MCP4242-503E/UN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
MCP4242-503E/UN is a dual-channel digital potentiometer from Microchip with 128 steps and 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, controlled via an increment/decrement interface in a 10-pin MSOP package. It supports non-volatile wiper position storage and operates across the standard industrial temperature range. RoHS-compliant and in stock with worldwide shipping.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 10
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4242-503E/UN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.9370(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 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with 128-step resolution for fine-grained analogue adjustment in calibration and gain-control circuits
- Increment/decrement control interface allows simple microcontroller adjustment using only 2 wires without a full SPI bus
- Non-volatile wiper memory retains the last programmed resistance setting through power cycles, eliminating re-calibration on startup
Applications
MCP4242-503E/UN is used in analogue signal conditioning circuits where software-adjustable resistance is needed for gain trimming, offset correction, or LCD contrast control. Its dual-channel design lets a single IC replace two mechanical trimmers in audio equalizers or sensor bridge calibration boards. The compact 10-pin MSOP package and increment/decrement interface make it straightforward to integrate into microcontroller-based industrial instruments requiring periodic recalibration over the product lifetime.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | MSOP-10 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.2kHz |
| 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 | 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 |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps does MCP4242-503E/UN provide, and what resistance change does each step represent?
MCP4242-503E/UN offers 128 steps across a 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a step resolution of approximately 390 Ω per increment. This allows fine-grained analogue tuning in gain-control or offset-trimming circuits, achieving less than 0.8% full-scale resolution, which is sufficient for most calibration tasks where a mechanical trimmer was previously used.
What control interface does MCP4242-503E/UN use, and how does that compare to SPI-based digital potentiometers?
MCP4242-503E/UN uses an increment/decrement interface requiring only 2 control lines from the host microcontroller, making firmware integration simpler than a full 4-wire SPI device. This is advantageous in I/O-constrained MCUs or designs where the potentiometer only needs occasional trim adjustments rather than arbitrary wiper positioning. For applications needing direct position writes, an SPI-based variant such as MCP4131 would be more appropriate.
Does MCP4242-503E/UN retain its wiper setting after power is removed, and what does that mean for system startup?
Yes, MCP4242-503E/UN stores the wiper position in non-volatile memory, meaning the last programmed 50 kΩ wiper setting persists through power cycles. This eliminates the need for the host MCU to reprogram the potentiometer on every power-up, reducing startup latency and simplifying firmware. It is particularly valuable in field-calibrated instruments where the calibration trim must survive battery replacement.
How many channels does MCP4242-503E/UN provide, and how can both channels be used simultaneously in an audio application?
The device provides 2 independent potentiometer channels within the same 10-pin MSOP package. In a stereo audio application, both channels can independently control left and right volume with 128-step precision, replacing 2 mechanical pots. Each channel covers the full 50 kΩ range, allowing balance adjustment within ±195 Ω per step between left and right outputs.
What bandwidth does MCP4242-503E/UN support, and in which signal-path roles is that limitation relevant?
MCP4242-503E/UN has a nominal bandwidth of 0.2 kHz (200 Hz), which limits its use to DC or very-low-frequency signal paths such as bias trimming, slow gain adjustment, and sensor offset correction. It is not suitable for audio-frequency signal routing above 200 Hz or RF attenuation. For higher-bandwidth applications requiring AC signal paths up to audio frequencies, a potentiometer with a bandwidth above 1 MHz would be required.
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| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.4000 | $1.40 |
| 100+ | $1.0600 | $106.00 |
| 1000+ | $1.0200 | $1020.00 |
| 5000+ | $0.9480 | $4740.00 |
| 7500+ | $0.9390 | $7042.50 |
| 10000+ | $0.9370 | $9370.00 |
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