchip Technology MCP42010-E/ST
- Part No.:
- MCP42010-E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP42010-E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 10KOHM 256TAP 14TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP42010-E/ST from Microchip Technology is a dual-channel, 256-tap digital potentiometer with 10 kΩ nominal resistance per channel, SPI™ interface (mode 0,0 and 1,1), ±1 LSB max INL/DNL, and hardware shutdown (SHDN) and reset (RS) pins. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V across -40°C to +125°C and is used for precision gain/offset trimming in sensor signal conditioning and programmable biasing in analog front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the MCP42010-E/ST datasheet, MCP42010-E/ST pinout, MCP42010-E/ST application, or MCP42010-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-channel matching (<1% RAB variation), wiper resistance (52 Ω typ. at VDD = 5.5V), static supply current (≤1 µA), daisy-chain capability via SO pin, and industrial/extended temperature support.
Technical Context
The MCP42010-E/ST implements two independent 8-bit linear resistor arrays, each with digitally controlled wiper position updated via 16-bit SPI frame (8-bit command + 8-bit data). Its architecture supports both rheostat (two-terminal) and voltage-divider (three-terminal) configurations, with wiper-to-endpoint resistance varying linearly per code.
Hardware features include dedicated SHDN pin that opens Terminal A and shorts Wiper to Terminal B for zero-power standby, and RS pin that forces mid-scale (80h) reset without SPI transaction. Channel-to-channel resistance matching is specified at ≤1% over temperature, enabling matched gain control in differential circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance | 10 kΩ per channel - defines full-scale analog range for gain/attenuation scaling |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 taps) - enables 0.39% step resolution for fine analog adjustment |
| INL / DNL | ±1 LSB max - ensures monotonicity and predictable linearity in closed-loop calibration |
| Wiper Resistance | 52 Ω typical (VDD = 5.5V, code 00h) - limits insertion error in low-impedance feedback paths |
| Supply Current (Static) | ≤1 µA - enables always-on bias networks in battery-powered sensor nodes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive and industrial motor control |
Pinout & Package
Package: 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), 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 SPI command execution; gates internal clock and power domains |
| 2 SCK | SPI serial clock input | Rising-edge sampled SI, falling-edge driven SO; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity |
| 3 SI | SPI serial data input | Loads 16-bit command/data frame; gated by CS to minimize dynamic current |
| 4 VSS | Ground reference | Analog/digital common return; requires low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling |
| 5 PB1 | Potentiometer 1 terminal B | Fixed endpoint of channel 1 resistor array; tied to wiper during hardware shutdown |
| 6 PW1 | Potentiometer 1 wiper | Adjustable tap point for channel 1; connects to PB1 when SHDN = low |
| 7 PA1 | Potentiometer 1 terminal A | Fixed endpoint of channel 1 resistor array; disconnected from array during shutdown |
| 8 PA0 | Potentiometer 0 terminal A | Fixed endpoint of channel 0 resistor array; disconnected from array during shutdown |
| 9 PW0 | Potentiometer 0 wiper | Adjustable tap point for channel 0; connects to PB0 when SHDN = low |
| 10 PB0 | Potentiometer 0 terminal B | Fixed endpoint of channel 0 resistor array; tied to wiper during hardware shutdown |
| 11 RS | Hardware reset input | Pulse low ≥150 ns forces both wipers to mid-scale (80h); active pull-up prevents floating |
| 12 SHDN | Hardware shutdown input | Pull low to open all A terminals and short all wipers to respective B terminals; <1 µA standby |
| 13 SO | SPI serial data output | Daisy-chain output; drives logic-low when CS high, enabling multi-device cascading |
| 14 VDD | Power supply | Single 2.7–5.5V rail powers digital core and resistor arrays; bypass capacitor required |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent 10 kΩ channels | Enables matched gain control in instrumentation amplifiers or differential ADC drivers |
| Hardware SHDN and RS pins | Eliminates need for SPI transactions to enter ultra-low-power state or restore default bias |
| Channel-to-channel resistance match ≤1% | Supports precision ratiometric applications such as bridge sensor excitation and matched filter tuning |
| Daisy-chain capable via SO pin | Reduces MCU GPIO count and simplifies PCB routing in multi-pot systems (e.g., display gamma correction) |
| Extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) | Validates operation in engine control units, industrial PLC I/O modules, and outdoor sensor hubs |
Applications
| Instrumentation Amplifier Gain Control | Sensor Offset Calibration |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Programmable gain stage in a medical ECG front-end where signal amplitude varies across patient types. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel MCP42010-E/ST configures matched feedback resistors in an IA's gain-setting network. Use Value: Enables factory and field calibration of gain without soldering; channel matching ensures CMRR preservation. |
Use Scenario: Zero-point adjustment for a thermocouple amplifier exposed to ambient drift. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One channel of MCP42010-E/ST injects programmable offset voltage into the amplifier's reference node. Use Value: Compensates for cold-junction errors and PCB thermal gradients using stored calibration coefficients. |
| Programmable LED Biasing | Motor Driver Current Sensing |
|
Use Scenario: Adjustable constant-current source for RGB LED backlighting in automotive displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP42010-E/ST sets reference voltage for a current-sense op-amp driving MOSFET gate. Use Value: Allows dynamic brightness control via SPI while maintaining stable current regulation across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Scaling resistor for shunt-based phase current measurement in BLDC motor controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP42010-E/ST adjusts gain of current-sense amplifier to accommodate different motor winding resistances. Use Value: Enables single hardware design to support multiple motor variants without resistor changes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5232BRUZ10 | Non-volatile EEPROM storage; 2.7–5.5V; 10 kΩ; SPI interface; no hardware SHDN/RS pins | Loses instant power-cycle recovery and hardware-safe shutdown; requires software initialization | Select when non-volatile wiper position retention is critical and hardware control pins are unused |
| MCP42050-E/ST | Same package/pinout; 50 kΩ nominal resistance; identical timing, tempco, and feature set | Higher resistance increases noise gain in high-Z circuits but improves power efficiency in voltage-divider mode | Select when higher impedance is needed to reduce loading on reference sources or improve PSRR |
Compared with AD5232BRUZ10, MCP42010-E/ST offers deterministic power-on state and hardware safety controls; compared with MCP42050-E/ST, it delivers lower wiper resistance and better bandwidth for low-impedance feedback loops.
Availability
MCP42010-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive sensor modules, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MCP42010-E/ST 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and interface ICs, with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and embedded system integration.
The MCP42010-E/ST belongs to Microchip's MCP42XXX dual digital potentiometer family, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in precision analog systems requiring programmable resistance with industrial-grade temperature and reliability specs.
FAQ
What is the wiper resistance specification for MCP42010-E/ST at 5.5V?
The MCP42010-E/ST exhibits a typical wiper resistance of 52 Ω at VDD = 5.5V and code 00h, with a maximum of 100 Ω under those conditions. This value is confirmed in the DC Characteristics table for the 10 kΩ version on DS11195C-page 2. Lower wiper resistance minimizes insertion loss in feedback networks and improves accuracy in low-impedance applications.
Does MCP42010-E/ST support daisy-chaining, and what is required?
Yes, MCP42010-E/ST supports daisy-chaining via its SO (Serial Output) pin (Pin 13), which is explicitly enabled for the MCP42XXX series. To daisy-chain, connect the SO of one device to the SI of the next, share CS/SCK, and use separate CS lines or sequential activation. Maximum clock frequency drops to ~5.8 MHz due to propagation delay and setup time constraints.
How does the hardware shutdown (SHDN) function affect the resistor terminals of MCP42010-E/ST?
When SHDN is pulled low, MCP42010-E/ST opens all Terminal A connections (PA0 and PA1) and shorts each wiper (PW0, PW1) to its respective Terminal B (PB0, PB1). The wiper register contents remain unchanged, allowing immediate resumption at the prior setting upon SHDN release. This configuration draws ≤1 µA total supply current.
What is the channel-to-channel resistance matching specification for MCP42010-E/ST?
MCP42010-E/ST guarantees channel-to-channel nominal resistance matching of ≤1% across temperature, as stated in the "Nominal Resistance Match" parameter on DS11195C-page 2 for the MCP42010 variant. This applies specifically between Pot 0 and Pot 1 at TA = +25°C and enables precision ratiometric functions like matched gain stages and balanced bridge excitation.
Is MCP42010-E/ST compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers, and what are the logic thresholds?
Yes, MCP42010-E/ST operates from 2.7V to 5.5V and is fully compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers. Its Schmitt-triggered digital inputs specify VIH ≥ 0.7×VDD and VIL ≤ 0.3×VDD, so at VDD = 3.3V, VIH ≥ 2.31V and VIL ≤ 0.99V - comfortably within standard 3.3V logic levels. Input leakage remains ≤±1 µA across voltage range.
MCP42010-E/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Number of Taps:
- 256
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 10k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- Cascade Pin
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 800ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-TSSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 73
MCP42010-E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP42010-E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP42010-E/ST 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 MCP42010-E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP42010-E/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP42010-E/ST is usually 5 days.
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MCP42010-E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP42010-E/ST 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 MCP42010-E/ST?
For technical support, including MCP42010-E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP42010-E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP42010-E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP42010-E/ST 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 MCP42010-E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP42010-E/ST?
All MCP42010-E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP42010-E/ST, 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 MCP42010-E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP42010-E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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