MCP4232-502E/UN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4232-502E/UN is a dual-channel SPI digital potentiometer with 128 steps and 5 kOhm end-to-end resistance in a compact MSOP-10 package. Features volatile wiper storage and 2 kHz bandwidth. Available from stock with worldwide shipping.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 10
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4232-502E/UN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- 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 5 kOhm, 128-step digital potentiometer channels in a single MSOP-10 package, replacing two discrete trimmers and saving PCB area
- SPI-compatible 3-wire interface with increment/decrement and direct-write commands supports daisy-chaining multiple devices on one bus at up to 10 MHz
- 2 kHz small-signal bandwidth suitable for audio signal conditioning, low-frequency active filter tuning, and bass-range volume control applications
- Wide 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply voltage range with less than 1 µA standby current for battery-powered calibration and gain-setting designs
- MSOP-10 compact footprint with RoHS-compliant, Pb-free construction for automated SMT assembly in space-constrained PCB layouts
Applications
The MCP4232-502E/UN is suited for dual-channel gain adjustment in stereo audio amplifiers, differential sensor bridge trimming, and programmable filter networks where two independent 5 kOhm, 128-step wiper settings must be updated via SPI from a host microcontroller. Its 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply range and sub-1 µA standby current make it practical for portable instrumentation and IoT sensor hubs requiring digitally adjustable biasing or reference voltages across multiple signal channels. The MSOP-10 package integrates both potentiometer channels in a footprint smaller than two SOIC-8 single-channel devices, simplifying board layout in compact designs.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | MSOP-10 |
| Factory Lead Time | 7Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 2kHz |
| Control Interface | INCREMENT/DECREMENT |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | S-PDSO-G10 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Number of Positions | 257 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | TSSOP10,.19,20 |
| Package Shape | SQUARE |
| Package Style | SMALL OUTLINE, THIN PROFILE, SHRINK PITCH |
| 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 | 0.5mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Total Resistance-Nom | 5000Ω |
| 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 |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many independent resistance channels does the MCP4232-502E/UN provide and what is each channel's step resolution?
The MCP4232-502E/UN integrates 2 independent potentiometer channels, each with 128 steps across a 5 kOhm end-to-end resistance, giving approximately 39 Ohm per step. Each channel has a wiper contact resistance of typically 75 Ohm, so the minimum resistance between wiper and terminal is about 75 Ohm at step position 0. This dual-channel integration in one MSOP-10 package replaces two separate single-channel SPI potentiometers, reducing chip count and SPI bus loading.
What SPI clock speeds does the MCP4232-502E/UN support and can multiple devices share one SPI bus?
The device supports SPI clock frequencies up to 10 MHz in modes 0,0 and 1,1, and accepts increment, decrement, and direct 8-bit write commands. Multiple MCP4232 devices can be daisy-chained by connecting the SDO pin of one device to the SDI pin of the next, enabling a single chip-select line to address a chain of dual-channel potentiometers. A host MCU can update all channels in a 4-device chain with a single CS assertion and four 16-bit SPI transfers taking approximately 1.6 µs at 10 MHz.
Does the MCP4232-502E/UN retain wiper positions after power is removed?
No. The MCP4232-502E/UN uses volatile (RAM) wiper storage, meaning the wiper positions reset to the mid-scale default (code 64 of 128 steps, approximately 2.5 kOhm) on power-up. If persistent wiper positions are required across power cycles, the MCP4262 or MCP4532 variants with non-volatile EEPROM wiper memory should be selected instead. For applications that always re-initialize wiper settings from MCU firmware at startup, the volatile version is acceptable and typically less expensive.
What supply voltage range does the MCP4232-502E/UN require and is it compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers?
The device operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply voltage, making it directly compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller platforms without level-shifting circuitry. SPI logic thresholds scale with the VDD supply, so at 3.3 V the input high threshold is approximately 0.7 × VDD = 2.31 V, well within standard 3.3 V GPIO drive capability. Typical standby current is below 1 µA, contributing negligible battery drain in always-on sensor nodes.
When is the MCP4232-502E/UN a better fit for a stereo volume control design than two single-channel potentiometers?
For a stereo audio volume control requiring simultaneous left and right channel adjustment, the MCP4232's 2 internal 5 kOhm, 128-step channels can be updated together in a single SPI transaction by writing both channel registers back-to-back within one CS frame, ensuring matched glitch-free level changes. Using two separate single-channel devices would require 2 CS lines and 2 sequential SPI transfers, introducing a timing skew of several microseconds between channels that can cause audible channel imbalance during fast volume sweeps. The shared MSOP-10 package also cuts BOM cost and PCB area compared to two individual SOIC-8 packages.
Related Guides
How to Choose a USB Controller: Certification, Integration, and SDK Quality Compared Across Microchip, STMicroelectronics, NXP, TI, and Renesas
Compare USB controllers from Microchip, STM, NXP, TI, and Renesas across certification difficulty, integration ease, and documentation/SDK quality to choose the right IC for your design.
May 28, 2026
ADAU1361BCPZ Application Note: Audio Codec Design Guide for Embedded Systems
Complete design guide for the ADAU1361BCPZ stereo 96kHz/24-bit audio codec: power supply filtering, PLL startup sequence, PCB layout, SigmaDSP integration, and troubleshooting.
May 28, 2026
LM66100QDCKRQ1 Design Guide: Ideal Diode and Reverse Polarity Protection for Automotive Power Rails
Complete application note for the LM66100QDCKRQ1 AEC-Q100 ideal diode controller: PMOS selection, threshold tuning, RPP integration, layout, and automotive design pitfalls.
May 28, 2026
LM2904BQDGKRQ1 Selection Guide: Automotive Dual Op-Amp Variants, Packages, and Alternatives
How to choose the right LM2904BQ automotive dual op-amp variant: AEC-Q100 grade, offset voltage, package, and non-automotive alternatives explained.
May 27, 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.
More from Microchip
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.”