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Microchip Technology MCP4451T-503E/ML
- Part No.:
- MCP4451T-503E/ML
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4451T-503E/ML.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 50KOHM 257TAP 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,287
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Product details
Overview
MCP4451T-503E/ML from Microchip Technology is a volatile 8-bit quad digital potentiometer with I²C interface, 50 kΩ RAB resistance, and TSSOP-20 package. It provides four independent 257-tap resistor networks for precision analog voltage/current adjustment in real-time control loops, sensor calibration, and programmable gain amplifiers. Wiper operation spans zero-to-full scale with 75 Ω typical wiper resistance and 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4451T-503E/ML datasheet, MCP4451T-503E/ML pinout, MCP4451T-503E/ML application, or MCP4451T-503E/ML equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C speed support (up to 3.4 MHz), extended temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), low-power serial interface inactive current (2.5 µA), high-voltage tolerant digital inputs (up to 12.5 V), and terminal disconnect capability via TCON registers.
Technical Context
The MCP4451T-503E/ML implements four independent 8-bit volatile RAB networks, each with A/W/B terminals configurable as potentiometers or rheostats. Its I²C interface supports Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and High-Speed (3.4 MHz) modes with Schmitt-triggered SDA/SCL inputs and internal weak pull-ups on all digital pins except SDA/SCL.
Each network features a dedicated TCON register enabling terminal disconnect (open-circuit mode) and wiper reset via active-low RESET pin. Brown-out reset activates at ~1.5 V, ensuring reliable power-up behavior across 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply range, with full analog performance specified from 2.7 V to 5.5 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 50 kΩ ±20% - sets full-scale analog attenuation/gain range and load compatibility |
| Resolution | 8-bit (257 taps) - enables 0.39% step resolution for fine-grained analog tuning |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes signal path error in low-impedance feedback or biasing circuits |
| Ratiometric Tempco | 15 ppm/°C - ensures stable voltage division ratio over –40°C to +125°C |
| I²C Speed Support | Up to 3.4 MHz - allows rapid wiper updates in closed-loop systems without bus contention |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - supports mixed-voltage designs including 1.8 V logic with 5 V analog rails |
| Brown-out Reset | 1.5 V typical - guarantees known wiper state during power ramp-up or brownout events |
Pinout & Package
Package: 20-pin TSSOP (4.4 mm × 6.5 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, surface-mount.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Power supply | Positive supply rail (1.8–5.5 V); powers logic and resistor networks |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return for analog and digital sections |
| SCL | I²C clock input | Schmitt-triggered, supports up to 3.4 MHz; no external pull-up required |
| SDA | I²C data I/O | Open-drain, bidirectional; requires external pull-up per I²C spec |
| RESET | Active-low reset | Asynchronous wiper reset to mid-scale (0x80); debounced internally |
| HVC/A0 | High-voltage control / address bit | Accepts up to 12.5 V; selects device address when used as A0 |
| A1 | I²C address bit | Second address bit; enables up to four devices on same bus |
| 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 variable tap points; 75 Ω typical resistance to terminal |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad 8-bit volatile RAB networks | Four independent 257-tap resistors enable simultaneous multi-channel gain/voltage control without shared memory conflict |
| Terminal disconnect via TCON registers | Software-controllable open-circuit mode on any A/W/B terminal prevents unintended loading in standby or fault states |
| High-voltage tolerant digital inputs | HVC/A0, A1, RESET, SCL, SDA withstand 12.5 V - simplifies level-shifting in mixed-supply systems |
| Extended temperature operation | Full functionality from –40°C to +125°C - qualified for automotive under-hood and industrial motor-control environments |
| Low serial interface inactive current | 2.5 µA typical - reduces system quiescent power in battery-backed or always-on applications |
Applications
| LED Brightness Control | Programmable Gain Amplifier |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Adjusting current through high-brightness LEDs in automotive lighting or signage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital potentiometer setting analog current-limiting resistor value in constant-current LED driver feedback loop. Use Value: Enables precise, software-controlled dimming without mechanical trimmers; 50 kΩ RAB matches typical driver sense-resistor ranges. | Use Scenario: Configuring gain of instrumentation amplifier in sensor signal conditioning front-end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replacing mechanical potentiometer in op-amp feedback network to set programmable gain (e.g., 1× to 100×). Use Value: 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco maintains gain stability across temperature; 8-bit resolution supports <1% gain steps. |
| Sensor Calibration | Power Supply Trim |
Use Scenario: Compensating offset/gain drift in pressure or temperature transducers during factory calibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Providing nonvolatile-adjustable reference voltage divider for ADC input scaling or DAC output trimming. Use Value: 75 Ω wiper resistance minimizes calibration error injection; I²C interface allows automated test equipment to write trim values directly. | Use Scenario: Fine-tuning output voltage of DC-DC converter in telecom or server power modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acting as digitally adjustable feedback resistor in voltage-mode controller error amplifier loop. Use Value: Supports remote, in-system voltage adjustment without hardware change; 3.4 MHz I²C enables fast re-trim during dynamic load testing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4461T-503E/ML | Non-volatile EEPROM wiper memory; WiperLock™ protection; 2.7–5.5 V only | Retains last wiper position after power cycle; suited for unattended or safety-critical systems requiring state persistence | Select when power-loss retention is mandatory; avoid if volatile-only behavior is preferred for security or initialization predictability |
| AD5204BRUZ10 | Quad 8-bit, 10 kΩ RAB, SPI interface, 2.7–5.5 V, 125°C rating | Lacks I²C support and high-voltage input tolerance; requires separate SPI bus and level-shifting for mixed-voltage use | Choose when existing design uses SPI and 10 kΩ resistance suffices; verify layout accommodates different pinout and lack of HVC capability |
Compared with MCP4451T-503E/ML, the MCP4461T-503E/ML adds EEPROM-based wiper retention but sacrifices 1.8 V operation, while AD5204BRUZ10 offers SPI compatibility at lower RAB value and no high-voltage input support - making MCP4451T-503E/ML optimal for I²C-based, wide-VDD, high-voltage-tolerant quad-pot applications.
Availability
MCP4451T-503E/ML is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver calibration, programmable gain amplifier design, and sensor offset trimming requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and test equipment programs.
Supply support for MCP4451T-503E/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and mixed-signal semiconductors headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The MCP44xx family delivers high-precision, quad-channel digital potentiometers optimized for real-time analog control in harsh environments - emphasizing I²C flexibility, wide temperature operation, and robust digital interface design.
FAQ
What is the RAB resistance value and tolerance of the MCP4451T-503E/ML?
The MCP4451T-503E/ML has a nominal RAB resistance of 50 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table (DS22267A-page 5). This value applies across all four resistor networks and is measured between terminal A and terminal B at room temperature and VDD = 5.5 V. The 50 kΩ option is explicitly designated by the "503" suffix in the part number.
Does the MCP4451T-503E/ML retain wiper settings after power loss?
No, the MCP4451T-503E/ML uses volatile RAM for wiper storage and resets to mid-scale (0x80) on power-up or brown-out event. This behavior is inherent to its MCP445x series classification (RAM-based, no EEPROM). If non-volatile retention is required, consider the pin-compatible MCP4461T-503E/ML, which integrates EEPROM and WiperLock™ technology.
What I²C speeds does the MCP4451T-503E/ML support, and are external pull-ups required?
The MCP4451T-503E/ML supports I²C Standard Mode (100 kHz), Fast Mode (400 kHz), and High-Speed Mode (3.4 MHz), as documented in DS22267A-page 13. External pull-up resistors are required on SDA and SCL lines per I²C specification; internal weak pull-ups exist only on HVC/A0, A1, and RESET pins - not on SDA or SCL.
Can the MCP4451T-503E/ML be used in rheostat configuration, and how is it implemented?
Yes, the MCP4451T-503E/ML supports rheostat (two-terminal) operation by floating either terminal A or B of any RAB network while using the remaining terminal and wiper (e.g., PxA and PxW only). This is explicitly stated in Note 1 on DS22267A-page 2 and enables variable resistance applications such as current limiting or bias adjustment without requiring external components.
What is the maximum operating temperature range for the MCP4451T-503E/ML?
The MCP4451T-503E/ML is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table (DS22267A-page 3) and confirmed in the Operating Temperature note on page 4. This extended temperature range qualifies the device for under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and outdoor infrastructure applications where ambient thermal stress exceeds commercial-grade limits.
MCP4451T-503E/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):
- 50k
- 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-503E/ML FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4451T-503E/ML through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4451T-503E/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-503E/ML reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4451T-503E/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-503E/ML is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4451T-503E/ML?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4451T-503E/ML transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4451T-503E/ML?
MCP4451T-503E/ML orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4451T-503E/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-503E/ML?
For technical support, including MCP4451T-503E/ML datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4451T-503E/ML requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4451T-503E/ML is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4451T-503E/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-503E/ML meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4451T-503E/ML?
All MCP4451T-503E/ML units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4451T-503E/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-503E/ML part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4451T-503E/ML:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MCP4451T-503E/ML Tags
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