MCP4251-502E/P Microchip Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4251-502E/P is a dual-channel 5 kΩ digital potentiometer with 257 linear wiper positions per channel, controlled via SPI increment/decrement interface in a 14-pin PDIP package. It provides non-volatile wiper memory, making it ideal for programmable gain, trim, and calibration circuits in industrial and consumer electronics.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 14
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4251-502E/P Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.8900(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 MCP4251-502E/P?
- Dual-channel 5 kΩ digital potentiometer with 257 wiper positions per channel
- SPI increment/decrement control interface for simple up/down wiper adjustment
- Non-volatile wiper position storage for power-on recall without re-initialization
- 14-pin PDIP-14 through-hole package for easy prototyping and socketing
- Low nominal bandwidth of 2 kHz suitable for audio and low-frequency signal control
- RoHS-compliant lead-free construction (JESD-609 e3)
What is MCP4251-502E/P used for?
The MCP4251-502E/P is used in programmable gain amplifiers, sensor offset trim circuits, and digitally adjustable power supply voltage-setting resistor networks in industrial measurement equipment. It is also deployed in audio volume and balance controls, automatic test equipment calibration loops, and adaptive filter tuning circuits where two independent SPI-controlled resistance channels are required in a single device.
What are the specifications of MCP4251-502E/P?
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | PDIP-14 |
| Factory Lead Time | 6Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 2kHz |
| Control Interface | INCREMENT/DECREMENT |
| Converter Type | DIGITAL POTENTIOMETER |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDIP-T14 |
| JESD-609 Code | e3 |
| Number of Functions | 1 |
| Number of Positions | 257 |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | DIP14,.3 |
| Package Shape | RECTANGULAR |
| Package Style | IN-LINE |
| 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 | NO |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Temperature Coefficient-Nom | 150ppm/°C |
| Temperature Grade | AUTOMOTIVE |
| Terminal Finish | Matte Tin (Sn) |
| Terminal Form | THROUGH-HOLE |
| Terminal Pitch | 2.54mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Total Resistance-Nom | 5000Ω |
| Package | Dual-In-Line Packages |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
| HTS Code | 8542.39.00.01 |
| Country of Origin | Thailand |
Where can I find the MCP4251-502E/P datasheet?
MCP4251-502E/P Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP4251-502E/P?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many resistance steps does the MCP4251-502E/P provide, and what is the step size over 5 kΩ?
The MCP4251-502E/P offers 257 wiper positions over a 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a resolution of approximately 19.5 ohm per step. This fine granularity is suitable for precision gain trimming in 12-bit measurement chains where resistance accuracy directly affects system calibration error.
Does the MCP4251-502E/P retain its wiper settings after a power cycle, and how is it programmed?
Yes, the MCP4251-502E/P stores wiper positions in non-volatile EEPROM memory so both channels retain their resistance values through power cycling. The SPI interface uses simple increment and decrement commands to step the wiper up or down one position at a time, requiring no direct address register writes for basic adjustment.
When would a designer choose the 5 kΩ MCP4251-502E/P over the 10 kΩ or 50 kΩ variants?
The 5 kΩ variant is preferred when the application requires lower impedance paths, such as in op-amp feedback networks where high resistance can degrade noise performance or bandwidth. For a gain-setting resistor in a circuit with a 1 kΩ source impedance, a 5 kΩ potentiometer provides a useful 1:1 to 1:11 gain range with a single device.
Is the PDIP-14 package of the MCP4251-502E/P suitable for field-replaceable industrial control boards?
Yes. The PDIP-14 package has 14 pins on a 2.54 mm pitch with a 0.300-inch row spacing, which is compatible with standard 14-pin DIP sockets. This allows in-field replacement without soldering in industrial control panels, making the MCP4251-502E/P a practical choice for serviceable equipment where component swap-out during maintenance is required.
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More from Microchip
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.3200 | $1.32 |
| 100+ | $1.0100 | $101.00 |
| 1000+ | $0.9700 | $970.00 |
| 2520+ | $0.9010 | $2270.52 |
| 5010+ | $0.8990 | $4503.99 |
| 7500+ | $0.8900 | $6675.00 |
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