Microchip Technology MCP4451T-104E/ML
- Part No.:
- MCP4451T-104E/ML
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4451T-104E/ML.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 100KOHM 257TAP 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP4451T-104E/ML from Microchip Technology is a volatile 8-bit quad digital potentiometer with I²C interface, 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance, 257-tap resolution, ±20% resistance tolerance, and 75 Ω typical wiper resistance. It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, supports up to 3.4 MHz I²C, and delivers 2 MHz bandwidth (at 5 kΩ) - used in precision gain/offset trimming for industrial sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4451T-104E/ML datasheet, MCP4451T-104E/ML pinout, MCP4451T-104E/ML application, or MCP4451T-104E/ML equivalent, key selection criteria include its quad-potentiometer topology, volatile wiper memory with mid-scale power-on reset, resistor network terminal disconnect capability via TCON registers, and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs (up to 12.5 V) enabling split-rail analog system integration.
Technical Context
The MCP4451T-104E/ML implements four independent 8-bit RAB resistor networks (100 kΩ nominal), each with digitally controlled wiper position accessed via I²C. Its architecture includes dual TCON registers for per-network terminal disconnect control and a dedicated RESET pin for synchronous wiper initialization.
It features Schmitt-triggered digital inputs (except SDA/SCL), internal weak pull-ups on all digital pins except SDA/SCL, brown-out reset at ~1.65 V, and supports three I²C speeds: 100 kHz, 400 kHz, and 3.4 MHz - with timing compliance verified under extended temperature (–40°C to +125°C) and supply (1.8V–5.5V) ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 100 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale analog voltage division range and load interaction in bias/gain networks |
| Resolution | 8-bit / 257 taps - enables 0.39% step granularity for fine analog tuning in closed-loop calibration |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes insertion error and signal attenuation in low-impedance feedback paths |
| I²C Speed Support | Up to 3.4 MHz - allows rapid wiper updates during dynamic system reconfiguration without bus contention |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 5.5V - supports direct interfacing with both 1.8V logic and 5V analog rails in mixed-signal systems |
| Tempco (Ratiometric) | 15 ppm/°C typical - ensures stable voltage-divider ratio across –40°C to +125°C for precision reference scaling |
| Bandwidth (–3 dB) | 100 kHz typical at 100 kΩ - sets usable AC signal frequency limit for programmable filter cutoffs or variable gain stages |
Pinout & Package
Package: 20-pin QFN (4×4 mm, exposed pad), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Positive supply rail | 1.8–5.5 V analog/digital core supply; powers resistor networks and I²C logic |
| VSS | Ground reference | Analog and digital common return; must be low-impedance for wiper noise immunity |
| SDA | I²C data line | Open-drain bidirectional interface; requires external pull-up; supports 3.4 MHz operation |
| SCL | I²C clock line | Input-only; synchronizes wiper register reads/writes; tolerates 12.5 V max input |
| HVC/A0 | High-voltage command / address bit 0 | Enables WiperLock™ when driven >9 V; also selects LSB of I²C slave address (0x2C/0x2D) |
| A1 | I²C address bit 1 | Configures upper address bit; combined with HVC/A0 sets 7-bit slave address (0x2C–0x2F) |
| RESET | Asynchronous reset input | Pull-low resets all wipers to mid-scale (128); active-low, Schmitt-triggered, 100 ns min pulse width |
| P0A–P0B, P1A–P1B, P2A–P2B, P3A–P3B | Resistor network terminals | Four independent A–W–B connections; floating A or B enables rheostat mode |
| P0W–P3W | Wiper outputs | Low-impedance (75 Ω) variable tap points; support voltage divider or variable resistance configurations |
| NC | No-connect | Pin 17 is unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout guidelines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad 8-bit RAB networks | Four independent 100 kΩ potentiometers enable simultaneous multi-channel gain/offset adjustment in sensor front-ends |
| Terminal disconnect via TCON | TCON0/TCON1 registers allow software-controlled open-circuiting of any A/W/B terminal - critical for safe power sequencing |
| High-voltage tolerant inputs | HVC/A0, A1, SCL, SDA, RESET tolerate up to 12.5 V - permits direct connection to 5 V or 12 V control buses without level shifters |
| Extended temperature operation | Specified from –40°C to +125°C - suitable for under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor instrumentation |
| Low serial interface inactive current | 2.5 µA typical - reduces standby power in battery-operated calibration systems with infrequent wiper updates |
| Split-rail analog support | Resistor terminals accept voltages from VSS to VDD - enables use in bipolar op-amp circuits with dual supplies |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Programmable Gain Amplifier |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Calibrating offset and span of 4–20 mA pressure transmitters in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451T-104E/ML provides four independent trim points: two for zero/span adjustment per channel, one for excitation current setting, and one for output buffer gain. Use Value: Enables field-updatable calibration without hardware changes; 100 kΩ resistance matches standard 4–20 mA loop impedance requirements. |
Use Scenario: Configuring gain in a multi-range data acquisition system measuring thermocouple, RTD, and voltage inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451T-104E/ML serves as digitally programmable feedback resistors in op-amp non-inverting amplifier stages for each input channel. Use Value: 8-bit resolution yields <0.4% gain step size; 257-tap granularity ensures precise matching between channels for differential measurements. |
| Motor Drive Current Sensing | Medical Instrument Offset Trim |
|
Use Scenario: Adjusting shunt-based current sense amplifier gain and offset in BLDC motor controllers operating at 125°C junction temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451T-104E/ML configures gain-setting resistors and DC offset nulling networks for isolated current sense amplifiers. Use Value: 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco maintains accuracy over full industrial temperature range; 75 Ω wiper resistance minimizes gain error in high-current sensing paths. |
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning baseline offsets in portable ECG front-end amplifiers requiring <1 µV drift over 8-hour clinical sessions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MCP4451T-104E/ML implements ultra-stable DC bias networks for instrumentation amplifiers and anti-aliasing filters. Use Value: Volatile wiper with mid-scale POR ensures known startup state; low leakage (<100 nA) prevents input bias current errors in high-Z electrode interfaces. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4461T-104E/ML | Non-volatile EEPROM wiper memory; WiperLock™ enabled; same 100 kΩ, 8-bit, QFN-20 package | Retains last wiper position after power cycle - required for "set-and-forget" medical or safety-critical calibrations | Select when persistent wiper state is mandatory; note higher write-cycle endurance limits and 2.7–5.5 V VDD only |
| AD5204BRUZ100 | Quad 8-bit, 100 kΩ, SPI interface; 14-lead TSSOP; no terminal disconnect or high-voltage input tolerance | Lacks TCON control and HV inputs - unsuitable for split-rail or high-side control environments | Choose for SPI-based systems where I²C is unavailable; verify PCB layout compatibility with 14-pin TSSOP footprint |
Compared with MCP4451T-104E/ML, MCP4461T-104E/ML adds EEPROM persistence but sacrifices 1.8 V operation, while AD5204BRUZ100 offers SPI compatibility at the cost of missing critical features like terminal disconnect and HV tolerance - making MCP4451T-104E/ML optimal for volatile, high-flexibility, mixed-voltage trimming.
Availability
MCP4451T-104E/ML is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifier design, motor drive current sensing, and medical instrument offset trimming requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MCP4451T-104E/ML 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 connectivity solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing infrastructure.
The MCP44xx/5x family delivers high-precision, quad-channel digital potentiometers targeting industrial calibration, sensor signal conditioning, and programmable analog front-ends where reliability, temperature stability, and flexible interface options are essential.
FAQ
What is the resistance tolerance and tempco specification for MCP4451T-104E/ML?
The MCP4451T-104E/ML has a nominal RAB resistance of 100 kΩ with ±20% initial tolerance. Its ratiometric temperature coefficient is 15 ppm/°C typical (measured at mid-scale), ensuring stable voltage-divider ratios across –40°C to +125°C. Absolute tempco is 50 ppm/°C typical over 0°C–70°C, rising to 150 ppm/°C over the full extended range - values confirmed in DS22267A-page 5.
Does MCP4451T-104E/ML support true rheostat configuration?
Yes, MCP4451T-104E/ML supports rheostat mode by floating either terminal A or B of any resistor network (PxA or PxB), leaving only the wiper (PxW) and the remaining terminal active. This is explicitly documented in DS22267A-page 2 Note 1 and validated in the device block diagram - enabling variable resistance use in current-setting or LED dimming applications.
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by MCP4451T-104E/ML?
MCP4451T-104E/ML supports I²C up to 3.4 MHz in high-speed mode, requiring VDD ≥ 4.5 V and bus capacitance ≤ 100 pF. At lower speeds, it operates at 100 kHz (VDD ≥ 1.8 V), 400 kHz (VDD ≥ 2.7 V), and 1.7 MHz (VDD ≥ 4.5 V) - all timings fully specified in DS22267A-page 13 Table 1-2.
How does the RESET pin function on MCP4451T-104E/ML?
The RESET pin on MCP4451T-104E/ML is an asynchronous, active-low input that forces all four wipers to mid-scale (code 0x80) upon detection of a valid low pulse (≥50 ns). It features Schmitt-trigger input with hysteresis and internal weak pull-up (~16 kΩ), and is electrically compatible with 12.5 V max - details confirmed in DS22267A-page 12 Figure 1-1 and Table 1-1.
Can MCP4451T-104E/ML operate from a 1.8 V supply?
Yes, MCP4451T-104E/ML guarantees full functionality - including I²C communication, wiper control, and resistor network operation - down to 1.8 V VDD. While analog characteristics (e.g., bandwidth, INL/DNL) are specified from 2.7 V, the device remains operational and controllable at 1.8 V, as stated in DS22267A-page 2 and page 4 "Standard Operating Conditions".
MCP4451T-104E/ML Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 4
- Number of Taps:
- 257
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 100k
- 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-QFN (4x4)
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 75
MCP4451T-104E/ML FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4451T-104E/ML through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4451T-104E/ML 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 MCP4451T-104E/ML reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4451T-104E/ML are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4451T-104E/ML is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4451T-104E/ML?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4451T-104E/ML transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4451T-104E/ML?
MCP4451T-104E/ML orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4451T-104E/ML 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 MCP4451T-104E/ML?
For technical support, including MCP4451T-104E/ML datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4451T-104E/ML requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4451T-104E/ML is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4451T-104E/ML 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 MCP4451T-104E/ML meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4451T-104E/ML?
All MCP4451T-104E/ML units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4451T-104E/ML, 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 MCP4451T-104E/ML part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4451T-104E/ML:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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