MCP4241-502E/SL Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4241-502E/SL is a dual-channel 5 kΩ digital potentiometer with 128 wiper positions controlled via an increment/decrement interface, housed in a 14-pin SOIC package. It provides non-volatile wiper position storage and a 2 kHz bandwidth for audio and signal conditioning applications. Available from stock worldwide with fast shipping.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 14
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4241-502E/SL Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.9390(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 MCP4241-502E/SL?
- Dual-channel 5 kΩ digital potentiometer with 128 steps (approximately 39 Ω per step), enabling fine-grained analog control from a digital interface in a single IC
- Non-volatile wiper position memory retaining the last programmed resistance setting across power cycles, eliminating initialization routines in end products
- Increment/decrement control interface requiring only 2 signal lines for wiper adjustment, simplifying firmware and PCB routing in space-constrained designs
What is MCP4241-502E/SL used for?
The MCP4241-502E/SL is used in programmable gain amplifier circuits, audio volume and balance controls, and calibration trimmers for sensor signal conditioning where a mechanically adjustable potentiometer must be replaced with a digitally controlled equivalent. Its dual-channel architecture and non-volatile storage make it well-suited for stereo audio equipment, LCD contrast and backlight control, and precision voltage divider applications that must retain calibration values after power-down. Industrial calibration fixtures, medical device parameter adjustment, and automated test equipment also rely on this device for repeatable, software-driven resistance settings.
What are the specifications of MCP4241-502E/SL?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | SOIC-14 |
| Factory Lead Time | 7Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 2kHz |
| Control Interface | INCREMENT/DECREMENT |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDSO-G14 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Number of Positions | 257 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | SOP14,.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 |
| Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s) | 40 |
| 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 |
Where can I find the MCP4241-502E/SL datasheet?
MCP4241-502E/SL Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP4241-502E/SL?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many resistance steps does MCP4241-502E/SL provide, and what is the effective resolution per step at the 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance?
The MCP4241-502E/SL provides 128 wiper positions across a 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance, resulting in a step size of approximately 39 Ω per increment. This resolution supports fine-grained analog adjustments suitable for audio volume controls, programmable gain stages, and precision voltage dividers where smooth, repeatable resistance changes are required without mechanical wear.
Does MCP4241-502E/SL retain its wiper position after power is removed, and how does this benefit production calibration workflows?
Yes, the MCP4241-502E/SL includes non-volatile memory that stores the wiper position when explicitly commanded, retaining the last saved resistance setting across power cycles indefinitely. In production calibration workflows, this eliminates the need for external EEPROM to save calibration trims and removes microcontroller initialization code that would otherwise restore potentiometer settings on every power-up, reducing firmware complexity and startup latency.
What control interface does MCP4241-502E/SL use, and how does increment/decrement compare to SPI-based digital potentiometers for MCU integration?
The MCP4241-502E/SL uses a 2-wire increment/decrement interface (U/D pin and CS pin) rather than a full SPI bus. This simplifies firmware to simple GPIO toggling instead of SPI frame management, and reduces the pin count on the host microcontroller by 1 to 2 pins compared to SPI alternatives. The trade-off is slower position changes (one step per CS pulse) versus direct register writes available on SPI models.
For a stereo audio design, how does the dual-channel architecture of MCP4241-502E/SL save board space compared to two single-channel potentiometer ICs?
The MCP4241-502E/SL integrates 2 independent potentiometer channels in a single 14-pin SOIC package measuring approximately 9 mm x 4 mm. Replacing two single-channel MCP4141 devices in SOIC-8 packages would require roughly twice the board area plus an additional VDD decoupling capacitor per device. The dual-channel integration directly cuts BOM cost and PCB footprint in stereo volume, balance, and equalizer circuits where matched channel behavior is also easier to achieve within one device.
Related Guides
LM34966QPWPRQ1 Converter Selection and Procurement Guide
Select LM34966QPWPRQ1 and compare four power-management paths using topology, compatibility, qualification, and procurement checks.
Oct 27, 2026
ERJ-2RKF49R9X Design Guide for PCB Validation
Validate a 49.9 ohm resistor position with power calculations, termination topology, thermal checks, and controlled PCB measurements.
Oct 27, 2026
LM34966QPWPRQ1 Design Guide for SEPIC Power Supplies
Design an LM34966QPWPRQ1 SEPIC supply with practical current, voltage, magnetic, thermal, and validation checks.
Oct 26, 2026
NSI50350AST3G Selection Guide: Package, Current and Procurement Fit
Select NSI50350AST3G and screen four NSI alternatives by current, package, thermal limits, compliance evidence, and traceable supply.
Oct 26, 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
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.3100 | $1.31 |
| 100+ | $1.0600 | $106.00 |
| 1000+ | $1.0200 | $1020.00 |
| 5000+ | $1.0100 | $5050.00 |
| 5016+ | $0.9480 | $4755.17 |
| 7524+ | $0.9390 | $7065.04 |
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.”
You May Also Like
ACS770ECB-200U-PFF-T
Allegro Microsystems
Integrated Circuit
ACS770KCB-150U-PFF-T
Allegro Microsystems
Integrated Circuit
MC33901WEF
NXP
Integrated Circuit
MC7808BDTRKG
ON Semiconductor
Integrated Circuit
PA94EC
Apex Microtechnology
Integrated Circuit
AP7315-28SR-7
Diodes Inc.
Integrated Circuit
74HCT245D
Nexperia
Integrated Circuit
CY62256VNLL-70ZXCT
Cypress Semiconductor
Integrated Circuit
EPM7032AETC44-4N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPM3512AQC208-10N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPM3256ATC144-7N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPM3256AQC208-7N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPM3256AQC208-10N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPM3128ATC100-7N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPM1270F256C4N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPF8282ATC100-4N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPF6016QC208-2N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPF6016ATC144-3N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPF10K30ATC144-3N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPC2TI32N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EPC2LC20
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EP3SL150F1152C4N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EP2SGX60DF780C5N
Intel
Integrated Circuit
EP2SGX60CF780C5N
Intel
Integrated Circuit