MCP4251-502E/SL Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
MCP4251-502E/SL is a dual-channel 256-step 5 kΩ SPI digital potentiometer from Microchip, housed in a 14-pin SOIC package. It features non-volatile memory to retain wiper position through power cycles, SPI interface with increment/decrement control, and 2 kHz bandwidth. Perfect for gain control, offset calibration, and voltage divider applications in consumer and industrial electronics.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 14
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4251-502E/SL Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.8800(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/SL?
- Dual-channel 256-step digital potentiometer with 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance
- Non-volatile memory retains wiper position after power-down without external EEPROM
- SPI interface with increment/decrement commands for precise digital resistance control
- 2 kHz bandwidth suitable for audio and low-frequency signal conditioning
- 14-pin SOIC-14 package compatible with standard PCB assembly and hand soldering
What is MCP4251-502E/SL used for?
The MCP4251-502E/SL is used in analog signal conditioning circuits for programmable gain amplifiers, where the dual 256-step wiper allows independent control of two gain stages via SPI from a microcontroller. It is also well suited for factory calibration of sensor offsets and bias voltages in industrial measurement systems, where the non-volatile wiper storage eliminates the need for periodic re-calibration at power-on. Audio equipment designers use it for digitally controlled volume and tone adjustment across 256 discrete 5 kΩ steps.
What are the specifications of MCP4251-502E/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 MCP4251-502E/SL datasheet?
MCP4251-502E/SL Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Microchip
What are equivalent replacements for MCP4251-502E/SL?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many resistance steps does the MCP4251-502E/SL offer, and what is its end-to-end resistance value?
The MCP4251-502E/SL provides 256 discrete wiper positions across a 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a nominal step size of approximately 19.6 Ω per increment. Both channels share the same 5 kΩ total resistance. This resolution is sufficient for precise analog tuning in gain-control circuits, voltage dividers, and calibration DAC replacements operating at supply voltages from 1.8 V to 5.5 V.
How does the non-volatile memory feature benefit industrial sensor calibration designs that power-cycle frequently?
The MCP4251-502E/SL stores its wiper position in non-volatile memory, so the last programmed resistance value is automatically restored on power-up without any SPI command from the host microcontroller. This saves calibration time in factory-programmed industrial sensors and eliminates the risk of the device reverting to mid-scale on unexpected power interruptions. The non-volatile write endurance is rated at up to 100,000 cycles, providing long-term reliability for designs requiring infrequent but persistent calibration adjustments.
For a compact audio volume control design, how does the SOIC-14 package of this dual potentiometer compare to alternatives?
The MCP4251-502E/SL uses a 14-pin SOIC package with a 1.27 mm pin pitch and approximately 8.65 mm body length, which is larger than a TSSOP-14 alternative but easier to hand-solder and inspect visually during prototyping. For volume control circuits with 2 kHz signal bandwidth, SOIC-14 provides better thermal handling and reduced susceptibility to solder bridging than fine-pitch TSSOP packages. Each channel handles up to 2 kHz bandwidth, sufficient for most audio frequency ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
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More from Microchip
| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.2400 | $1.24 |
| 25+ | $1.1300 | $28.25 |
| 50+ | $1.0900 | $54.50 |
| 100+ | $0.9500 | $95.00 |
| 1000+ | $0.8900 | $890.00 |
| 5000+ | $0.8800 | $4400.00 |
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