Microchip Technology MCP4451-103E/ST
- Part No.:
- MCP4451-103E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4451-103E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 10KOHM 257TAP 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:11,075
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Product details
Overview
MCP4451-103E/ST from Microchip Technology is a volatile 8-bit quad digital potentiometer with I²C interface, 10 kΩ RAB resistance, TSSOP-20 package, and mid-scale power-on wiper reset. It delivers 257-tap resolution, 75 Ω typical wiper resistance, ±0.5 LSb INL (potentiometer mode), and operates from 1.8V to 5.5V for precision analog trimming in sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4451-103E/ST datasheet, MCP4451-103E/ST pinout, MCP4451-103E/ST application, or MCP4451-103E/ST equivalent, key selection considerations include its 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 8-bit volatile wiper control, TSSOP-20 footprint compatibility, and support for 3.4 MHz I²C write speed - critical for real-time gain calibration in industrial instrumentation.
Technical Context
The MCP4451-103E/ST integrates four independent 8-bit resistor networks (RAB = 10 kΩ each), each configurable as potentiometer or rheostat via external terminal wiring. Its I²C interface supports Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and High-Speed (3.4 MHz) modes with Schmitt-triggered SCL/SDA inputs and high-voltage tolerant HVC/A0 pin (up to 12.5 V).
Each potentiometer features a volatile wiper register initialized to mid-scale (128) at power-on or RESET assertion, with brown-out reset protection triggering below 1.65 V. Terminal disconnect is controlled via TCON registers, enabling open-circuit isolation of A/W/B terminals during system sleep or fault conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 10 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale analog attenuation/gain range in voltage divider or current-limiting configurations |
| Resolution | 8-bit / 257 taps - enables fine-grained 0.39% step resolution for precise bias or offset adjustment |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes insertion error in low-impedance signal paths and preserves linearity at extremes |
| Tempco (Ratiometric) | 15 ppm/°C - ensures stable voltage division ratio over temperature in potentiometer mode |
| I²C Speed Support | Up to 3.4 MHz - allows sub-10 µs wiper updates for dynamic calibration loops in closed-loop systems |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - supports direct interfacing with 1.8 V logic and operation from single 3.3 V or 5 V rails |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive, industrial motor control, and outdoor equipment |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-20 package with 0.65 mm pitch; 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm body size; exposed pad not present. Pin functions validated per DS22267A-page 2 device block diagram and page 1 top-view pinout.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Positive supply rail | Accepts 1.8–5.5 V; powers internal logic and resistor networks |
| VSS | Ground reference | Return path for all analog and digital currents; must be low-impedance |
| SCL | I²C clock input | Schmitt-triggered; supports up to 3.4 MHz; requires external pull-up |
| SDA | I²C bidirectional data | Open-drain output with weak internal pull-up; shares bus with other I²C slaves |
| HVC/A0 | High-voltage command / address bit | Accepts up to 12.5 V; selects WiperLock mode or sets LSB of slave address |
| A1 | Slave address bit | Configures I²C address (0x2C–0x2F) alongside HVC/A0; tied high/low for multi-device buses |
| RESET | Active-low hardware reset | Asynchronous; forces all wipers to mid-scale and clears TCON registers |
| P0A–P3B | Resistor network terminals | Four independent A/W/B terminals (PxA, PxW, PxB); x = 0–3; enable pot/rheostat configuration |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad 8-bit volatile wiper control | Enables simultaneous gain/offset tuning across four channels without nonvolatile memory wear-out |
| Terminal disconnect via TCON registers | Allows software-controlled isolation of resistor networks to eliminate leakage paths during standby |
| High-voltage tolerant HVC/A0 pin | Supports 12.5 V input for WiperLock activation or mixed-voltage system interfacing |
| Low 75 Ω wiper resistance | Reduces signal distortion in <100 kΩ impedance circuits and improves THD performance |
| 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco | Maintains accurate voltage division ratio across –40°C to +125°C for sensor bridge applications |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Programmable Gain Amplifier |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Calibrating zero and span of 4–20 mA pressure transmitters during factory trim. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451-103E/ST acts as precision voltage divider on op-amp feedback path to adjust loop gain and offset. Use Value: 10 kΩ RAB and 8-bit resolution enable 0.1% calibration accuracy; TSSOP-20 footprint fits compact transmitter PCBs. | Use Scenario: Dynamically scaling analog outputs from microcontrollers driving analog inputs of PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451-103E/ST configures gain-setting resistors in non-inverting amplifier topology. Use Value: 3.4 MHz I²C allows real-time gain changes (<10 µs latency) synchronized with control loop execution. |
| Medical Instrumentation Offset Trim | Automotive Cabin Temperature Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: Compensating thermistor nonlinearity and ADC offset in portable ECG front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451-103E/ST adjusts DC bias point of instrumentation amplifier to null sensor offset drift. Use Value: 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco ensures stable null point across patient ambient temperatures (15–40°C). | Use Scenario: Linearizing NTC thermistor response in HVAC control units mounted near vehicle dashboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451-103E/ST serves as programmable pull-up in thermistor voltage divider for adaptive cold-junction compensation. Use Value: –40°C to +125°C rating matches automotive under-dash thermal profile; 10 kΩ value optimizes SNR for 10 kΩ NTCs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4461-103E/ST | Nonvolatile EEPROM wiper memory; WiperLock enabled; 2.7–5.5 V supply only | Retains last wiper position after power cycle; suited for set-and-forget calibration | Select when persistent settings are required and 1.8 V operation is not needed |
| AD5204BRUZ10 | Quad 8-bit, 10 kΩ, SPI interface; 2.7–5.5 V; no high-voltage pin; 125 ppm/°C tempco | Lacks I²C compatibility and ratiometric stability; requires SPI host resource | Select when SPI is preferred and lower tempco is not critical for the application |
Compared with MCP4461-103E/ST, the MCP4451-103E/ST offers wider voltage range (1.8 V min) and faster I²C writes but lacks nonvolatile storage; versus AD5204BRUZ10, it provides superior ratiometric tempco (15 vs 125 ppm/°C) and high-voltage tolerance but requires I²C infrastructure.
Availability
MCP4451-103E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for MCP4451-103E/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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The MCP44xx family is designed for precision analog trimming in embedded systems, emphasizing low tempco, I²C flexibility, and robust operation across automotive and industrial environments.
FAQ
What is the RAB resistance value of the MCP4451-103E/ST?
The MCP4451-103E/ST has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 10 kΩ, with a tolerance of ±20% as specified in DS22267A-page 5. This value is fixed per device variant and applies to all four integrated potentiometer channels. The "103" in the part number explicitly denotes 10 × 10³ Ω = 10 kΩ.
Does the MCP4451-103E/ST retain wiper settings after power loss?
No, the MCP4451-103E/ST uses volatile RAM for wiper storage and resets all four wipers to mid-scale (code 0x80) on power-up or RESET assertion. It does not include EEPROM or other nonvolatile memory. For persistent settings, consider the pin-compatible MCP4461-103E/ST, which features EEPROM wiper storage.
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the MCP4451-103E/ST?
The MCP4451-103E/ST supports I²C clock frequencies up to 3.4 MHz in High-Speed mode, provided VDD ≥ 4.5 V and bus capacitance ≤ 100 pF. At lower voltages (2.7–4.5 V), it operates up to 400 kHz (Fast Mode), and down to 100 kHz (Standard Mode) across the full 1.8–5.5 V range.
Can the MCP4451-103E/ST be used in rheostat configuration?
Yes, the MCP4451-103E/ST supports rheostat operation by connecting either terminal A or B to the wiper (W) externally while leaving the other terminal unconnected or grounded. Each of the four resistor networks can be independently configured this way, enabling variable current limiting or adjustable bias in discrete transistor circuits.
What is the wiper resistance specification for the MCP4451-103E/ST?
The MCP4451-103E/ST has a typical wiper resistance of 75 Ω, with a maximum of 300 Ω at VDD = 2.7 V and 160 Ω at VDD = 5.5 V (DS22267A-page 5). This low on-resistance minimizes insertion error in precision voltage divider applications and maintains linearity across the full 0–100% wiper travel range.
MCP4451-103E/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:
- 257
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 10k
- Interface:
- I2C
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- Mute, Selectable Address
- 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
MCP4451-103E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4451-103E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4451-103E/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 MCP4451-103E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4451-103E/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4451-103E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4451-103E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4451-103E/ST transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MCP4451-103E/ST?
MCP4451-103E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4451-103E/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 MCP4451-103E/ST?
For technical support, including MCP4451-103E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4451-103E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4451-103E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4451-103E/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 MCP4451-103E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4451-103E/ST?
All MCP4451-103E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4451-103E/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 MCP4451-103E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4451-103E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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