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Microchip Technology MCP4331-503E/ST
- Part No.:
- MCP4331-503E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4331-503E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 50KOHM 129TAP 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,626
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Product details
Overview
MCP4331-503E/ST from Microchip Technology is a 7-bit quad volatile digital potentiometer in TSSOP-20 package, offering four independent 50 kΩ resistor networks with 129-tap resolution, low 75 Ω typical wiper resistance, and SPI interface (10 MHz, Modes 0,0 and 1,1) for precision analog control in programmable gain amplifiers and sensor calibration circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4331-503E/ST datasheet, MCP4331-503E/ST pinout, MCP4331-503E/ST application, or MCP4331-503E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 kΩ RAB value, 7-bit resolution, -40°C to +125°C extended temperature range, SPI serial interface timing compliance, and TSSOP-20 package footprint compatibility with industrial and automotive signal conditioning designs.
Technical Context
The MCP4331-503E/ST integrates four independent resistor networks, each configurable as potentiometer or rheostat via terminal disconnect control (TCON register), with mid-scale power-on reset wiper setting and brown-out reset protection at 1.5 V typical. Its SPI interface supports high-speed read/write to volatile wiper registers without non-volatile memory overhead.
Each network delivers ratiometric tempco of 15 ppm/°C (potentiometer mode) and absolute tempco of 50 ppm/°C (rheostat mode) over 0°C to 70°C, with bandwidth up to 200 kHz at 50 kΩ and full-scale operation from 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply, enabling use in split-rail and low-voltage analog front-ends.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 50 kΩ ±20% - sets analog gain/attenuation range and matching tolerance in feedback networks |
| Resolution | 7-bit (129 taps) - provides 0.78% step resolution for fine-grained analog adjustment |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes insertion error and voltage drop in current-sensing paths |
| Tempco (Ratiometric) | 15 ppm/°C typical - ensures stable voltage division ratio across temperature in precision references |
| SPI Speed | 10 MHz max (VDD ≥ 2.7 V) - enables fast real-time recalibration in closed-loop systems |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - supports mixed-signal designs with 1.8 V logic and 5 V analog rails |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive and industrial motor control environments |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-20 package with exposed thermal pad (EP); 0.65 mm pitch, 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm body size, JEDEC MO-153 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14 | P0A/P0B/P0W, P1A/P1B/P1W, P2A/P2B, P3A/P3B/P3W | Resistor network terminals A/B/W for four independent pots; A/B define end-to-end resistance, W is wiper output |
| 5, 10 | VSS | Ground reference for analog and digital sections; must be low-impedance return path |
| 6, 7, 8, 9 | CS, SDI, SCK, SDO | SPI interface signals - CS enables communication, SDI/SCK input command/data, SDO outputs status/readback |
| 15, 16, 17, 18 | RESET, NC, P2W, P2A | Active-low hardware reset initializes all wipers to mid-scale; NC not connected; P2W/P2A are channel 2 wiper and terminal A |
| 19, 20 | P3W, VDD | P3W is channel 3 wiper output; VDD supplies 1.8–5.5 V to internal logic and resistor networks |
| EP | Exposed Thermal Pad | Internally connected to VSS; soldering improves thermal dissipation and EMI performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad independent resistor networks | Enables simultaneous gain/offset tuning across four signal paths without inter-channel crosstalk |
| Resistor terminal disconnect (TCON) | Allows true rheostat configuration by floating A or B terminal, eliminating parasitic leakage in high-Z nodes |
| High-voltage tolerant digital inputs | Accepts up to 12.5 V on CS/SDI/SCK/RESET - simplifies level-shifting in mixed-voltage systems |
| Low serial interface inactive current | 2.5 µA typical - extends battery life in portable instrumentation and sensor nodes |
| Internal weak pull-up on digital inputs | Eliminates external bias resistors for CS/RESET, reducing BOM count and board space |
Applications
| Programmable Gain Amplifier | Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Adjusting gain of op-amp-based amplifiers in data acquisition systems where dynamic range must adapt to varying input signal amplitudes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4331-503E/ST acts as digitally controlled feedback resistor in transimpedance or non-inverting amplifier configurations. Use Value: 50 kΩ RAB and 75 Ω wiper resistance minimize gain error drift and preserve bandwidth up to 200 kHz at full scale. | Use Scenario: Calibrating offset and sensitivity of RTD, thermistor, or bridge-based pressure sensors in industrial process controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4331-503E/ST serves as precision adjustable reference divider and zero-adjust element in Wheatstone bridge interfaces. Use Value: 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco ensures stable calibration over -40°C to +125°C, critical for unattended field deployments. |
| Motor Current Feedback Scaling | LED Brightness Control |
Use Scenario: Scaling shunt voltage feedback in BLDC motor controllers to maintain consistent current regulation across varying bus voltages and temperatures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4331-503E/ST configures gain of current-sense amplifier to match ADC input range under different load conditions. Use Value: Quad architecture allows independent scaling per phase, while 1.8 V operation supports low-power microcontroller co-location. | Use Scenario: Setting precise LED forward current in automotive interior lighting modules requiring dimming profiles compliant with OEM specifications. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4331-503E/ST functions as analog current-limiting resistor in constant-current LED driver feedback loop. Use Value: 50 kΩ value provides optimal resolution for 10–100 mA LED currents; TSSOP-20 package fits compact headliner PCB layouts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4341-503E/ST | Non-volatile EEPROM wiper memory; WiperLock feature; POR sets to NV value instead of mid-scale | Requires persistent wiper setting across power cycles; higher write-cycle endurance needed for infrequent recalibration | Select when power-loss retention of last wiper position is mandatory, e.g., factory-set calibration points |
| AD5204BRUZ10 | Quad 10 kΩ, 64-tap (6-bit), I²C interface; no reset pin; 2.7–5.5 V operation | Lacks SPI speed (max 400 kHz I²C), lower resolution, and hardware reset - unsuitable for high-speed reconfiguration | Choose only if I²C bus availability and 10 kΩ value align with existing system architecture; verify bandwidth sufficiency |
Compared with MCP4341-503E/ST, the MCP4331-503E/ST offers faster SPI updates and simpler initialization but requires host MCU to restore wiper settings after power-up; versus AD5204BRUZ10, it delivers 2× resolution, 25× faster interface, and deterministic reset behavior essential for safety-critical analog control loops.
Availability
MCP4331-503E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive cabin electronics, and precision test equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MCP4331-503E/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The MCP43xx family is designed for high-precision, multi-channel analog trimming and calibration in harsh-environment applications where SPI configurability, wide temperature operation, and low wiper resistance are critical.
FAQ
What is the resistance tolerance and tempco specification for the MCP4331-503E/ST?
The MCP4331-503E/ST has a nominal RAB resistance of 50 kΩ with ±20% initial tolerance. Its ratiometric temperature coefficient is 15 ppm/°C typical (measured at mid-scale, 0°C to 70°C), ensuring stable voltage division ratio across temperature in potentiometer mode. Absolute tempco is 50 ppm/°C typical for rheostat operation.
Does the MCP4331-503E/ST support both potentiometer and rheostat configurations?
Yes, the MCP4331-503E/ST supports both configurations. Each of its four resistor networks can operate as a potentiometer (three-terminal voltage divider) or rheostat (two-terminal variable resistor) by floating either terminal A or B using the Terminal Control (TCON) register, enabling flexible analog topology adaptation without external components.
What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the MCP4331-503E/ST?
The MCP4331-503E/ST supports SPI clock frequencies up to 10 MHz when VDD is 2.7 V or higher, compatible with Modes 0,0 and 1,1. At 1.8 V ≤ VDD < 2.7 V, the maximum SCK frequency is reduced to 1 MHz to ensure reliable timing margin across voltage and temperature.
How does the RESET pin function on the MCP4331-503E/ST?
The active-low RESET pin on the MCP4331-503E/ST forces all four wiper registers to their power-on reset value (0x40 for 7-bit resolution) and clears the TCON register, reconnecting all resistor terminals. It provides hardware-level initialization independent of SPI communication, critical for fail-safe analog subsystem recovery.
Is the MCP4331-503E/ST pin-compatible with other members of the MCP433X family?
Yes, the MCP4331-503E/ST is pin-compatible with all MCP433X/435X devices in the TSSOP-20 package, including MCP4332, MCP4351, and MCP4352. Pin assignments for VDD, VSS, SPI signals, RESET, and resistor terminals are identical, allowing direct substitution where functional requirements (e.g., resolution, memory type) align.
MCP4331-503E/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 4
- Number of Taps:
- 129
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 50k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 150ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-TSSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 75
MCP4331-503E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4331-503E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4331-503E/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 MCP4331-503E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4331-503E/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4331-503E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4331-503E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4331-503E/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4331-503E/ST?
MCP4331-503E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4331-503E/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 MCP4331-503E/ST?
For technical support, including MCP4331-503E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4331-503E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4331-503E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4331-503E/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 MCP4331-503E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4331-503E/ST?
All MCP4331-503E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4331-503E/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 MCP4331-503E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4331-503E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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