MCP4252-104E/UN Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
The MCP4252-104E/UN is a dual-channel digital potentiometer from Microchip Technology offering 256 wiper positions and 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance. It uses an SPI increment/decrement control interface and fits into a compact 10-pin MSOP package. Lead-free and globally available for applications requiring fine-resolution programmable resistance in portable and industrial designs.
- Manufacturer
- Microchip
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 10
- Lifecycle
- ACTIVE
- Datasheet
- MCP4252-104E/UN Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Price
- From $0.8270(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
- 256-step wiper resolution across 100 kΩ delivers approximately 391 Ω per step, providing twice the resolution of 128-step pots for finer gain and offset trimming
- Dual independent channels in a 10-pin MSOP package allow simultaneous control of 2 resistive elements while occupying less than 9 mm² of PCB area
- SPI increment/decrement interface supports single-step wiper movement per command, enabling real-time user adjustment via rotary encoders or push-button interfaces without position-register reads
Applications
The MCP4252-104E/UN is used in portable instruments and wearable devices where fine-resolution resistance adjustment across 2 independent channels is needed in a minimal footprint, replacing bulky mechanical trimmer potentiometers. Audio equipment designers employ it for stereo volume control and balance adjustment, programming both channels over a single SPI bus with matched step accuracy of 391 Ω per LSB. Industrial calibration and sensor-conditioning boards also use it to independently trim offset and gain resistors in dual-channel amplifier stages without changing hardware.
Specifications
| Pbfree Code | Yes |
| Manufacturer Package Code | MSOP-10 |
| Factory Lead Time | 8Weeks |
| YTEOL | 9 |
| Bandwidth-Nom | 0.1kHz |
| 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 | 100000Ω |
| 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 does MCP4252-104E/UN's 256-step resolution compare to 128-step digital pots for fine-trim voltage divider accuracy?
The MCP4252-104E/UN provides 256 wiper positions across its 100 kΩ resistance, giving approximately 391 Ω per step versus 781 Ω per step for a 128-step pot. In a voltage-divider providing a 2.5 V reference from a 5 V rail, this finer step reduces the worst-case trimming error from about 9.8 mV to roughly 4.9 mV, which matters when calibrating a 12-bit ADC whose 1 LSB equals approximately 1.2 mV at 5 V full scale.
What package does MCP4252-104E/UN use, and how does the MSOP-10 footprint benefit space-constrained dual-channel designs?
The MCP4252-104E/UN comes in a 10-pin MSOP package with a body size of approximately 3 mm x 3 mm and 0.5 mm lead pitch. Compared to a dual SOIC-8 solution (two 4.9 mm x 3.9 mm packages), the MSOP-10 reduces the combined PCB land area by roughly 65 %, freeing critical board space in handheld instruments, wearables, and compact industrial modules that require 2 independent adjustable resistors.
In a stereo audio balance control, why is MCP4252-104E/UN preferable to two separate single-channel digital pots?
The MCP4252-104E/UN integrates 2 independent 100 kΩ, 256-step digital potentiometers in a single MSOP-10 package sharing one SPI bus, so both left and right audio channels can be updated in back-to-back SPI transactions taking under 2 µs total. Using 2 separate single-channel pots doubles the chip count, requires 2 separate chip-select lines, and increases BOM cost and layout complexity, while providing no performance benefit for a stereo balance application where simultaneous tracking is the primary requirement.
Related Guides
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
CL31A107MQHNNNE 1206 100 uF MLCC Selection Guide
How to choose CL31A107MQHNNNE and related 1206 MLCCs for low-voltage bulk capacitance and regulator stability.
Jul 2, 2026
CL05B103KB5NNNC 0402 10 nF X7R MLCC Selection Guide
How to choose CL05B103KB5NNNC and related 0402 MLCCs for bypassing, filtering, voltage derating, and sourcing.
Jul 2, 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+ | $1.2400 | $1.24 |
| 100+ | $0.9500 | $95.00 |
| 1000+ | $0.8900 | $890.00 |
| 5000+ | $0.8370 | $4185.00 |
| 7500+ | $0.8290 | $6217.50 |
| 10000+ | $0.8270 | $8270.00 |
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.”