MCP4161-503E/SN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
MCP4161-503E/SN is a single-channel 50 kΩ SPI digital potentiometer from Microchip with 256-step resolution and non-volatile wiper position memory. It features an increment/decrement SPI interface operating up to 10 MHz on a 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply. Available in SOIC-8 package, from $0.80 in stock worldwide shipping.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 8
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4161-503E/SN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.9400(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
- 256-step resolution over 50 kΩ full-scale resistance for fine-grained analog adjustment via SPI
- Non-volatile wiper memory retains last set resistance value through power cycles without host re-initialization
- 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply range with 10 MHz SPI compatibility for easy integration with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers
Applications
MCP4161-503E/SN is used in audio equipment for digitally controlled volume and tone adjustment, and in analog signal processing circuits for programmable gain and filter cutoff tuning. Its non-volatile wiper memory makes it ideal for calibration DAC references, LCD contrast controls, and sensor offset trim in industrial instruments where settings must persist after power loss. It is also used in closed-loop feedback control systems to digitally set reference voltages or bias currents.
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 resistance steps does MCP4161-503E/SN provide and what is the resulting resolution over its 50 kΩ range?
MCP4161-503E/SN offers 256 wiper positions across a 50 kΩ full-scale end-to-end resistance, giving a step size of approximately 196 Ω per increment. This fine resolution allows precise analog adjustment in audio volume controls, programmable gain amplifiers, and calibration trim circuits where coarse mechanical potentiometers would be impractical.
Does MCP4161-503E/SN retain its wiper position when power is removed?
Yes, MCP4161-503E/SN stores the wiper position in non-volatile EEPROM memory, retaining the last set resistance across power cycles. This eliminates the need for a host microcontroller to re-initialize the resistance on every power-up, making it well-suited for factory calibration trim in instruments where the 256-step position must be preserved indefinitely.
Which SPI clock speeds and supply voltages are compatible with MCP4161-503E/SN in a 3.3 V microcontroller design?
MCP4161-503E/SN supports SPI clock rates up to 10 MHz and operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V, making it fully compatible with 3.3 V MCU systems such as ARM Cortex-M or PIC32 families. Standard SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1 are both supported, so no special clock polarity configuration is required when connecting to most microcontrollers.
When would MCP4161-503E/SN be preferred over a mechanical trimmer potentiometer in a production design?
MCP4161-503E/SN eliminates manual trimming by allowing software-controlled resistance adjustment in production test or field calibration, saving labor on 50 kΩ analog trim steps across 256 positions. The SOIC-8 surface-mount package also occupies less than 30 mm² of PCB area, replacing bulky through-hole trimmers while adding SPI remote-adjustability for voltage references, sensor offsets, and gain settings.
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| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.2700 | $1.27 |
| 25+ | $1.0100 | $25.25 |
| 50+ | $0.9800 | $49.00 |
| 100+ | $0.9600 | $96.00 |
| 1000+ | $0.9400 | $940.00 |
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