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
Key Features
- 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)
Applications
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.
Specifications
| 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 |
Alternate & Equivalent Parts
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.
Related Guides
How to Choose a BAS70 Schottky Diode for Signal Clamping: Selection Guide
A practical BAS70KFILM and BAS70-family Schottky diode selection guide for signal clamping, RF detection, leakage, and topology choices.
Jul 4, 2026
AMC1202DWVR Design Guide for Isolated Current Sensing
Practical AMC1202DWVR design guide covering shunt sizing, isolation layout, input filtering, ADC scaling, and sourcing choices.
Jul 4, 2026
1206 100 uF MLCC Design Guide for Compact Bulk Decoupling
Design guidance for applying CL31A107MQHNNNE and related 1206 MLCCs in compact bulk decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 2026
0402 10 nF MLCC Design Guide for High-Speed Decoupling
Practical design guidance for using CL05B103KB5NNNC and related 0402 MLCCs in high-speed decoupling networks.
Jul 3, 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.
| 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 |
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.”