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Microchip Technology MCP4461-104E/ML
- Part No.:
- MCP4461-104E/ML
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4461-104E/ML.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGT POT 100KOHM 257TAP 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:922
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Product details
Overview
MCP4461-104E/ML from Microchip Technology is a quad-channel, 8-bit nonvolatile digital potentiometer with 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance per channel, I²C interface, WiperLock™ technology, and EEPROM wiper storage. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, supports up to 3.4 MHz I²C, and delivers 257-tap resolution for precision analog control in embedded sensor calibration and power supply trimming.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4461-104E/ML datasheet, MCP4461-104E/ML pinout, MCP4461-104E/ML application, or MCP4461-104E/ML equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 100 kΩ RAB tolerance (±20%), 75 Ω typical wiper resistance, 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco, extended -40°C to +125°C operation, and TSSOP-20 package compatibility with board-level space constraints.
Technical Context
The MCP4461-104E/ML integrates four independent 8-bit resistor networks, each configurable as potentiometer or rheostat via terminal disconnect control (TCON registers). Its nonvolatile memory stores wiper positions across power cycles, and WiperLock™ prevents unintended writes using high-voltage enable on HVC/A0.
I²C communication supports Standard (100 kHz), Fast (400 kHz), and High-Speed (3.4 MHz) modes with programmable write protection-both hardware (WP pin) and software (EEPROM bit)-and includes brown-out reset (1.65 V threshold) and internal weak pull-ups on all digital inputs except SDA/SCL.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 100 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale analog range for voltage divider or gain-setting applications |
| Resolution | 8-bit (257 taps) - enables 0.39% step granularity for fine analog tuning |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical - minimizes insertion error in low-impedance signal paths |
| Ratiometric Tempco | 15 ppm/°C - ensures stable voltage division ratio over temperature in potentiometer mode |
| I²C Speed Support | Up to 3.4 MHz - allows rapid wiper updates in real-time closed-loop systems |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V - compatible with standard logic rails and mixed-signal MCU interfaces |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C - qualified for automotive under-hood and industrial motor control environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: 20-pin TSSOP (4.4 mm × 6.5 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Power supply input | 2.7–5.5 V analog/digital core supply; powers resistor networks and I²C logic |
| VSS | Ground reference | Common return for analog and digital sections; must be low-impedance |
| SCL | I²C clock input | Drives synchronous serial interface; Schmitt-triggered, supports 3.4 MHz max |
| SDA | I²C data bidirectional | Open-drain I/O with internal weak pull-up; requires external pull-up for bus operation |
| WP | Hardware write protect | Active-low pin disabling all EEPROM and wiper writes when asserted |
| RESET | Asynchronous reset input | Active-low signal forcing wipers to nonvolatile stored values and clearing control registers |
| HVC/A0 | High-voltage command / address | Accepts up to 12.5 V to enable WiperLock™; also serves as LSB of I²C address |
| A1 | I²C address bit | MSB of 7-bit I²C slave address; sets device address alongside HVC/A0 |
| P0A–P0B, P1A–P1B, P2A–P2B, P3A–P3B | Resistor network terminals | Four independent A/W/B terminals per channel; floating A or B enables rheostat use |
| P0W–P3W | Wiper outputs | Low-resistance sliding contacts; each connects to corresponding A/B terminals via 256-step ladder |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Nonvolatile wiper storage | Automatically recalls last-set wiper position after power cycle without host intervention |
| WiperLock™ technology | Prevents accidental wiper or EEPROM changes using 9–12.5 V pulse on HVC/A0 pin |
| Terminal disconnect control | TCON registers allow software-controlled isolation of A/W/B terminals for open-circuit or high-Z states |
| 5-location general-purpose EEPROM | Provides user-accessible nonvolatile storage for calibration coefficients or system IDs |
| Split-rail support | Operates with analog signals beyond VDD/VSS bounds when configured for bipolar operation |
Applications
| LED Brightness Control | DC-DC Converter Feedback Tuning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Adjusting current-limit setpoint in constant-current LED drivers across production batches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital potentiometer replacing mechanical trimmer to set feedback voltage divider ratio. Use Value: Enables factory-programmed brightness calibration with 0.39% step resolution and permanent storage at 100 kΩ scale. | Use Scenario: Dynamically optimizing output voltage of buck converters during thermal derating or load transient events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I²C-configurable resistor network adjusting feedback node voltage in real time. Use Value: Supports 3.4 MHz I²C updates for sub-millisecond loop response while maintaining 15 ppm/°C ratiometric stability. |
| Sensor Signal Conditioning | Industrial Analog Input Calibration |
Use Scenario: Compensating offset/gain drift in RTD or thermocouple front-end amplifiers over temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision potentiometer in instrumentation amplifier gain and offset networks. Use Value: Delivers 75 Ω wiper resistance and 100 kΩ RAB matching (≤1.0% mismatch) for <0.01% gain error contribution. | Use Scenario: One-time calibration of 4–20 mA transmitter output stages during manufacturing test. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile trim element storing final calibration values in EEPROM. Use Value: Eliminates need for external EEPROM or MCU flash usage; retains settings across 1M write cycles and -40°C to +125°C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4462-104E/ML | Identical specs but configured as quad rheostat (not potentiometer); no A-B terminal continuity guarantee | Used where only two-terminal variable resistance is needed (e.g., current-sense shunt adjustment) | Select only if circuit requires rheostat topology and terminal A/B disconnection is acceptable |
| AD5204BRUZ100 | Quad 8-bit volatile pot; no EEPROM, no WiperLock, 50 ppm/°C absolute tempco, 100 kΩ RAB | Suitable for dynamic, host-controlled trimming where power-cycle retention is unnecessary | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs nonvolatility needs and system MCU handles state persistence |
Compared with MCP4462-104E/ML, the MCP4461-104E/ML provides guaranteed potentiometer functionality with A-W-B continuity, while AD5204BRUZ100 trades nonvolatility and security for lower unit cost and simpler I²C protocol handling.
Availability
MCP4461-104E/ML is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver calibration, DC-DC converter feedback tuning, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term parametric consistency, and automotive-grade temperature resilience.
Supply support for MCP4461-104E/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The MCP446X family is designed for precision analog trimming in harsh-environment applications, emphasizing nonvolatile configuration retention, I²C flexibility, and extended temperature reliability for automotive, industrial, and medical systems.
FAQ
What is the RAB resistance tolerance for MCP4461-104E/ML?
The MCP4461-104E/ML has a nominal RAB resistance of 100 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (DS22265A-page 5). This applies across the full operating temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) and is measured between terminals A and B for each of the four channels. The tolerance reflects manufacturing variation and remains stable over life.
Does MCP4461-104E/ML retain wiper settings after power loss?
Yes, the MCP4461-104E/ML retains wiper settings after power loss using on-chip EEPROM. Upon power-up, it automatically recalls the last stored wiper value for each channel. This nonvolatile behavior is enabled by default and does not require host initialization, making MCP4461-104E/ML ideal for calibration-critical systems where state persistence is mandatory.
Can MCP4461-104E/ML operate with a 1.8V supply?
No, MCP4461-104E/ML requires a minimum VDD of 2.7V for full analog and digital functionality. While the datasheet notes "1.8V to 5.5V – Device Operation", this refers only to serial interface activity (I²C clock/data) under specific low-power conditions-not guaranteed resistor network performance or specification compliance. For guaranteed operation including RAB accuracy, tempco, and wiper linearity, VDD must be 2.7V–5.5V.
How does WiperLock™ work on MCP4461-104E/ML?
WiperLock™ on MCP4461-104E/ML is activated by applying a high-voltage pulse (9.0–12.5 V) to the HVC/A0 pin, which disables all wiper and EEPROM writes until the next power cycle or RESET assertion. This prevents accidental modification during system operation. The feature is hardware-enforced and independent of I²C commands-no software register setting is required to engage it once triggered.
What package type is used for MCP4461-104E/ML?
The MCP4461-104E/ML uses a 20-pin Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP-20) with 4.4 mm × 6.5 mm body size and 0.65 mm lead pitch. This package is pin-compatible with other MCP444X/446X devices in the same family and supports standard reflow soldering profiles. The "E/ML" suffix explicitly denotes the TSSOP-20 variant per Microchip's packaging nomenclature.
MCP4461-104E/ML Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- WiperLock™
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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:
- Non-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
MCP4461-104E/ML FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4461-104E/ML through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4461-104E/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 MCP4461-104E/ML reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4461-104E/ML are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4461-104E/ML is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4461-104E/ML?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4461-104E/ML transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4461-104E/ML?
MCP4461-104E/ML orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4461-104E/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 MCP4461-104E/ML?
For technical support, including MCP4461-104E/ML datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4461-104E/ML requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4461-104E/ML is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4461-104E/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 MCP4461-104E/ML meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4461-104E/ML?
All MCP4461-104E/ML units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4461-104E/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 MCP4461-104E/ML part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4461-104E/ML:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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