MCP4161-503E/P Microchip Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4161-503E/P is a single-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with 257-position linear taper and SPI interface in an 8-pin PDIP package. It supports non-volatile wiper position storage, increment/decrement control interface, and operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply rails.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4161-503E/P Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.8872(MOQ 1)
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 125.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
Key Features
- Single-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with 257 linear resistance steps
- SPI interface with increment/decrement control for precise wiper position adjustment
- Non-volatile memory retains wiper position across power cycles
- Wide supply voltage range from 1.8 V to 5.5 V for 3.3 V and 5 V system compatibility
- 8-pin PDIP package with 0.2 kHz bandwidth suitable for audio and DC control applications
Applications
The MCP4161-503E/P is used in programmable gain amplifier circuits, LCD contrast adjustment, and audio volume control systems requiring precise digitally controlled resistance. It is also common in sensor calibration, offset trim, and DC bias control circuits where mechanical potentiometers need to be replaced by software-controlled equivalents. Industrial equipment and consumer electronics benefit from its non-volatile wiper position memory, which preserves settings after power loss.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | PDIP-8 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.2kHz |
| 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 | 50000Ω |
| 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 |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many discrete resistance steps does MCP4161-503E/P provide for precise gain and bias control?
The MCP4161-503E/P offers 257 wiper positions across a 50 kΩ linear resistance range, giving approximately 195 Ω per step resolution. This level of granularity suits programmable gain stages, DC offset trim, and sensor calibration circuits where fine resistance tuning is needed.
Does the MCP4161-503E/P retain its wiper position setting when power is removed from the circuit?
Yes. The MCP4161 stores the wiper position in non-volatile memory, so the 50 kΩ resistance setting is preserved across power cycles without requiring a host microcontroller to reinitialize the device on startup, reducing firmware complexity in battery-powered and industrial systems.
For prototyping on breadboards, what are the advantages of the 8-pin PDIP package of MCP4161-503E/P?
The 8-pin PDIP package has 2.54 mm (100 mil) through-hole pin pitch, directly compatible with standard breadboards and DIP sockets. This allows engineers to prototype and evaluate the 50 kΩ digital potentiometer circuit before committing to an SMT package variant in the final PCB design.
Related Guides
How to Choose a BAS70 Schottky Diode for Signal Clamping: Selection Guide
A practical BAS70KFILM and BAS70-family Schottky diode selection guide for signal clamping, RF detection, leakage, and topology choices.
Jul 4, 2026
AMC1202DWVR Design Guide for Isolated Current Sensing
Practical AMC1202DWVR design guide covering shunt sizing, isolation layout, input filtering, ADC scaling, and sourcing choices.
Jul 4, 2026
1206 100 uF MLCC Design Guide for Compact Bulk Decoupling
Design guidance for applying CL31A107MQHNNNE and related 1206 MLCCs in compact bulk decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 2026
0402 10 nF MLCC Design Guide for High-Speed Decoupling
Practical design guidance for using CL05B103KB5NNNC and related 0402 MLCCs in high-speed decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 2026
Why Buy from FindMyChip
About Microchip
Microchip is a leading electronic component manufacturer. FindMyChip sources Microchip ICs directly from authorized China distributors, offering competitive pricing and reliable stock.
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $0.8872 | $0.89 |
In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping
Response within 24 hours · Worldwide shipping
“We've been using FindMyChip for 2 years. Pricing is consistently 20-30% below Mouser/DigiKey for volume orders.”