MCP4131-503E/SN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4131-503E/SN is a single-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with 128-step SPI increment/decrement control and 0.2 kHz bandwidth. It replaces mechanical potentiometers in programmable gain, volume, and calibration circuits using an SOIC-8 package compatible with standard SMT assembly. Available from stock with worldwide shipping.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4131-503E/SN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 125.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- 128-step SPI-controlled resistance adjustment from 0 Ω to 50 kΩ, enabling precise digital tuning without mechanical components
- Increment/decrement SPI interface compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller logic for simple firmware-based resistance control
- Single-channel 8-pin SOIC package offering a compact drop-in replacement for mechanical potentiometers in production PCBs
Applications
The MCP4131-503E/SN is used in programmable gain amplifier circuits, audio volume controls, and LCD contrast or backlight adjustment systems where firmware-controlled resistance tuning replaces manual mechanical adjustment. Its 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance and 128-step resolution also serve sensor calibration offset circuits, programmable current limiters, and human-machine interface potentiometer emulation in industrial equipment where remote digital adjustment over SPI reduces field service requirements.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | SOIC-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.2kHz |
| 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 | 129 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | SOP8,.25 |
| 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 |
| Supply Current-Max | 1mA |
| 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 | 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 | Mainland China, Thailand |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many discrete resistance steps does the MCP4131-503E/SN provide, and what is the step size across its 50 kΩ range?
The MCP4131-503E/SN offers 128 steps across its 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a nominal step size of approximately 391 Ω per LSB. This resolution supports gain adjustments of around 0.3% per step in a voltage-divider configuration, which is sufficient for audio volume control, LCD bias trimming, and sensor calibration where coarse-to-medium precision tuning is required.
For a programmable gain amplifier using the MCP4131-503E/SN, what gain range can be achieved with a 50 kΩ feedback and fixed 1 kΩ input resistor?
With the wiper resistance used as the feedback element (0 to 50 kΩ) and a fixed 1 kΩ input resistor, the non-inverting gain ranges from 1 V/V (step 0, wiper at minimum) to approximately 51 V/V (step 127, wiper at maximum 50 kΩ). The 128-step adjustment enables 50 distinct gain settings across this 34 dB range, suitable for programmable sensor amplifiers in data-acquisition front ends.
What is the bandwidth of the MCP4131-503E/SN and how does it limit use in audio or RF signal-path applications?
The MCP4131-503E/SN specifies a nominal bandwidth of 0.2 kHz (200 Hz) in its resistor-divider configuration. This -3 dB frequency is below the 20 Hz to 20 kHz audio band, meaning the device introduces significant attenuation at audio frequencies above 200 Hz when used in the signal path. For audio volume control, the wiper should be used purely as a DC or low-frequency bias adjustment rather than an in-path signal attenuator to avoid bandwidth-related distortion.
How does the SPI increment/decrement control of the MCP4131-503E/SN differ from full SPI register write, and what does this mean for firmware design?
Rather than accepting an absolute 7-bit wiper position over SPI in a single write, the MCP4131-503E/SN uses increment and decrement commands that step the wiper by 1 LSB (approximately 391 Ω) per SPI transaction. Moving the wiper from position 0 to position 127 requires 127 SPI clock cycles. Firmware must track the current wiper position in a variable and issue the correct number of increment or decrement commands, adding 10 to 20 lines of state-management code compared to a register-write DAC interface.
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