MCP4021-202E/SN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
The MCP4021-202E/SN is a single-channel non-volatile digital potentiometer from Microchip with 64 resistance steps and a 2.1 kΩ end-to-end resistance. It uses an increment/decrement control interface and retains its wiper position in non-volatile memory through power cycles. Housed in an 8-pin SOIC package for easy PCB integration in calibration and adjustment circuits.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4021-202E/SN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.7400(MOQ 1)
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 125.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- 64-step non-volatile digital potentiometer with 2.1 kΩ resistance range retaining wiper position across power cycles without an external EEPROM
- Simple 2-wire increment/decrement interface requiring only Up/Down control signals, eliminating the need for SPI or I2C bus hardware
- Compact 8-pin SOIC package with 4 kHz bandwidth suitable for low-frequency analog adjustment in calibration, gain-control, and offset-trim circuits
Applications
The MCP4021-202E/SN is used in industrial calibration circuits and sensor signal conditioners where a mechanical trimmer potentiometer needs to be replaced with a digitally adjustable element that holds its setting after power loss. Its simple up/down control interface makes it easy to drive directly from GPIO pins on microcontrollers without a dedicated SPI or I2C peripheral. It is also applied in LED brightness control, audio volume adjustment, and reference voltage trimming in battery-powered devices where non-volatile retention of the last set value is essential.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | SOIC-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 6Weeks |
| YTEOL | 8 |
| Additional Feature | NONVOLATILE MEMORY |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 4kHz |
| Control Interface | INCREMENT/DECREMENT |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDSO-G8 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Number of Positions | 64 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | SOP8,.23 |
| Package Shape | RECTANGULAR |
| Package Style | SMALL OUTLINE |
| Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel) | 260 |
| Qualification Status | Not Qualified |
| Resistance Law | LINEAR |
| Resistance Tolerance-Max | 20% |
| Resistor Terminal Voltage-Max | 5V |
| Screening Level | TS 16949 |
| Supply Current-Max | 0.45mA |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 5V |
| Surface Mount | YES |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Coefficient-Nom | 150ppm/°C |
| Temperature Grade | AUTOMOTIVE |
| Terminal Finish | Matte Tin (Sn) |
| Terminal Form | GULL WING |
| Terminal Pitch | 1.27mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Total Resistance-Nom | 2100Ω |
| Package | Small Outline Packages |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | MSL 1 |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
| HTS Code | 8542.39.00.01 |
| Country of Origin | Thailand |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MCP4021-202E/SN store its wiper position when power is removed?
The MCP4021-202E/SN uses an on-chip non-volatile memory cell to save the current wiper position whenever a write operation completes. When power is restored, the device reloads the saved wiper setting automatically, so the 2.1 kΩ resistance is reproduced without any microcontroller intervention, eliminating startup calibration routines in field-deployed systems.
What control signals are needed to increment or decrement the MCP4021-202E/SN, and how many steps does it support?
The MCP4021-202E/SN accepts simple UP and DOWN digital pulses on its 2-pin increment/decrement interface, which can be driven directly from any 2 GPIO pins. The wiper moves through 64 discrete steps across the 2.1 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a step size of roughly 33 Ω per increment, sufficient for fine-grained voltage divider or gain adjustments in analog front-ends.
What bandwidth limitation should designers consider when using the MCP4021-202E/SN in an active filter or audio circuit?
The MCP4021-202E/SN has a nominal bandwidth of 4 kHz, meaning its resistive element behaves predictably only for signals below that frequency. For audio circuits requiring adjustment up to 20 kHz or for switched-capacitor filters operating above 4 kHz, a higher-bandwidth digital potentiometer such as the MCP4141 with greater than 1 MHz bandwidth would be more appropriate. For DC calibration and low-frequency offset trimming the 4 kHz limit is not a constraint.
Can the MCP4021-202E/SN replace a mechanical 2 kΩ trimmer in a PCB redesign, and what are the key differences to evaluate?
Yes, the MCP4021-202E/SN can substitute for a 2 kΩ mechanical trimmer, offering a 2.1 kΩ nominal end-to-end resistance with 64 steps across an 8-pin SOIC footprint. Unlike a mechanical trimmer, it requires 2 control signals and a supply voltage of 1.8 V to 5.5 V, and its wiper resistance adds roughly 50 Ω in series. The non-volatile memory removes the risk of vibration-induced drift that can shift mechanical trimmers out of calibration in field environments.
Related Guides
1206 100 uF MLCC Design Guide for Compact Bulk Decoupling
Design guidance for applying CL31A107MQHNNNE and related 1206 MLCCs in compact bulk decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 2026
0402 10 nF MLCC Design Guide for High-Speed Decoupling
Practical design guidance for using CL05B103KB5NNNC and related 0402 MLCCs in high-speed decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 2026
CL31A107MQHNNNE 1206 100 uF MLCC Selection Guide
How to choose CL31A107MQHNNNE and related 1206 MLCCs for low-voltage bulk capacitance and regulator stability.
Jul 2, 2026
CL05B103KB5NNNC 0402 10 nF X7R MLCC Selection Guide
How to choose CL05B103KB5NNNC and related 0402 MLCCs for bypassing, filtering, voltage derating, and sourcing.
Jul 2, 2026
Why Buy from FindMyChip
About Microchip
Microchip is a leading electronic component manufacturer. FindMyChip sources Microchip ICs directly from authorized China distributors, offering competitive pricing and reliable stock.
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.0300 | $1.03 |
| 2+ | $0.7693 | $1.54 |
| 1000+ | $0.7600 | $760.00 |
| 5000+ | $0.7400 | $3700.00 |
In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping
Response within 24 hours · Worldwide shipping
“We've been using FindMyChip for 2 years. Pricing is consistently 20-30% below Mouser/DigiKey for volume orders.”