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Microchip Technology MCP4442-502E/ST
- Part No.:
- MCP4442-502E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4442-502E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 5KOHM 129TAP 14TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,465
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Product details
Overview
MCP4442-502E/ST from Microchip Technology is a quad-channel nonvolatile digital potentiometer configured as rheostats, offering 7-bit resolution (129 taps), 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance, ±20% tolerance, and low 75 Ω typical wiper resistance. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V across –40°C to +125°C and supports I²C up to 3.4 MHz for precision gain/offset trimming in industrial sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4442-502E/ST datasheet, MCP4442-502E/ST pinout, MCP4442-502E/ST application, or MCP4442-502E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include nonvolatile wiper recall, WiperLock™ protection, terminal disconnect capability via TCON registers, and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs up to 12.5V for split-rail compatibility.
Technical Context
The MCP4442-502E/ST implements four independent rheostat networks with volatile and nonvolatile wiper storage, enabling automatic power-on recall of last-saved settings. Each channel features programmable terminal disconnect (A/W/B) via dedicated TCON registers, allowing open-circuit configuration during standby or fault conditions.
Its I²C interface supports Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and High-Speed (3.4 MHz) modes with hardware/software write protection, brown-out reset at 1.65 V, and internal weak pull-ups on all digital inputs except SDA/SCL - ensuring robust communication in noisy industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Channels | 4 independent rheostat networks - enables simultaneous calibration of multiple analog paths (e.g., 4-channel ADC reference biasing) |
| Resolution | 7-bit (129 taps) - provides 0.78% step resolution for fine-grained adjustment of feedback networks |
| RAB Resistance | 5 kΩ ±20% - matched to common op-amp gain-setting requirements and sensor bridge balancing |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes insertion error in low-impedance current-sense or voltage-divider applications |
| Tempco (Rheostat) | 50 ppm/°C (0°C to 70°C) - ensures stable resistance over temperature without external compensation |
| I²C Speed | Up to 3.4 MHz - allows rapid wiper updates during dynamic system calibration sequences |
| Nonvolatile Memory | EEPROM wiper + 5 GP locations - retains calibrated values through power cycles and enables field reprogramming |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-20 package (4.4 mm × 6.5 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) with exposed pad for thermal performance; pinout validated per DS22265A-page 2 device diagram and top-view layout.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Power supply input | 2.7–5.5 V analog/digital rail; powers resistor networks and logic core |
| VSS | Ground reference | Common return for analog and digital sections; must be low-impedance |
| SCL / SDA | I²C clock/data | Open-drain interface supporting 100 kHz–3.4 MHz; requires external pull-ups |
| WP | Hardware write protect | Active-low pin disabling EEPROM writes and wiper changes when asserted |
| RESET | Asynchronous reset | Active-low signal forcing wipers to nonvolatile stored values and clearing TCON states |
| HVC/A0 | High-voltage control / address bit | Enables WiperLock™ at ≥9.0 V; also serves as LSB of I²C slave address |
| A1 | I²C address bit | MSB of 7-bit slave address; sets device address alongside HVC/A0 |
| P0A–P0B, P1A–P1B, P2A–P2B, P3A–P3B | Rheostat terminals | Four independent A–B resistor pairs; each with dedicated wiper (PxA/PxB/PxW) |
| P0W–P3W | Wiper outputs | Low-impedance variable tap points; support ≤2.5 mA continuous current per terminal |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| WiperLock™ Technology | Prevents accidental wiper changes by requiring high-voltage (≥9.0 V) command sequence - critical for safety-critical recalibration locks |
| Terminal Disconnect via TCON | Software-controllable open-circuit state for any A/W/B terminal - enables zero-power biasing or fault isolation in sensor front-ends |
| Split-Rail Compatibility | Supports analog signals beyond VDD/VSS rails via high-voltage tolerant inputs (up to 12.5 V) - simplifies interfacing with ±10 V industrial sensors |
| Brown-Out Reset | Automatic wiper reload from NV memory below 1.65 V - guarantees known state during unstable power-up |
| Low Power Inactive Mode | 2.5 µA typical I²C inactive current - extends battery life in portable calibration tools and IoT edge nodes |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Programmable Gain Amplifier |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Calibrating offset/gain of 4-channel RTD or strain-gauge transmitters in PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad rheostat providing precision feedback network adjustment for each channel's instrumentation amplifier. Use Value: Nonvolatile storage retains factory/calibration lab settings across power cycles; 75 Ω wiper resistance minimizes gain error in 10 kΩ–100 kΩ feedback paths. | Use Scenario: Configuring gain of a multi-range programmable gain amplifier (PGA) used in data acquisition systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat-based feedback element in op-amp inverting configuration, digitally tuned per measurement range. Use Value: 7-bit resolution enables 128 discrete gain steps; 50 ppm/°C tempco ensures <0.1% gain drift over industrial temperature range. |
| LED Current Control | DC-DC Converter Trim |
Use Scenario: Setting precise LED drive current in industrial status lighting or optical encoder emitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat in constant-current source feedback loop controlling MOSFET gate voltage. Use Value: Terminal disconnect feature isolates current path during standby; 2.5 mA max terminal current supports common indicator LED loads. | Use Scenario: Trimming output voltage of isolated DC-DC converters in motor drive power supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat replacing mechanical trimmer in feedback divider of secondary-side TL431 regulator. Use Value: WiperLock™ prevents field-induced output voltage drift; 5 kΩ RAB matches standard 2.5 V reference divider impedance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad digital rheostat applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4462-502E/ST | 8-bit resolution (257 taps), same RAB, nonvolatile memory, identical package and pinout | Higher resolution required for sub-0.4% step accuracy; slightly higher INL/DNL at full scale | Select when finer granularity is needed and system firmware supports extended wiper register addressing |
| AD5204BRUZ10 | Analog Devices part: 4-channel, 10 kΩ, 8-bit, SPI interface, no WiperLock™ or terminal disconnect | Lacks hardware write protection and programmable terminal isolation; requires SPI host instead of I²C | Choose only if existing design uses SPI infrastructure and does not require secure wiper locking or split-rail operation |
Compared with MCP4442-502E/ST, the MCP4462-502E/ST offers higher resolution but no improvement in tempco or wiper resistance, while AD5204BRUZ10 trades I²C simplicity and WiperLock™ security for SPI compatibility and lacks terminal-level fault management.
Availability
MCP4442-502E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, LED current control, and DC-DC converter trim requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.
Supply support for MCP4442-502E/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 devices, and connectivity solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The MCP444X family delivers quad digital rheostats with nonvolatile memory and advanced protection features specifically for industrial and automotive analog signal conditioning where recalibration resilience and field reliability are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating voltage on the HVC/A0 pin of the MCP4442-502E/ST?
The HVC/A0 pin tolerates up to 12.5 V regardless of VDD level, enabling WiperLock™ activation and supporting split-rail analog interfaces. This high-voltage tolerance is specified across the full –40°C to +125°C temperature range and allows direct connection to ±10 V sensor outputs without level-shifting. The MCP4442-502E/ST uses this pin both for high-voltage commands and as the LSB of its I²C address.
Does the MCP4442-502E/ST support true rheostat operation with terminal disconnect capability?
Yes, the MCP4442-502E/ST supports true rheostat mode via software-configurable terminal disconnect using the TCON registers - each channel's A, W, and B terminals can be individually opened to create an open-circuit state. This feature is confirmed in DS22265A-page 2 block diagram and page 5 AC/DC characteristics. The MCP4442-502E/ST implements this independently per channel for fault isolation or power gating.
What is the wiper resistance specification for the MCP4442-502E/ST and how does it affect circuit performance?
The MCP4442-502E/ST has a typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω, with a maximum of 160 Ω at VDD = 5.5 V and 300 Ω at VDD = 2.7 V. This low value minimizes insertion error in series rheostat configurations, especially critical in current-sense shunt calibration and low-impedance feedback loops. The MCP4442-502E/ST datasheet confirms this parameter applies uniformly across all four channels under rated operating conditions.
How does the nonvolatile memory function in the MCP4442-502E/ST during power cycling?
Upon power-up, the MCP4442-502E/ST automatically loads the last-saved wiper positions from EEPROM into volatile registers, ensuring repeatable analog behavior without host intervention. This recall occurs after brown-out reset completes (within 20 µs), and is guaranteed across the full –40°C to +125°C range. The MCP4442-502E/ST stores wiper values and TCON states separately, preserving terminal disconnect settings across cycles.
Can the MCP4442-502E/ST operate with a 1.8 V supply voltage?
No - the MCP4442-502E/ST requires a minimum VDD of 2.7 V for full analog functionality and EEPROM operation, though the I²C interface remains active down to 1.8 V per DS22265A-page 4. At 1.8 V, wiper control, resistor network operation, and nonvolatile memory writes are undefined. The MCP4442-502E/ST is specified for 2.7–5.5 V operation, with all electrical characteristics guaranteed only within that range.
MCP4442-502E/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- WiperLock™
- Package/Case:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Rheostat
- Number of Circuits:
- 4
- Number of Taps:
- 129
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 5k
- Interface:
- I2C
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- Selectable Address
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 150ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-TSSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 75
MCP4442-502E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4442-502E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4442-502E/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 MCP4442-502E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4442-502E/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4442-502E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4442-502E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4442-502E/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4442-502E/ST?
MCP4442-502E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4442-502E/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 MCP4442-502E/ST?
For technical support, including MCP4442-502E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4442-502E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4442-502E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4442-502E/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 MCP4442-502E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4442-502E/ST?
All MCP4442-502E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4442-502E/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 MCP4442-502E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4442-502E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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