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Microchip Technology MCP4551T-103E/MS
- Part No.:
- MCP4551T-103E/MS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP4551T-103E/MS.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 10KOHM 257TAP 8MSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,836
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Product details
Overview
MCP4551T-103E/MS from Microchip Technology is a single-channel, 8-bit volatile digital potentiometer in MSOP-8 package with 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance (RAB), 257-step resolution, I²C interface supporting up to 3.4 MHz, and wiper resistance of 75 Ω (typical). It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V and supports potentiometer configuration for precision gain/offset adjustment in analog signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MCP4551T-103E/MS datasheet, MCP4551T-103E/MS pinout, MCP4551T-103E/MS application, or MCP4551T-103E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include RAB tolerance (±20%), ratiometric tempco (15 ppm/°C), wiper disconnect capability via TCON register, brown-out reset threshold (~1.5 V), and high-voltage tolerant digital inputs (up to 12.5 V).
Technical Context
The MCP4551T-103E/MS implements an 8-bit resistor ladder network with wiper position controlled exclusively via I²C serial commands - no internal nonvolatile memory. Its architecture supports both potentiometer (three-terminal) and rheostat (two-terminal) configurations by floating either A or B terminal, enabling flexible analog tuning in feedback loops and sensor biasing networks.
Wiper operation spans zero-scale to full-scale with mid-scale power-on reset, while Terminal Control (TCON) register allows independent disconnection of terminals A, W, and B to eliminate leakage paths. The device features Schmitt-triggered I²C inputs with programmable hysteresis and operates across –40°C to +125°C with guaranteed performance from 2.7V to 5.5V (analog characteristics) and functional operation down to 1.8V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RAB Resistance | 10 kΩ ±20% - defines maximum adjustable resistance range between terminals A and B |
| Resolution | 8-bit / 257 steps - enables fine-grained analog control with 0.39% step size (1/256 of RAB) |
| Wiper Resistance (RW) | 75 Ω typical - contributes minimal series offset in wiper-output paths; critical for low-gain amplifier stability |
| Ratiometric Tempco | 15 ppm/°C (0°C to 70°C) - ensures stable voltage-divider ratio over temperature, essential for precision reference scaling |
| I²C Speed Support | 100 kHz / 400 kHz / 3.4 MHz - enables fast wiper updates in real-time calibration systems without CPU overhead |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8V to 5.5V operational; 2.7V to 5.5V specified analog performance - compatible with mixed-voltage embedded systems |
| Brown-Out Reset | ~1.5 V threshold - prevents erratic wiper state during power ramp-up or brownout conditions |
Pinout & Package
MSOP-8 package (3.0 mm × 4.9 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (EP) on underside per DFN-8 MF footprint compatibility. Pin 1 marked by dot; top view orientation matches standard MSOP layout.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P0A | Resistor network terminal A (high-side) | Fixed end of potentiometer; connects to supply rail or signal source in voltage divider applications |
| P0W | Wiper terminal | Adjustable tap point; output node for gain control, bias setting, or sensor calibration feedback |
| P0B | Resistor network terminal B (low-side) | Fixed end tied to ground or reference; floating P0B enables rheostat mode |
| VSS | Ground reference | Return path for analog and digital circuitry; must be low-impedance for noise immunity |
| VDD | Positive supply | Power for internal logic and resistor network; decoupling capacitor required at pin |
| HVC / A0 | I²C address select / high-voltage control | Configures LSB of 7-bit I²C address (A0 = 0/1); accepts up to 12.5 V for HV-compatible system interfacing |
| SDA | I²C bidirectional data line | Open-drain interface requiring external pull-up; supports multi-master bus arbitration |
| SCL | I²C clock input | Master-generated clock synchronizing all read/write and increment/decrement operations |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Zero- to full-scale wiper operation | Enables complete voltage division range (0–100%) without dead zones, critical for closed-loop DAC replacement |
| Terminal disconnect via TCON register | Allows software-controlled isolation of P0A/P0W/P0B to eliminate leakage current in standby or fault states |
| High-voltage tolerant digital inputs | SDA, SCL, HVC/A0 accept up to 12.5 V - simplifies level-shifting in industrial 5 V/12 V mixed-signal systems |
| Low serial interface inactive current | 2.5 µA typical - reduces quiescent power in battery-operated instrumentation and portable sensors |
| Extended temperature operation | –40°C to +125°C ambient rating - qualified for under-hood automotive, motor control, and industrial PLC environments |
Applications
| LED Current Regulation | Programmable Gain Amplifier |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Adjustable constant-current sink for RGB LED backlighting in automotive displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital potentiometer sets reference voltage for current-sense amplifier feedback loop. Use Value: Enables factory calibration and dynamic brightness tuning via I²C without hardware changes; 15 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco maintains color balance across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Gain-setting element in instrumentation amplifier front-end for sensor signal conditioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Replaces mechanical trimpot to configure closed-loop gain (1–100×) in real time. Use Value: 257-step resolution provides <0.4% gain accuracy; wiper resistance <75 Ω avoids gain error in high-Z op-amp inputs. |
| DC-DC Converter Feedback | Audio Volume Control |
|
Use Scenario: Programmable output voltage setting in isolated DC-DC modules for FPGA core supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjusts resistive divider ratio on feedback pin of secondary-side controller IC. Use Value: I²C write speed up to 3.4 MHz allows rapid reconfiguration during power-state transitions; 10 kΩ RAB minimizes divider current loading. |
Use Scenario: Channel-matched volume control in professional audio mixing consoles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-rail potentiometer (A/B tied to ±VREF, W to audio path) for attenuation. Use Value: Low wiper resistance (75 Ω) preserves high-frequency response; 8-bit resolution enables 0.5 dB step granularity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5171BRMZ-10 | Single 64-step (6-bit), nonvolatile EEPROM wiper storage, 10 kΩ RAB, SPI interface | Retains last wiper position after power cycle; lacks I²C and TCON terminal disconnect | Select when power-loss wiper retention is mandatory and SPI is preferred over I²C |
| MCP41010-I/P | Single 257-step (8-bit), volatile, 10 kΩ RAB, SPI interface, PDIP-8 package | Same resolution and RAB, but SPI-only and through-hole packaging; no HVC pin or high-voltage tolerance | Select for legacy PCBs requiring DIP footprint or SPI-based microcontrollers without I²C hardware |
Compared with MCP4551T-103E/MS, AD5171BRMZ-10 trades I²C flexibility and terminal control for nonvolatile wiper storage, while MCP41010-I/P offers identical resolution in a through-hole SPI variant - neither provides the MSOP-8 space savings, 12.5 V input tolerance, or software-controllable terminal isolation of the MCP4551T-103E/MS.
Availability
MCP4551T-103E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, DC-DC feedback networks, and audio attenuation circuits requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and medical electronics programs.
Supply support for MCP4551T-103E/MS 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, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing infrastructure.
The MCP45XX family delivers volatile digital potentiometers optimized for precision analog tuning in space-constrained, high-reliability applications - emphasizing I²C configurability, wide voltage/temp range, and robust terminal control.
FAQ
What is the RAB resistance value and tolerance for MCP4551T-103E/MS?
The MCP4551T-103E/MS has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 10 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as indicated by the "103" suffix (10 × 10³ Ω). This value is measured between terminals P0A and P0B at room temperature and applies across the full operating temperature range of –40°C to +125°C. The actual resistance may vary within tolerance due to process variation and temperature drift.
Does MCP4551T-103E/MS retain its wiper position after power cycling?
No, the MCP4551T-103E/MS uses volatile RAM for wiper storage and resets to mid-scale (128 for 8-bit) on power-up or brown-out reset. It does not include EEPROM or other nonvolatile memory. To maintain a specific wiper setting across power cycles, the host controller must reinitialize the wiper value via I²C after each power-on sequence.
Can MCP4551T-103E/MS be used in rheostat mode?
Yes, MCP4551T-103E/MS supports rheostat configuration by leaving either P0A or P0B unconnected (floating), using only two terminals - for example, P0A and P0W - to implement a variable resistor. The device's datasheet confirms this behavior, and the TCON register further enables software-controlled disconnection of terminals to minimize leakage in rheostat applications.
What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by MCP4551T-103E/MS?
The MCP4551T-103E/MS 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 reliably at 400 kHz (fast mode), and down to 100 kHz (standard mode) for VDD ≥ 1.8 V. Timing parameters including setup/hold times scale accordingly per the DS22096B specification.
Is the MSOP-8 package of MCP4551T-103E/MS lead-free and RoHS compliant?
Yes, the MCP4551T-103E/MS is manufactured in a lead-free, RoHS-compliant MSOP-8 package (suffix "E/MS") with matte tin plating and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL1) requirements. The "E" in the part number denotes Pb-free, and "MS" specifies the MSOP package; full compliance documentation is available in Microchip's official product change notices and material declarations.
MCP4551T-103E/MS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- 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:
- 8-MSOP
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 75
MCP4551T-103E/MS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP4551T-103E/MS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP4551T-103E/MS 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 MCP4551T-103E/MS reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP4551T-103E/MS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP4551T-103E/MS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP4551T-103E/MS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP4551T-103E/MS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP4551T-103E/MS?
MCP4551T-103E/MS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP4551T-103E/MS 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 MCP4551T-103E/MS?
For technical support, including MCP4551T-103E/MS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP4551T-103E/MS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP4551T-103E/MS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP4551T-103E/MS 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 MCP4551T-103E/MS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP4551T-103E/MS?
All MCP4551T-103E/MS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP4551T-103E/MS, 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 MCP4551T-103E/MS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP4551T-103E/MS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MCP4551T-103E/MS Tags
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MCP4018T-103E/LT
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MCP4011T-103E/SN
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MCP4023T-103E/CH
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