MCP42050-I/SL Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
The MCP42050-I/SL is a dual-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with 256 wiper positions and SPI interface from Microchip in a 14-pin SOIC package. It enables programmable resistance control for gain adjustment, offset trimming, and analog signal processing. Ideal for audio volume control, sensor calibration, and test equipment requiring software-controlled resistance.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 14
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP42050-I/SL Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $2.0800(MOQ 1)
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 85.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
What are the key features of MCP42050-I/SL?
- Dual independent 50 kΩ potentiometer channels with 256-step resolution
- SPI 3-wire serial interface for easy microcontroller integration
- 14-pin SOIC package for straightforward PCB assembly
- Non-volatile wiper position storage available in related family members
- Wide supply voltage compatibility with CMOS logic levels
What is MCP42050-I/SL used for?
The MCP42050-I/SL is used in applications requiring software-adjustable resistance such as automatic gain control in audio circuits, offset trimming in precision analog front-ends, and bias adjustment in sensor conditioning boards. Its dual-channel architecture allows simultaneous control of two independent resistance elements with a single SPI interface, simplifying microcontroller firmware. It is well-suited for test and measurement equipment, LCD contrast adjustment, and programmable filter cutoff frequency control.
What are the specifications of MCP42050-I/SL?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | SOIC-14 |
| Factory Lead Time | 7Weeks |
| YTEOL | 8 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.28kHz |
| Control Interface | 3-WIRE SERIAL |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDSO-G14 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 2 |
| Number of Positions | 256 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | SOP14,.24 |
| 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 |
| Screening Level | TS 16949 |
| Supply Current-Max | 0.6mA |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 5V |
| Surface Mount | YES |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Coefficient-Nom | 800ppm/°C |
| Temperature Grade | INDUSTRIAL |
| Terminal Finish | Matte Tin (Sn) |
| Terminal Form | GULL WING |
| Terminal Pitch | 1.27mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s) | 40 |
| 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 | Thailand |
Where can I find the MCP42050-I/SL datasheet?
MCP42050-I/SL Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP42050-I/SL?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many resistance steps does the MCP42050-I/SL provide, and how does this affect resolution in a voltage divider application?
The MCP42050-I/SL provides 256 wiper positions over a 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a step size of approximately 196 Ω per step. In a voltage divider application powered from a 3.3 V supply, this corresponds to a voltage resolution of about 12.9 mV per step. This resolution is sufficient for audio volume control, LCD contrast adjustment, and analog bias trimming in embedded systems where mechanical potentiometers are impractical.
What SPI clock speed does the MCP42050-I/SL support, and how does the 3-wire interface simplify microcontroller connections?
The MCP42050-I/SL uses a 3-wire SPI interface (SCK, SDI, CS) that is compatible with standard SPI peripherals in virtually all microcontrollers. This eliminates the need for dedicated DAC hardware or PWM-filter circuits to achieve analog resistance control. The SPI protocol allows the wiper position of both channels to be updated with a single 16-bit transfer, minimizing communication overhead in real-time control applications running at typical SPI speeds of 10 MHz.
Is MCP42050-I/SL suitable for replacing a mechanical trimmer potentiometer in a production calibration procedure?
Yes. The MCP42050-I/SL is a direct digital replacement for mechanical 50 kΩ trimmer potentiometers, offering 256 discrete positions controlled via SPI without any manual adjustment. In production calibration, a microcontroller can automatically sweep the wiper through all 256 positions and lock the optimal setting, eliminating human error and reducing calibration time. For permanent storage of the calibrated position, pair it with non-volatile memory since the MCP42050 does not retain wiper position after power-off.
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More from Microchip
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $2.8200 | $2.82 |
| 2+ | $2.8070 | $5.61 |
| 3+ | $2.7400 | $8.22 |
| 25+ | $2.3320 | $58.30 |
| 100+ | $2.1500 | $215.00 |
| 1000+ | $2.0800 | $2080.00 |
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