Microchip Technology MCP4452T-103E/ST
- Part No.:
- MCP4452T-103E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4452T-103E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 10KOHM 257TAP 14TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP4452T-103E/ST from Microchip Technology is a volatile 8-bit quad digital potentiometer configured as a rheostat, offering 257-tap resolution, 10 kΩ nominal RAB resistance, ±20% tolerance, 75 Ω typical wiper resistance, and I²C interface supporting up to 3.4 MHz. It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V and targets precision gain/offset trimming in industrial sensor signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4452T-103E/ST datasheet, MCP4452T-103E/ST pinout, MCP4452T-103E/ST application, or MCP4452T-103E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its rheostat-only topology, absence of nonvolatile memory, TSSOP-20 package with terminal disconnect via TCON registers, and compatibility with split-rail analog supplies up to ±5.5V.
Technical Context
The MCP4452T-103E/ST implements four independent 8-bit resistor networks (RAB = 10 kΩ), each with digitally controlled wiper terminals (PxA/PxW/PxB) and configurable terminal disconnect logic via dedicated TCON registers. Its I²C slave 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).
Internal power-on reset and brown-out detection (1.5 V typical) ensure deterministic wiper initialization to mid-scale (128 decimal), while serial interface inactive current remains at 2.5 µA typical. The device lacks EEPROM, making wiper settings volatile across power cycles - requiring host MCU reinitialization on startup.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 10 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale resistance between A and B terminals for rheostat operation |
| Resolution | 8-bit / 257 taps - enables fine-grained adjustment with 39.2 Ω step size (10 kΩ / 256) |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - contributes directly to insertion loss and thermal noise in signal path |
| Tempco (Absolute) | 50 ppm/°C typical (0°C–70°C) - ensures stable resistance over temperature in single-supply systems |
| I²C Speed | Up to 3.4 MHz - supports rapid wiper updates in closed-loop calibration routines |
| Supply Range | 1.8V–5.5V - enables use with 1.8V logic controllers while driving 5V analog rails |
| Bandwidth (-3 dB) | 1 MHz typical (10 kΩ device, code = 80h) - limits usable frequency range in AC-coupled gain control |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-20 package: 6.5 mm × 4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad not present. Pin 1 marked by dot; pin numbering follows standard TSSOP convention (counterclockwise from mark).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (RESET) | Active-low asynchronous reset | Forces all wipers to mid-scale (128) and clears TCON registers on falling edge |
| 2 (A1) | I²C address bit 1 | Configures slave address LSB; tied high/low to select one of four devices on same bus |
| 3 (NC) | No connect | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or grounded per layout guidelines |
| 4 (VDD) | Digital/analog supply | Powers internal logic and resistor networks; decoupling capacitor required |
| 5 (P0W) | Potentiometer 0 wiper | Common terminal for rheostat configuration of first 10 kΩ network |
| 6 (P0B) | Potentiometer 0 terminal B | Fixed end of RAB0; used with P0W to form variable resistor |
| 7 (P0A) | Potentiometer 0 terminal A | Fixed end of RAB0; floating in rheostat mode per datasheet Note 1 |
| 8 (P1A) | Potentiometer 1 terminal A | Fixed end of RAB1; floating when configured as rheostat |
| 9 (P1W) | Potentiometer 1 wiper | Common terminal for second 10 kΩ rheostat network |
| 10 (P1B) | Potentiometer 1 terminal B | Fixed end of RAB1; connected to signal path in rheostat mode |
| 11 (P2W) | Potentiometer 2 wiper | Common terminal for third 10 kΩ rheostat network |
| 12 (P2A) | Potentiometer 2 terminal A | Fixed end of RAB2; floating in rheostat configuration |
| 13 (P2B) | Potentiometer 2 terminal B | Fixed end of RAB2; used with P2W for variable resistance |
| 14 (P3B) | Potentiometer 3 terminal B | Fixed end of RAB3; completes fourth rheostat leg |
| 15 (P3W) | Potentiometer 3 wiper | Common terminal for fourth 10 kΩ rheostat network |
| 16 (P3A) | Potentiometer 3 terminal A | Fixed end of RAB3; floating in rheostat mode |
| 17 (VSS) | Ground reference | Analog/digital common return; requires low-impedance connection to PCB ground plane |
| 18 (HVC/A0) | I²C address bit 0 / HV enable | Selects slave address MSB; high-voltage threshold (≥9 V) activates WiperLock protection |
| 19 (SDA) | I²C bidirectional data | Open-drain interface; requires external pull-up to VDD or higher rail |
| 20 (SCL) | I²C clock input | Drives internal timing; Schmitt-triggered for noise immunity on noisy boards |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Rheostat-only topology | Four independent 10 kΩ variable resistors optimized for current-sensing and bias control, not voltage-divider applications |
| Terminal disconnect via TCON | Software-controllable open-circuit state for each RAB network prevents leakage during standby or fault conditions |
| High-voltage tolerant digital inputs | HVC/A0, A1, RESET, SDA, SCL accept up to 12.5 V - enables direct interfacing with 12 V industrial control signals |
| Split-rail support | Operates with VDD = +5 V and VSS = –5 V (per Absolute Maximum Ratings), enabling bipolar analog front-end integration |
| Brown-out reset protection | Guarantees wiper initialization only above 1.5 V typical - prevents erratic behavior during power ramp-up |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Programmable Current Limiting |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Trimming offset/gain in 4–20 mA transmitter circuits using precision op-amps and DACs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rheostat element in feedback loop of transimpedance amplifier to set loop gain and zero-point calibration. Use Value: 10 kΩ RAB and 75 Ω wiper resistance minimize gain error drift (<50 ppm/°C) across –40°C to +125°C ambient. | Use Scenario: Setting adjustable current limit thresholds in DC-DC converter overcurrent protection circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Variable sense resistor in high-side current monitor path feeding comparator reference input. Use Value: 8-bit resolution enables 0.4% incremental current limit steps; TCON register allows dynamic disable during fault recovery. |
| Laser Diode Bias Control | Audio Channel Balance |
Use Scenario: Fine-tuning bias current for telecom-grade laser diodes in optical transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision rheostat in constant-current source controlling laser anode current. Use Value: 1 MHz bandwidth supports modulation frequencies up to 100 kHz; low wiper resistance avoids thermal instability under 100 mA loads. | Use Scenario: Real-time stereo channel balance adjustment in professional audio mixing consoles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual rheostats (P0W/P0B and P1W/P1B) acting as digitally controlled attenuators per channel. Use Value: I²C 3.4 MHz interface enables sub-millisecond balance updates synchronized to audio frame timing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar rheostat applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4462T-103E/ST | Nonvolatile EEPROM wiper storage; identical RAB, resolution, and package | Retains last wiper setting after power cycle - eliminates need for host MCU reinitialization | Select when system-level calibration persistence is required without external memory |
| AD5242BRUZ10 | 2-channel, 10 kΩ, I²C, 256-tap; no TCON, no HVC pin, max 5.5 V supply | Lacks terminal disconnect and high-voltage input capability; lower channel count | Choose for cost-sensitive dual-rheostat needs where TCON and HV tolerance are unnecessary |
Compared with MCP4452T-103E/ST, the MCP4462T-103E/ST adds EEPROM-based wiper retention but shares identical analog performance and pinout, while AD5242BRUZ10 reduces channel count and feature set to meet simpler dual-rheostat requirements at lower unit cost.
Availability
MCP4452T-103E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable current limiting, laser diode bias control, and audio channel balance applications requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term sourcing.
Supply support for MCP4452T-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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and interface ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The MCP44xx family delivers digitally controlled precision resistors targeting analog signal conditioning, calibration, and trimming in harsh environments - emphasizing wide temperature range, high-voltage tolerance, and robust I²C communication.
FAQ
What is the RAB resistance value and tolerance for MCP4452T-103E/ST?
The MCP4452T-103E/ST has a nominal RAB resistance of 10 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as confirmed in DS22267A-page 5 Table "Resistance (±20%)" under the "-103 devices" entry. This value applies across all four rheostat networks and is measured between terminals A and B at room temperature with no load.
Does MCP4452T-103E/ST retain wiper settings after power loss?
No, MCP4452T-103E/ST uses volatile RAM for wiper storage and does not retain settings after power removal. Upon power-up or RESET assertion, all wipers initialize to mid-scale (128 decimal). For nonvolatile retention, consider the pin-compatible MCP4462T-103E/ST variant with integrated EEPROM.
Can MCP4452T-103E/ST operate with split-rail analog supplies?
Yes, MCP4452T-103E/ST supports split-rail operation per Absolute Maximum Ratings on DS22267A-page 3: voltage on PxA/PxW/PxB pins is specified as –0.3 V to VDD + 0.3 V relative to VSS. With VSS = –5 V and VDD = +5 V, the device functions correctly across ±5 V analog signal paths.
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by MCP4452T-103E/ST?
MCP4452T-103E/ST supports I²C up to 3.4 MHz in High-Speed mode, as documented in DS22267A-page 13 Table 1-2. This requires VDD ≥ 4.5 V, bus capacitance ≤ 100 pF, and proper termination - enabling rapid wiper updates in time-critical calibration sequences.
How does the TCON register function in MCP4452T-103E/ST?
The TCON register in MCP4452T-103E/ST controls terminal disconnect for each rheostat network. Writing '0' to corresponding bits opens the connection between PxA/PxW/PxB terminals, effectively isolating the resistor network from the circuit - critical for reducing leakage current during standby or fault states.
MCP4452T-103E/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Rheostat
- 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:
- 14-TSSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 75
MCP4452T-103E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4452T-103E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4452T-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 MCP4452T-103E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4452T-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 MCP4452T-103E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4452T-103E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4452T-103E/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4452T-103E/ST?
MCP4452T-103E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4452T-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 MCP4452T-103E/ST?
For technical support, including MCP4452T-103E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4452T-103E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4452T-103E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4452T-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 MCP4452T-103E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4452T-103E/ST?
All MCP4452T-103E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4452T-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 MCP4452T-103E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4452T-103E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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