MCP41050-I/P Microchip Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP41050-I/P is a single-channel SPI-controlled digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance and 256 linear positions. It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V in an 8-pin PDIP package and supports an optional hardware shutdown pin, making it straightforward to integrate into microcontroller-based analog control and calibration designs.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP41050-I/P Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.3385(MOQ 1)
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 85.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
What are the key features of MCP41050-I/P?
- Single-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with 256 linear steps for fine resolution
- 3-wire SPI interface compatible with virtually all microcontroller SPI peripherals
- Wide supply voltage: 2.7 V to 5.5 V for 3.3 V and 5 V system compatibility
- Hardware SHDN pin for fast disconnect of the wiper from the resistor ladder
- 8-pin PDIP package ideal for through-hole prototyping and high-reliability boards
- Low wiper resistance suitable for precision voltage-divider and gain-control circuits
What is MCP41050-I/P used for?
The MCP41050-I/P is commonly used for programmable gain control in op-amp feedback networks, bias-voltage trimming in sensor interfaces, and LCD contrast adjustment in embedded systems. Its 256-step resolution and SPI interface make it a straightforward replacement for mechanical trimmers in industrial calibration equipment and consumer electronics where digital control of analog parameters is required.
What are the specifications of MCP41050-I/P?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | PDIP-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 8 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.28kHz |
| Control Interface | 3-WIRE SERIAL |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDIP-T8 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Number of Positions | 256 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | DIP8,.3 |
| Package Shape | RECTANGULAR |
| Package Style | IN-LINE |
| Qualification Status | Not Qualified |
| Resistance Law | LINEAR |
| Resistance Tolerance-Max | 20% |
| Resistor Terminal Voltage-Max | 5V |
| Screening Level | TS 16949 |
| Supply Current-Max | 0.6mA |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 5V |
| Surface Mount | NO |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Coefficient-Nom | 800ppm/°C |
| Temperature Grade | INDUSTRIAL |
| Terminal Finish | Matte Tin (Sn) |
| Terminal Form | THROUGH-HOLE |
| Terminal Pitch | 2.54mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Total Resistance-Nom | 50000Ω |
| Package | Dual-In-Line Packages |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
| HTS Code | 8542.39.00.01 |
| Country of Origin | Thailand |
Where can I find the MCP41050-I/P datasheet?
MCP41050-I/P Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP41050-I/P?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 256-step resolution of MCP41050-I/P compare to a 128-step device for fine voltage trimming?
With 256 positions across 50 kΩ, each step represents approximately 196 Ω, roughly half the step size of a 128-position device. This finer resolution is beneficial in precision DAC output trimming or sensor offset calibration where sub-millivolt adjustments are needed.
Can MCP41050-I/P share an SPI bus with other peripherals in a 3.3 V microcontroller system?
Yes. The MCP41050-I/P uses a standard 3-wire SPI interface with a dedicated chip-select (CS) line and operates at 2.7 V to 5.5 V, making it directly compatible with 3.3 V SPI buses. Multiple potentiometers can share the MOSI and SCK lines with individual CS pins, simplifying multi-channel designs without bus conflict.
What design benefit does the SHDN pin provide in power-sensitive applications?
The SHDN (shutdown) pin disconnects the wiper terminal from the resistor ladder, effectively placing the potentiometer in a high-impedance state and reducing current draw to near zero µA. This is useful in battery-powered systems that need to disable analog sections during sleep mode without losing the wiper's last programmed position.
What is the typical lead time for MCP41050-I/P, and is the SOIC-8 package a viable alternative for surface-mount layouts?
The PDIP-8 variant carries an approximately 8-week factory lead time. For surface-mount designs, the pin-compatible MCP41050-I/SN in SOIC-8 is a viable alternative with a similar lead time and the same 256-step, 50 kΩ specifications, allowing flexible PCB layout options without firmware changes.
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| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $0.3385 | $0.34 |
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