MCP4251-503E/P Microchip Integrated Circuit (Dual-In-Line Packages) In Stock
Microchip MCP4251-503E/P is a dual-channel 50 kΩ SPI digital potentiometer with 257 wiper positions per channel, providing fine-resolution resistance adjustment under software control. Both channels operate independently with volatile and non-volatile memory options for wiper position storage. Housed in a 14-pin PDIP package for through-hole prototyping and embedded analog trimming applications.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Dual-In-Line Packages
- Pin Count
- 14
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4251-503E/P Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.9600(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 independent channels, each with 257 wiper positions (8-bit + mid-step)
- 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance with SPI control interface up to 10 MHz
- Increment/decrement and absolute position control modes
- Volatile RAM wiper registers for real-time tuning without non-volatile wear
- 14-pin PDIP package for easy breadboard and prototype integration
- Low resistance temperature coefficient for stable analog adjustment
Applications
The MCP4251-503E/P is used in analog signal conditioning circuits, programmable gain amplifiers, and software-controlled bias or reference trimming where mechanical potentiometers would be impractical. It is also common in automated test equipment, calibration boards, and audio processing modules where two independent resistance adjustments need to be commanded over an SPI bus without interrupting system operation.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | PDIP-14 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.2kHz |
| 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 | 50000Ω |
| 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 each channel of MCP4251-503E/P provide, and what is the end-to-end resistance value?
Each channel of the MCP4251-503E/P offers 257 wiper positions across a 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, giving a step size of approximately 195 Ω per increment. This fine resolution makes it suitable for programmable gain stages, offset nulling, and calibration circuits where precise analog adjustments in the sub-200-ohm range are required.
Can the MCP4251-503E/P retain its wiper position through a power cycle, and how is position updated?
The MCP4251-503E/P includes volatile RAM registers for the wiper position, which reset on power-down. For applications needing position retention, the MCP4252 or MCP4262 variants offer EEPROM-backed non-volatile wiper storage. Position updates are sent over a 4-wire SPI bus supporting clock frequencies up to 10 MHz, so adjustments complete within microseconds.
In a programmable-gain amplifier design, how do the two independent channels of MCP4251-503E/P simplify the circuit?
With 2 independent 50 kΩ channels on a single IC, a designer can control the gain-setting resistors of two separate amplifier stages simultaneously over a shared SPI bus. This replaces two discrete mechanical trimmers, reduces tuning time during calibration, and allows firmware to compensate for temperature drift or aging by adjusting both channels in real time without any mechanical intervention.
What are the key procurement and package considerations for MCP4251-503E/P in a production design?
The MCP4251-503E/P is supplied in a 14-pin PDIP through-hole package, which is well suited for prototype and low-volume production but may require an adapter for surface-mount boards. Factory lead time is 8 weeks, so procurement planning is necessary for production runs. The part is RoHS Pb-free (JESD-609 e3) with a YTEOL of 9 years, indicating stable medium-term availability.
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| Qty. | Unit Price | Ext. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1.2964 | $1.30 |
| 25+ | $1.0938 | $27.35 |
| 100+ | $0.9789 | $97.89 |
| 1000+ | $0.9700 | $970.00 |
| 5000+ | $0.9600 | $4800.00 |
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