MCP42050-E/P Microchip Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP42050-E/P is a dual-channel 8-bit digital potentiometer with SPI interface providing 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance and 256 wiper positions per channel. Operating from 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply with 3-wire serial control in a 14-pin PDIP package. Available from stock with worldwide shipping for volume orders.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 14
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP42050-E/P Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $2.3900(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 MCP42050-E/P?
- Dual independent 8-bit digital potentiometers with 256 wiper positions each and 50 kΩ nominal end-to-end resistance for precision analog adjustment
- SPI-compatible 3-wire serial interface operates at up to 10 MHz clock for fast wiper position updates from any microcontroller
- Wide 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range with PDIP-14 through-hole package enabling easy prototyping and direct breadboard use
What is MCP42050-E/P used for?
The MCP42050-E/P is used to replace mechanical potentiometers in applications requiring software-controlled analog adjustment such as audio volume controls, LCD contrast adjustment, and programmable gain amplifier circuits. Its dual-channel design allows simultaneous control of two independent signal paths, making it suitable for stereo audio circuits or balanced differential amplifier offset trimming. The SPI interface enables direct control from a microcontroller or DSP in industrial calibration equipment and automated test systems.
What are the specifications of MCP42050-E/P?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | PDIP-14 |
| Factory Lead Time | 6Weeks |
| YTEOL | 10 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.28kHz |
| Control Interface | 3-WIRE SERIAL |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDIP-T14 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 2 |
| Number of Positions | 256 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | DIP14,.3 |
| Package Shape | RECTANGULAR |
| Package Style | IN-LINE |
| Qualification Status | Not Qualified |
| Resistance Law | LINEAR |
| Resistance Tolerance-Max | 20% |
| Resistor Terminal Voltage-Max | 5V |
| Screening Level | TS 16949 |
| Supply Current-Max | 0.6mA |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 5V |
| Surface Mount | NO |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Coefficient-Nom | 800ppm/°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 |
Where can I find the MCP42050-E/P datasheet?
MCP42050-E/P Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP42050-E/P?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wiper positions does each channel of the MCP42050-E/P provide, and what resistance resolution does this correspond to at 50 kΩ?
Each channel provides 256 discrete wiper positions across the 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a step resolution of approximately 196 Ω per LSB. This is sufficient for audio volume control and LCD bias adjustment applications where fine-grained analog trim is needed without the mechanical wear of a physical potentiometer.
What SPI clock speed does the MCP42050-E/P support, and is it compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers?
The MCP42050-E/P accepts SPI clock rates up to 10 MHz, well above the speed needed for typical wiper position updates. With a supply range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, it operates correctly from a 3.3 V microcontroller's SPI bus without level shifters, and the CS and SCK thresholds are compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic levels.
For a stereo audio volume control circuit, how does the MCP42050-E/P handle two independent channels with one SPI transaction?
The device contains 2 independent potentiometer channels addressable via an 8-bit command byte sent over SPI. Both channels can be updated in a single 16-bit SPI transfer by broadcasting to both simultaneously, or individually selected for independent level control. The 0.28 kHz bandwidth is adequate for audio control applications where the wiper position is adjusted slowly rather than used as a signal-path element.
When would MCP42050-E/P be preferred over its MCP41050 single-channel sibling for a PCB design?
When a design needs 2 separate adjustable resistances such as independent gain and offset trim for an instrumentation amplifier, the MCP42050-E/P eliminates the need for a second IC and additional SPI CS line. At a slightly higher cost per unit, the dual-channel device saves PCB area and reduces BOM line count compared to using two MCP41050 devices in a 14-pin PDIP-14 footprint.
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More from Microchip
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $3.2800 | $3.28 |
| 90+ | $2.8700 | $258.30 |
| 100+ | $2.5100 | $251.00 |
| 1000+ | $2.4100 | $2410.00 |
| 5000+ | $2.3900 | $11950.00 |
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