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Microchip Technology MCP42050-E/ST
- Part No.:
- MCP42050-E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP42050-E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 50KOHM 256TAP 14TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,476
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Product details
Overview
MCP42050-E/ST from Microchip Technology is a dual-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer with 50 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 and supports industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and extended (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges, used for precision gain/offset trimming in analog front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the MCP42050-E/ST datasheet, MCP42050-E/ST pinout, MCP42050-E/ST application, or MCP42050-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-channel matching (<1% RAB variation), wiper resistance (125 Ω typ. at 5.5V), daisy-chain capability via SO pin, shutdown current (<1 µA), and TSSOP-14 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The MCP42050-E/ST implements two independent 8-bit linear resistor arrays, each with A/B/W terminals and digitally controlled wiper position. Its SPI interface uses separate SI (input) and SO (output) pins enabling multi-device daisy-chaining without external logic.
Hardware SHDN disconnects all A terminals while shorting W to B across both channels; RS forces mid-scale (80h) wiper position on power-up or pulse. Channel-to-channel resistance matching is specified at <1% for P0–P1, supporting matched gain control in differential circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance | 50 kΩ per channel - sets full-scale analog range for gain/attenuation applications |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 taps) - enables 0.39% step resolution for fine analog tuning |
| INL / DNL | ±1 LSB max - ensures monotonic response critical for closed-loop calibration |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports single-supply operation across 3.3V and 5V systems |
| Static Current | 0.01 µA to 1 µA - enables ultra-low-power standby in battery-powered sensors |
| Wiper Resistance | 125 Ω typical at VDD = 5.5V - limits voltage error in low-impedance divider configurations |
| Channel Matching | <1% ∆R/R - allows precise differential signal conditioning without manual trimming |
Pinout & Package
Package: 14-pin TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package), 4.4 mm × 5.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch - optimized for space-constrained industrial and automotive PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, CS | SPI chip select | Active-low enable for command execution; gates internal clock and data paths |
| 2, SCK | SPI clock input | Rising-edge sampling of SI; falling-edge output on SO; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity |
| 3, SI | SPI serial data input | Loads 16-bit command/data into shift register; gated by CS to reduce 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 end of second resistor array; tied to W during hardware shutdown |
| 6, PW1 | Potentiometer 1 wiper | Variable tap point for P1; connected to PB1 when SHDN = low |
| 7, PA1 | Potentiometer 1 terminal A | Fixed end of second resistor array; open-circuited during hardware shutdown |
| 8, PA0 | Potentiometer 0 terminal A | Fixed end of first resistor array; open-circuited during hardware shutdown |
| 9, PW0 | Potentiometer 0 wiper | Variable tap point for P0; connected to PB0 when SHDN = low |
| 10, PB0 | Potentiometer 0 terminal B | Fixed end of first resistor array; tied to W 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 disconnect all A terminals and short W–B on both channels; static current <1 µA |
| 13, SO | SPI serial data output | Push-pull output for daisy-chaining; drives logic-low when CS = high |
| 14, VDD | Power supply | Single 2.7–5.5V rail powers digital core and resistor arrays; bypass with 0.1 µF ceramic |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent 50 kΩ channels | Enables matched gain control in instrumentation amplifiers or dual-path signal conditioning |
| Hardware SHDN and RS pins | Eliminates need for software-controlled shutdown/reset sequences; reduces firmware overhead |
| Daisy-chain SPI interface (SO pin) | Supports up to 8 devices on one bus without address decoding or additional GPIOs |
| ±1 LSB INL/DNL over –40°C to +125°C | Guarantees monotonicity in automotive under-hood or industrial motor-control environments |
| 0.01 µA static supply current | Extends battery life in portable medical sensors or remote IoT nodes during sleep mode |
| 1% channel-to-channel resistance match | Reduces common-mode error in differential ADC drivers without external calibration |
Applications
| Instrumentation Amplifier Gain Control | DC Offset Calibration |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Adjusting gain in a programmable-gain instrumentation amplifier (PGIA) for sensor signal conditioning in industrial PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP42050-E/ST provides matched, digitally controlled feedback resistors for dual-opamp PGIA topology. Use Value: 1% channel matching eliminates inter-channel gain mismatch; 8-bit resolution enables 0.39% gain steps for 16-bit ADC linearity preservation. |
Use Scenario: Nulling DC offset in precision analog front-ends for thermocouple or strain gauge interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP42050-E/ST acts as a programmable voltage divider injecting correction voltage into op-amp summing node. Use Value: ±1 LSB INL ensures offset correction accuracy within 0.4% of full scale; 50 kΩ value minimizes loading on high-Z sensor outputs. |
| Motor Driver Current Sensing | Audio Volume Control |
|
Use Scenario: Scaling shunt voltage in bidirectional motor current sensing for field-oriented control (FOC) in BLDC inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP42050-E/ST configures gain of current-sense amplifier to adapt to varying shunt values and current ranges. Use Value: Hardware SHDN disconnects gain network during fault conditions, preventing erroneous current readings; TSSOP-14 fits compact gate-driver PCBs. |
Use Scenario: Implementing digital volume control in automotive infotainment head units with analog audio DAC outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP42050-E/ST serves as dual-channel attenuator for left/right stereo signals before power amplification. Use Value: Dual 50 kΩ channels provide symmetrical attenuation; SPI interface allows synchronized mute/volume changes via MCU without pop/click artifacts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5232BRUZ100 | 100 kΩ nominal resistance; I²C interface; no hardware SHDN/RS pins | Requires software-initiated shutdown; less suitable for safety-critical fast-fault isolation | Choose when I²C bus availability and higher resistance value are prioritized over hardware fault response |
| MCP42010-E/ST | 10 kΩ nominal resistance; identical pinout, SPI protocol, and feature set | Better suited for low-impedance, high-bandwidth applications (e.g., RF bias control) | Choose when lower wiper resistance (52 Ω) and higher bandwidth (1 MHz) are required over 50 kΩ scaling |
Compared with AD5232BRUZ100 and MCP42010-E/ST, the MCP42050-E/ST uniquely balances moderate resistance (50 kΩ), hardware fault response (SHDN/RS), and daisy-chain SPI-making it optimal for industrial analog signal chains requiring matched dual-channel trimming with deterministic power-down behavior.
Availability
MCP42050-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive sensor modules, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant TSSOP packaging.
Supply support for MCP42050-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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and timing solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The MCP42XXX family was designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in programmable analog circuits-emphasizing precision, low power, and robust digital interface reliability in harsh environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the MCP42050-E/ST SPI interface?
The MCP42050-E/ST supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency at VDD = 5V. In daisy-chain configurations, the effective maximum clock rate drops to ~5.8 MHz due to propagation delay (tDO = 80 ns) and setup time (tSU = 40 ns) constraints. The device uses SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1 with Schmitt-triggered SCK input for noise immunity.
Does the MCP42050-E/ST retain wiper position during hardware shutdown?
Yes, the MCP42050-E/ST retains the wiper register contents during hardware shutdown (SHDN = low). When SHDN is deasserted, the potentiometer resumes operation at the previously stored code-enabling seamless reactivation without host MCU intervention. This behavior is confirmed in DS11195C-page 1, where shutdown is described as "open circuits of all resistors" while allowing register updates.
How does the MCP42050-E/ST handle power-up initialization?
On power-up, the MCP42050-E/ST automatically resets both wiper registers to mid-scale (80h), regardless of prior state. This is a hardware-defined default and does not require SPI commands. The reset can also be triggered externally via the RS pin with a ≥150 ns low pulse, providing deterministic startup behavior for safety-critical systems.
What is the wiper resistance specification for the MCP42050-E/ST at 3.3V supply?
At VDD = 3.3V and IW = 1 mA (code 00h), the MCP42050-E/ST wiper resistance is specified as 175 Ω (typical) to 250 Ω (max), per DS11195C-page 3, Table "DC CHARACTERISTICS: 50 kΩ VERSION". This value increases vs. 5.5V operation (125–175 Ω) due to process-voltage dependencies in the CMOS pass transistor.
Can the MCP42050-E/ST be used in rheostat mode, and what are the terminal connections?
Yes, the MCP42050-E/ST supports rheostat mode: connect the unused terminal (A or B) directly to the wiper (W) pin. For example, tie PA0 to PW0 to configure Pot 0 as a two-terminal variable resistor. DS11195C-page 14 explicitly states this configuration, and rheostat-mode specs (R-DNL, R-INL, tempco) are provided separately in the datasheet.
MCP42050-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):
- 50k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- Cascade Pin
- Tolerance:
- ±30%
- 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):
- 175
MCP42050-E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP42050-E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP42050-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 MCP42050-E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP42050-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 MCP42050-E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP42050-E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP42050-E/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP42050-E/ST?
MCP42050-E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP42050-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 MCP42050-E/ST?
For technical support, including MCP42050-E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP42050-E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP42050-E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP42050-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 MCP42050-E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP42050-E/ST?
All MCP42050-E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP42050-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 MCP42050-E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP42050-E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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