Microchip Technology MCP4361-103E/ST
- Part No.:
- MCP4361-103E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4361-103E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 10KOHM 257TAP 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:12,598
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Product details
Overview
MCP4361-103E/ST from Microchip Technology is an 8-bit quad digital potentiometer with non-volatile EEPROM, 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance (RAB), SPI interface (10 MHz), and WiperLock™ technology for secure wiper setting retention. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V across –40°C to +125°C and delivers 257-tap resolution per channel for precision analog control in embedded sensor calibration circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4361-103E/ST datasheet, MCP4361-103E/ST pinout, MCP4361-103E/ST application, or MCP4361-103E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 10 kΩ RAB tolerance (±20%), low 75 Ω typical wiper resistance, 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco, EEPROM endurance (1 million cycles), and TSSOP-20 package compatibility with industrial-grade thermal performance (θJA = 90°C/W).
Technical Context
The MCP4361-103E/ST integrates four independent 8-bit resistor networks, each configurable as potentiometer or rheostat via terminal disconnect control (TCON register). Its SPI interface supports modes 0,0 and 1,1 at up to 10 MHz, with hardware/software write protection and brown-out reset (1.65 V threshold) ensuring robust operation during power transients.
Non-volatile wiper settings are automatically recalled on power-up, and WiperLock™ prevents unauthorized SPI writes unless high-voltage (≥8.5 V) is applied to the WP pin. The device supports split-rail analog operation and features internal weak pull-ups on all digital inputs, enabling direct interfacing with 1.8V–5.5V logic without external biasing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 10 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale analog range for gain/offset adjustment in amplifier feedback networks |
| Resolution | 8-bit / 257 taps - enables 0.39% step resolution for fine-grained trimming of reference voltages or sensor bias |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes signal path error in low-impedance applications such as audio volume control |
| Ratiometric Tempco | 15 ppm/°C - ensures stable voltage division ratio over temperature in precision voltage references |
| SPI Speed | 10 MHz max - supports real-time wiper updates in closed-loop control systems with <100 ns timing margins |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - compatible with standard microcontroller I/O rails and industrial 3.3V/5V supply domains |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive, motor drive, and industrial PLC environments |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-20 package (4.4 mm × 6.5 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) with exposed pad for thermal enhancement; JEDEC MS-013AC compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Power supply | 2.7–5.5 V analog/digital core supply; powers resistor networks and SPI logic |
| VSS | Ground reference | Analog and digital common return; must be low-impedance for noise-sensitive wiper operation |
| CS | SPI chip select | Active-low enable; supports high-voltage tolerant input (up to 12.5 V) for level-shifting flexibility |
| SCK | SPI clock | Edge-triggered input; supports 10 MHz operation with 45 ns minimum high/low time at 5.5 V |
| SDI | SPI data in | Serial command/data input; accepts standard SPI frame format with MSb-first transmission |
| SDO | SPI data out | Tri-state output; drives wiper register contents or EEPROM data upon read commands |
| WP | Write protect | Hardware lock: high-voltage (≥8.5 V) disables all wiper/EEPROM writes until reset or voltage removal |
| RESET | Asynchronous reset | Active-low; forces wipers to non-volatile stored values and clears SPI state machine |
| P0A–P3B | Resistor terminals | Four independent A–W–B networks; A/B terminals define RAB; W is wiper output for each potentiometer |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Non-volatile wiper storage | EEPROM retains last wiper position across power cycles; eliminates boot-up calibration in field-deployed equipment |
| WiperLock™ security | Prevents accidental or malicious SPI writes without applying ≥8.5 V to WP pin-critical for medical and safety-critical systems |
| Terminal disconnect control | TCON register allows software-controlled disconnection of A/B terminals, enabling true rheostat mode or open-circuit isolation |
| High-voltage tolerant digital inputs | CS, SCK, SDI, SDO, WP, RESET accept up to 12.5 V - simplifies interface to 5 V or 12 V host controllers without level shifters |
| Brown-out reset protection | Internal POR/BOR circuit holds wipers in known state below 1.65 V - prevents erratic analog output during undervoltage conditions |
Applications
| Motor Control Feedback Calibration | Programmable Sensor Biasing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Trimming current-sense amplifier gain in BLDC motor drivers to compensate for shunt resistor tolerance and temperature drift. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad potentiometer provides independent gain-setting for four phase-current channels with synchronized SPI update. Use Value: Enables factory and field calibration without soldering; 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco maintains accuracy across –40°C to +125°C motor housing temperatures. | Use Scenario: Adjusting excitation current for RTD or strain gauge bridges in industrial process transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configures bridge bias voltage via precision voltage divider; non-volatile storage preserves calibrated offset after power loss. Use Value: Eliminates manual trimpots subject to vibration-induced drift; 10 kΩ RAB matches standard bridge design impedance for minimal loading error. |
| Audio Signal Level Management | Industrial Power Supply Trim |
Use Scenario: Digital volume control in professional audio mixers where channel matching and long-term stability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Four-channel attenuation network with simultaneous wiper update capability for stereo L/R and auxiliary paths. Use Value: 75 Ω wiper resistance ensures <0.1 dB THD+N at line-level signals; TSSOP-20 footprint supports dense PCB layouts. | Use Scenario: Fine-tuning output voltage of isolated DC-DC converters in telecom power shelves. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sets feedback divider ratio for secondary-side regulation; EEPROM stores final trimmed value post-manufacturing test. Use Value: Supports ±0.5% output accuracy over lifetime; 1M-cycle EEPROM endurance accommodates recalibration during maintenance intervals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4361-103E/ML | Same electrical specs; QFN-20 (4×4 mm) package with exposed thermal pad (θJA = 43°C/W) | Better thermal performance for high-duty-cycle wiper updates; requires reflow-compatible layout | Select for space-constrained designs needing lower junction temperature rise under continuous SPI activity |
| AD5204BRUZ10 | Analog Devices 4-channel, 10 kΩ, 8-bit volatile digital pot; no EEPROM or WiperLock™; 2.7–5.5 V operation | Lacks non-volatile storage and hardware write protection; requires external MCU to retain settings | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs need for autonomous power-cycle recovery or security-critical write blocking |
Compared with MCP4361-103E/ST, the MCP4361-103E/ML offers superior thermal dissipation in compact form factors, while the AD5204BRUZ10 trades EEPROM and WiperLock™ for lower unit cost and simpler initialization-making it suitable only where system-level firmware fully manages wiper state persistence.
Availability
MCP4361-103E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control feedback calibration, programmable sensor biasing, audio signal level management, and industrial power supply trim requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for MCP4361-103E/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 components, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The MCP43xx/436x family was designed specifically for precision analog trimming in harsh-environment applications-emphasizing non-volatility, wide temperature operation, and robust digital interface security for industrial, automotive, and medical systems.
FAQ
What is the RAB resistance tolerance and temperature coefficient of the MCP4361-103E/ST?
The MCP4361-103E/ST has a nominal RAB resistance of 10 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20% across temperature. Its ratiometric temperature coefficient is 15 ppm/°C (typical) when used in potentiometer configuration, measured at mid-scale code (0x80) over –20°C to +70°C. Absolute tempco is 50 ppm/°C typical for rheostat use.
Does the MCP4361-103E/ST support both potentiometer and rheostat configurations?
Yes, the MCP4361-103E/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 hardware changes.
How does WiperLock™ technology function on the MCP4361-103E/ST?
WiperLock™ on the MCP4361-103E/ST disables all SPI-based wiper and EEPROM writes unless a high-voltage signal (≥8.5 V) is applied to the WP pin. This hardware-level lock prevents unintended or malicious modifications during normal operation, and remains active until power cycle or voltage removal-providing tamper-resistant calibration integrity.
What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the MCP4361-103E/ST?
The MCP4361-103E/ST supports SPI clock frequencies up to 10 MHz when operating from VDD = 2.7V to 5.5V. At lower supply voltages (1.8V to 2.7V), the maximum SCK frequency is reduced to 1 MHz. The device supports both SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1 with defined setup/hold timing requirements per DS22233A.
Is the MCP4361-103E/ST pin-compatible with other devices in the MCP434X/436X family?
Yes, the MCP4361-103E/ST in TSSOP-20 is pin-compatible with all MCP43X1 (potentiometer) variants in the same package, including MCP4341 and MCP4351. Pin assignments for VDD, VSS, CS, SCK, SDI, SDO, WP, RESET, and PxA/PxW/PxB terminals are identical-allowing drop-in replacement when RAB value or resolution matches system requirements.
MCP4361-103E/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- WiperLock™
- 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:
- 257
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 10k
- Interface:
- SPI
- Memory Type:
- Non-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
MCP4361-103E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4361-103E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4361-103E/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 MCP4361-103E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4361-103E/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4361-103E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4361-103E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4361-103E/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4361-103E/ST?
MCP4361-103E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4361-103E/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 MCP4361-103E/ST?
For technical support, including MCP4361-103E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4361-103E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4361-103E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4361-103E/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 MCP4361-103E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4361-103E/ST?
All MCP4361-103E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4361-103E/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 MCP4361-103E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4361-103E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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