MCP4161-502E/SN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4161-502E/SN is a single-channel SPI non-volatile digital potentiometer with 5 kOhm end-to-end resistance, 256 wiper steps, and SOIC-8 package. Features 2 kHz bandwidth and increment/decrement control with memory retention on power-off. Available from stock with worldwide shipping.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4161-502E/SN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.8380(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/SN?
- 256-step resolution over 5 kOhm end-to-end resistance enables fine analog adjustment with approximately 20 ohm per step for precise trimming
- Non-volatile wiper position storage retains last setting through power cycles without requiring external EEPROM or host re-initialization
- SPI-compatible interface with increment/decrement commands in compact SOIC-8 package supports direct MCU control in space-constrained designs
What is MCP4161-502E/SN used for?
The MCP4161-502E/SN is used in audio volume controls, LCD display contrast adjustment circuits, and programmable gain amplifier stages where a digitally controlled resistance eliminates manual trimmer potentiometers. Its non-volatile memory is particularly valuable in calibration circuits for sensors and signal conditioners that must retain offset corrections through power loss. The SOIC-8 footprint and single-supply SPI interface allow straightforward integration into any microcontroller-based design.
What are the specifications of MCP4161-502E/SN?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | SOIC-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 6Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 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 | 5000Ω |
| Package | Small Outline Packages |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | MSL 1 |
| HTS Code | 8542.39.00.60 |
| Country of Origin | Mainland China, Thailand |
Where can I find the MCP4161-502E/SN datasheet?
MCP4161-502E/SN Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP4161-502E/SN?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many resistance steps does the MCP4161-502E/SN provide and what is the per-step resolution?
The MCP4161-502E/SN offers 256 wiper positions over a 5 kOhm end-to-end resistance, yielding approximately 19.6 ohms per step. This resolution is sufficient for audio volume trimming and analog gain adjustments where fine-grained control in steps smaller than 20 ohms is needed.
Does the MCP4161-502E/SN retain its wiper position after power is removed?
Yes, the MCP4161-502E/SN stores the wiper position in on-chip non-volatile memory, retaining the setting through at least 100,000 write cycles and a data retention period of more than 40 years. This eliminates the need for host MCU initialization code to restore calibration values on every power-up.
What bandwidth specification governs the AC signal performance of the MCP4161-502E/SN?
The device is rated for a nominal 2 kHz bandwidth, making it suitable for audio frequency applications such as bass or treble tone controls and low-frequency gain adjustment. For signal paths above 2 kHz, the wiper resistance and parasitic capacitance introduce significant attenuation that must be accounted for in circuit simulation.
When should a designer choose MCP4161 over MCP4141 for a calibration circuit application?
MCP4161 includes non-volatile memory so the wiper position persists through power loss, while MCP4141 is volatile and resets to mid-scale at startup. A calibration circuit that must hold factory trim values without host software intervention should use MCP4161, saving both firmware complexity and re-calibration time in production.
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More from Microchip
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.1800 | $1.18 |
| 25+ | $1.0400 | $26.00 |
| 100+ | $0.9700 | $97.00 |
| 1000+ | $0.9400 | $940.00 |
| 5000+ | $0.8460 | $4230.00 |
| 7500+ | $0.8380 | $6285.00 |
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