MCP4231-503E/SL Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock

Microchip MCP4231-503E/SL is a dual-channel 7-bit digital potentiometer with 128 steps and 50 kOhm end-to-end resistance, controlled via SPI increment/decrement interface. It stores wiper position in non-volatile memory and operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V in a SOIC-14 package. Available in stock worldwide with fast shipping.

ACTIVEIntegrated CircuitVerified Jun 2026
Package / Visual Reference
MCP4231-503E/SLSmall Outline Packages
Quick Facts
Manufacturer
Microchip
Package
Small Outline Packages
Pin Count
14
Lifecycle
ACTIVE
Category
Integrated Circuit
Price
From $0.7980(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

  • Dual independent 50 kOhm channels with 128-step 7-bit resolution controlled via SPI, enabling independent gain, offset, or volume adjustment from a host microcontroller without mechanical potentiometers
  • Non-volatile wiper position memory retains last programmed resistance setting across power cycles, eliminating initialization code and ensuring repeatable calibration in production-trimmed designs
  • 1.8 V to 5.5 V wide supply range with low wiper resistance supports integration into 3.3 V and 5 V analog signal chains without adding significant series resistance error

Applications

The MCP4231-503E/SL dual digital potentiometer is used for digitally adjustable gain stages, active filter tuning, and programmable bias current setting in industrial calibration equipment and automated test systems. Its non-volatile wiper memory makes it suitable for audio volume controls, LCD brightness adjustment, and sensor offset trimming that must retain settings after power-off without a host microcontroller reinitializing the device. The SPI increment/decrement interface enables integration with any microcontroller in 3.3 V or 5 V designs, including motor driver bias adjustment and DAC reference voltage scaling.

Specifications

Pbfree CodeYes
Manufacturer Package CodeSOIC-14
Factory Lead Time8Weeks
YTEOL9
Bandwidth-Nom0.2kHz
Control InterfaceINCREMENT/DECREMENT
Converter TypeDIGITAL POTENTIOMETER
JESD-30 CodeR-PDSO-G14
JESD-609 Codee3
Number of Functions1
Number of Positions257
Package Body MaterialPLASTIC/EPOXY
Package Equivalence CodeSOP14,.25
Package ShapeRECTANGULAR
Package StyleSMALL OUTLINE
Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel)260
Qualification StatusNot Qualified
Resistance LawLINEAR
Resistance Tolerance-Max20%
Resistor Terminal Voltage-Max5V
Supply Current-Max1mA
Supply Voltage-Nom5V
Surface MountYES
TechnologyCMOS
Temperature Coefficient-Nom150ppm/°C
Temperature GradeAUTOMOTIVE
Terminal FinishMatte Tin (Sn)
Terminal FormGULL WING
Terminal Pitch1.27mm
Terminal PositionDUAL
Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s)40
Total Resistance-Nom50000Ω
PackageSmall Outline Packages

Compliance & Regulatory

RoHS StatusCompliant
Lead-FreeYes (Pb-Free)
Moisture Sensitivity LevelMSL 1
ECCNEAR99
HTS Code8542.39.00.01
Country of OriginThailand

Datasheet

MCP4231-503E/SL Datasheet Download

Official datasheet from Microchip

Alternate & Equivalent Parts

No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many resistance steps does MCP4231-503E/SL provide and what is the step size for a 50 kOhm end-to-end resistance?

The MCP4231-503E/SL provides 128 steps with a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kOhm. Each step therefore represents approximately 390 Ohm of resistance change. In a voltage divider configuration with a 3.3 V reference, each step shifts the wiper output by roughly 25.8 mV, allowing fine-grained voltage programming across 128 discrete levels.

Does MCP4231-503E/SL retain its wiper position after power-off, and how does this benefit factory-calibrated products?

Yes, the device includes non-volatile memory that stores the wiper position across power cycles. In factory-calibrated sensor nodes or signal conditioning boards, this means the trimmed offset or gain setting is automatically restored at power-up without any microcontroller initialization sequence, reducing firmware complexity and eliminating the risk of shipping products with default (uncalibrated) resistance values.

What SPI interface does MCP4231-503E/SL use and how does it differ from SPI-addressable absolute-position digital pots?

The MCP4231-503E/SL uses an increment/decrement SPI control interface rather than an absolute-position write command. To set a specific wiper position, the host must either count steps from the known current position or reset to one end and increment to the target. This differs from absolute-register devices that accept a 7-bit target code in a single SPI transaction, adding a few microseconds of setup time per adjustment in dynamic systems.

What supply voltage does MCP4231-503E/SL support and what package does it come in for through-hole or SMD assembly?

The device operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V, covering 3.3 V and 5 V system power rails. It is housed in a SOIC-14 package (JESD-30 code R-PDSO-G14) measuring 8.65 mm x 3.9 mm with 1.27 mm pitch, which is an SMD footprint suitable for reflow soldering and compatible with standard pick-and-place assembly in production volumes.

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About Microchip

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AvailabilityIn Stock
Reference Price (USD)
From $0.7980
Buy from 1pc · Factory-direct pricing
Qty.Unit PriceExt. Price
1+$1.2000$1.20
100+$0.8900$89.00
1000+$0.8700$870.00
5000+$0.8500$4250.00
5016+$0.8000$4012.80
7524+$0.7980$6004.15
pcs
Unit price: $1.2000 · Total: $1.20

In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping

Lead Time3-7 business days
MOQFrom 1 piece
ShippingDHL / FedEx / UPS
OriginChina (Authorized)

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