MCP4161-502E/P Microchip Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
MCP4161-502E/P is a single-channel 5 kΩ digital potentiometer from Microchip with 257-position linear taper and SPI increment/decrement interface, featuring 2 kHz nominal bandwidth in a through-hole PDIP-8 package with worldwide shipping.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4161-502E/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 MCP4161-502E/P?
- 257-position linear taper with 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance providing fine-grained digital resistance adjustment via SPI
- SPI increment/decrement control interface enabling easy integration with any microcontroller for software-controlled resistance tuning
- 2 kHz nominal bandwidth supporting audio frequency and signal conditioning applications requiring digitally adjustable impedance
- PDIP-8 through-hole package ideal for prototyping, development boards, and applications where socketed components are preferred
What is MCP4161-502E/P used for?
MCP4161-502E/P is used in digitally adjustable gain stages, offset correction circuits, and programmable filter networks where software control of resistance values is needed. Its SPI interface makes it compatible with PIC, AVR, and ARM microcontrollers for applications such as automatic volume control in audio equipment, sensor calibration systems, and LCD contrast adjustment circuits. The 5 kΩ resistance range and 257-step resolution suit it for precision trimming applications in test instruments and embedded control systems.
What are the specifications of MCP4161-502E/P?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | PDIP-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 2kHz |
| 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 | 5000Ω |
| 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 MCP4161-502E/P datasheet?
MCP4161-502E/P Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP4161-502E/P?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fine is the resistance step size for MCP4161-502E/P across its 257-position range?
With a 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance and 257 positions (256 steps), each step of MCP4161-502E/P changes resistance by approximately 5000 Ω ÷ 256 = 19.5 Ω per step. This fine resolution allows precise resistance tuning from approximately 75 Ω (wiper resistance at minimum) up to 5 kΩ, suitable for precision gain adjustment or trimming applications where sub-20 Ω step accuracy is needed.
What SPI clock speed does MCP4161-502E/P support and how does it affect real-time adjustment speed?
MCP4161-502E/P supports SPI clock speeds up to 10 MHz, enabling very fast resistance updates via the increment/decrement command interface. A single 8-bit SPI transaction takes less than 1 µs at 10 MHz, allowing the wiper position to be updated thousands of times per second. This fast update rate supports dynamic gain control in audio processing and real-time impedance tuning in closed-loop control systems.
How does the 2 kHz bandwidth of MCP4161-502E/P limit its use in audio circuit designs?
The 2 kHz nominal -3 dB bandwidth of MCP4161-502E/P means signals above 2 kHz experience significant attenuation when routed through the potentiometer's signal path. For full audio range applications requiring 20 Hz to 20 kHz response, MCP4161-502E/P is not suitable as a signal-path element. However, it remains appropriate for audio volume control at lower resistance settings, DC bias adjustment, and low-frequency applications where the 2 kHz limit is acceptable.
Is MCP4161-502E/P available in surface-mount form factors for production PCB designs?
MCP4161-502E/P specifically uses the PDIP-8 through-hole package, which is suited for prototyping and low-volume production. For surface-mount production designs, Microchip offers the MCP4161-502E/SN in SOIC-8 (3.9 mm body) and MCP4161-502E/MS in MSOP-8 packages. The SOIC-8 variant occupies approximately 5 mm × 4 mm of PCB area versus the PDIP-8's 10 mm × 6.5 mm footprint, enabling higher PCB density in production boards.
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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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