MCP4161-103E/P Microchip Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4161-103E/P is a single-channel 10 kΩ digital potentiometer with 257 positions and SPI increment/decrement control interface in an 8-pin PDIP package. It provides linear resistance adjustment with 1 kHz nominal bandwidth for audio and analog control circuits. Available RoHS-compliant with Pb-free construction for straightforward prototyping and breadboard use.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4161-103E/P Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $1.0000(MOQ 1)
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 125.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
What are the key features of MCP4161-103E/P?
- Single-channel 10 kΩ digital potentiometer with 257 linear wiper positions
- SPI-compatible increment/decrement interface for microcontroller-driven control
- 1 kHz nominal bandwidth for audio level and analog signal adjustment
- 8-pin PDIP package ideal for prototyping and through-hole PCB assembly
What is MCP4161-103E/P used for?
The MCP4161-103E/P replaces mechanical potentiometers in circuits where resistance must be adjusted digitally by a microcontroller, such as programmable gain amplifiers, volume controls, and calibration circuits. Its 257-step linear 10 kΩ range enables fine-grained adjustment of bias voltages, filter cutoff frequencies, or signal levels in audio processing and industrial control front-ends. The SPI increment/decrement interface integrates easily with any standard MCU SPI peripheral.
What are the specifications of MCP4161-103E/P?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | PDIP-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 1kHz |
| Control Interface | INCREMENT/DECREMENT |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDIP-T8 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Number of Positions | 129 |
| 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 |
| Supply Current-Max | 1mA |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 5V |
| Surface Mount | NO |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Coefficient-Nom | 150ppm/°C |
| Temperature Grade | AUTOMOTIVE |
| Terminal Finish | Matte Tin (Sn) |
| Terminal Form | THROUGH-HOLE |
| Terminal Pitch | 2.54mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Total Resistance-Nom | 10000Ω |
| 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 MCP4161-103E/P datasheet?
MCP4161-103E/P Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP4161-103E/P?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many resistance steps does the MCP4161-103E/P provide and what is the step size?
The MCP4161-103E/P offers 257 wiper positions across its 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a nominal step size of approximately 39 Ω per increment. This fine resolution allows precise control of gain, filter frequency, or bias level in circuits where a mechanical 10 kΩ potentiometer would otherwise be used. The linear taper ensures uniform resistance change per SPI command, simplifying firmware-based lookup tables.
Which SPI interface mode does the MCP4161-103E/P use and how is it controlled from a microcontroller?
The MCP4161-103E/P uses an SPI-compatible increment/decrement control interface operating with standard MOSI, CLK, and CS signals. A microcontroller sends increment or decrement commands over SPI to step the wiper up or down one position at a time across the 257-position range. Most 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs with hardware SPI peripherals at 1 MHz to 10 MHz clock rates can drive it directly without additional level shifters when sharing a common 5 V or 3.3 V supply.
What bandwidth limitation should designers consider when using MCP4161-103E/P in audio circuits?
The MCP4161-103E/P has a nominal bandwidth of 1 kHz, which means its AC impedance characteristics begin to deviate from the programmed DC resistance above this frequency. For audio volume control applications covering the 20 Hz to 20 kHz audio band, this bandwidth is insufficient for use directly in the signal path without distortion at higher frequencies. Designers should place it in the feedback or reference path of an op-amp stage rather than in the direct signal path to avoid frequency-dependent attenuation errors.
When is the PDIP-8 package of MCP4161-103E/P preferred over a surface-mount variant?
The 8-pin PDIP package is preferred during prototyping, lab evaluation, and breadboard-based design stages because it can be inserted directly into a standard 0.1 inch pitch socket or breadboard without soldering. For production boards targeting low-volume or through-hole assembly, PDIP also simplifies rework since individual ICs can be swapped without heat guns. Once the design is finalized, transitioning to an SOIC or TSSOP surface-mount variant reduces footprint by roughly 60% for production volume PCBs.
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More from Microchip
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.3800 | $1.38 |
| 25+ | $1.1500 | $28.75 |
| 100+ | $1.0400 | $104.00 |
| 1000+ | $1.0000 | $1000.00 |
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