MCP41050-I/SN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
The MCP41050-I/SN is a single-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer from Microchip with 256 wiper positions controlled via a 3-wire SPI interface in an 8-pin SOIC package. It replaces mechanical potentiometers with digitally adjustable resistance for precise analog control without moving parts. Suitable for gain adjustment, LCD contrast control, filter tuning, and programmable reference circuits in consumer and industrial electronics.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP41050-I/SN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $1.3700(MOQ 1)
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 85.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- Single-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with 256 wiper positions for fine resistance control
- 3-wire SPI serial interface enabling direct microcontroller or MCU integration
- 8-pin SOIC-8 package simplifying PCB layout with minimal external components
- 0.28 kHz signal bandwidth suitable for audio and low-frequency control applications
- Lead-free JESD-609 e3 compliant, RoHS-ready for global product certification
- Non-volatile wiper position retention option preserving last setting through power cycles
Applications
The MCP41050-I/SN is used in audio systems for digitally programmable volume and tone control, replacing mechanical potentiometers with a software-adjustable 50 kΩ element that can be updated via SPI from any microcontroller. Industrial automation equipment uses it for programmable gain amplifier calibration and analog set-point adjustment in closed-loop control loops where the resistance must be varied in 256 discrete steps without manual intervention. LCD display drivers and power management circuits also use the MCP41050-I/SN to digitally tune contrast voltages and reference thresholds during manufacturing calibration and field trimming.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | SOIC-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 6Weeks |
| YTEOL | 8 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.28kHz |
| Control Interface | 3-WIRE SERIAL |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDSO-G8 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Number of Positions | 256 |
| 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 | 0.6mA |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 5V |
| Surface Mount | YES |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Coefficient-Nom | 800ppm/°C |
| Temperature Grade | INDUSTRIAL |
| Terminal Finish | Matte Tin (Sn) |
| Terminal Form | GULL WING |
| Terminal Pitch | 1.27mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Total Resistance-Nom | 50000Ω |
| 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
Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for MCP41050-I/SN:
Digital Potentiometer, 1 Func, 50000ohm, 3-wire Serial Control Interface, 256 Positions, CMOS, PDSO8
Frequently Asked Questions
How many discrete resistance steps does the MCP41050-I/SN provide across its 50 kΩ range?
The MCP41050-I/SN offers 256 wiper positions across its 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving each step a resolution of approximately 196 Ω (50,000 Ω divided by 256 steps). This 8-bit resolution is sufficient for audio volume control and analog gain trimming applications where smooth 256-step adjustment across the full resistance range produces imperceptible increments at typical listening levels or control loop update rates.
What signal bandwidth limitation should designers consider when using the MCP41050-I/SN in audio circuits?
The MCP41050-I/SN has a nominal signal bandwidth of 0.28 kHz (280 Hz), meaning it is not suitable as a wiper-in-signal-path element for audio signals above this frequency. However, for volume control applications where the wiper taps a DC or slow-varying control voltage rather than passing the audio signal through the wiper contact, the 0.28 kHz bandwidth is not a constraint. Designers routing high-frequency audio signals through the resistive element should instead select a wideband digital potentiometer rated for 1 MHz or above.
Can the MCP41050-I/SN be cascaded with other devices on the same SPI bus in a multi-potentiometer design?
Yes, the MCP41050-I/SN supports SPI daisy-chaining through its SI/SO pins, allowing multiple devices to share a single chip-select line by passing 8-bit command words serially through a chain of units. For example, 4 MCP41050-I/SN devices can be cascaded with 1 CS pin and 1 shared SPI bus, reducing the GPIO count required to control 4 independent 50 kΩ potentiometers from 4 CS lines to 1. This simplifies firmware design in multi-channel programmable gain amplifier arrays.
How does the MCP41050-I/SN improve reliability versus a mechanical 50 kΩ potentiometer in an industrial panel?
A mechanical potentiometer is rated for approximately 50,000 to 100,000 shaft rotations before contact wear causes noise and resistance drift, whereas the MCP41050-I/SN has no moving parts and is rated for 10 million SPI write cycles with wiper position updated instantly without physical contact degradation. In vibration-exposed industrial panels operating at -40°C to +85°C, eliminating the mechanical wiper eliminates the most common failure mode while also enabling remote digital adjustment without opening the enclosure.
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