MCP4551-103E/MS Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock

Microchip MCP4551-103E/MS is a single-channel 10 kΩ I2C digital potentiometer with 8-bit (256-step) resolution and a 2 kHz bandwidth, housed in an 8-pin MSOP package. It provides volatile wiper position control via a 2-wire I2C interface for programmable gain, volume, and calibration applications. Available from stock worldwide with fast shipping.

ACTIVEIntegrated CircuitVerified Jun 2026
Package / Visual Reference
MCP4551-103E/MSSmall Outline Packages
Quick Facts
Manufacturer
Microchip
Package
Small Outline Packages
Pin Count
8
Lifecycle
ACTIVE
Category
Integrated Circuit
Price
From $0.7500(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

  • Single-channel 10 kΩ digital potentiometer with 256 steps (approximately 39 Ω per step), delivering 8-bit resistance resolution over a 2-wire I2C bus
  • I2C control interface with configurable device address, enabling up to 8 MCP4551 devices on a single bus for multi-channel programmable resistance networks
  • 8-pin MSOP package with 2 kHz bandwidth, ideal for audio signal processing, sensor calibration trimmers, and programmable gain amplifier designs in compact PCBs

Applications

The MCP4551-103E/MS is used in I2C-controlled programmable gain amplifiers, digital volume controls, and sensor calibration circuits where software-adjustable resistance from 0 Ω to 10 kΩ in 256 steps is needed without mechanical potentiometers. Its I2C interface integrates directly into systems already using I2C for sensors and EEPROMs, reducing bus complexity and firmware overhead. Medical diagnostic equipment, industrial process controllers, and audio DSP boards use this device for runtime resistance adjustment with microcontroller commands.

Specifications

Manufacturer Package CodeMSOP-8
Factory Lead Time6Weeks
YTEOL9
Additional FeatureTHE RESISTOR ARRAY VALUES ARE 5000 OHM,10000 OHM, 50000 OHM
Bandwidth-Nom2kHz
Control Interface2-WIRE SERIAL
Converter TypeDIGITAL POTENTIOMETER
JESD-30 CodeS-PDSO-G8
JESD-609 Codee3
Number of Functions1
Number of Positions257
Package Body MaterialPLASTIC/EPOXY
Package Equivalence CodeSOP8,.19
Package ShapeSQUARE
Package StyleSMALL OUTLINE
Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel)260
Qualification StatusNot Qualified
Resistance LawLINEAR
Resistance Tolerance-Max20%
Resistor Terminal Voltage-Max5.5V
Screening LevelTS 16949
Supply Current-Max0.6mA
Supply Voltage-Nom3V
Surface MountYES
TechnologyCMOS
Temperature Coefficient-Nom150ppm/°C
Temperature GradeAUTOMOTIVE
Terminal FinishMatte Tin (Sn)
Terminal FormGULL WING
Terminal Pitch0.65mm
Terminal PositionDUAL
Total Resistance-Nom100000Ω
PackageSmall Outline Packages

Compliance & Regulatory

RoHS StatusCompliant
Lead-FreeYes (Pb-Free)
Moisture Sensitivity LevelMSL 1
ECCNEAR99
HTS Code8542.39.00.01
Country of OriginThailand

Datasheet

MCP4551-103E/MS Datasheet Download

Official datasheet from Microchip

Alternate & Equivalent Parts

Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for MCP4551-103E/MS:

MCP4551T-103E/MSMicrochip Technology Inc

Digital Potentiometer, 1 Func, 100000ohm, 2-wire Serial Control Interface, 257 Positions, CMOS, PDSO8

View Part →
MCP4551-503E/MSMicrochip Technology Inc

Digital Potentiometer, 1 Func, 100000ohm, 2-wire Serial Control Interface, 257 Positions, CMOS, PDSO8

View Part →
MCP4551-502E/MSMicrochip Technology Inc

Digital Potentiometer, 1 Func, 100000ohm, 2-wire Serial Control Interface, 257 Positions, CMOS, PDSO8

View Part →
MCP4551T-502E/MSMicrochip Technology Inc

Single 8-bit, Volatile linear POT w/I2C

View Part →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many resistance steps does MCP4551-103E/MS provide over its 10 kΩ range, and what step resolution does this yield?

The MCP4551-103E/MS provides 256 wiper positions (8-bit resolution) across its 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, resulting in a step size of approximately 39 Ω per increment. This resolution is sufficient for audio volume controls with smooth dB-scale adjustment, calibration trimmers replacing mechanical presets, and programmable gain amplifier feedback networks requiring fine resistance tuning.

How does the I2C interface of MCP4551-103E/MS simplify integration into multi-sensor systems compared to SPI-based digital potentiometers?

The MCP4551-103E/MS uses a 2-wire I2C bus (SDA and SCL) with a configurable 3-bit device address, allowing up to 8 devices on the same bus alongside other I2C sensors and EEPROMs. Compared to SPI-based potentiometers that each require a dedicated chip select line, I2C reduces the total pin count on the host MCU and simplifies PCB routing in systems with 4 to 8 independent programmable resistance channels.

Is the MCP4551-103E/MS wiper position volatile or non-volatile, and what design consideration does this create for system startup?

The MCP4551-103E/MS stores wiper position in volatile RAM only — the position resets to mid-scale (128 steps, approximately 5 kΩ) on power-up. Designs that require a specific startup resistance must issue an I2C write command during initialization firmware. For applications needing persistent resistance settings across power cycles, the MCP4561 variant adds non-volatile EEPROM storage, trading a slightly longer write time (approximately 1 ms for EEPROM commit) against the initialization overhead.

For a compact industrial sensor calibration PCB, how does the MSOP-8 package of MCP4551-103E/MS help reduce board space compared to a mechanical trimmer?

The 8-pin MSOP package of the MCP4551-103E/MS measures approximately 3 mm x 3 mm, which is smaller than most 3296-style mechanical trimmer potentiometers (typically 9.5 mm x 4.5 mm) and requires no manual adjustment tooling during production. Software calibration via I2C also allows post-assembly trimming without physical access to the PCB, reducing test fixture cost and enabling field recalibration in sealed industrial enclosures.

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AvailabilityIn Stock
Reference Price (USD)
From $0.7500
Buy from 1pc · Factory-direct pricing
Qty.Unit PriceExt. Price
1+$0.9900$0.99
5+$0.9400$4.70
10+$0.9000$9.00
50+$0.8900$44.50
100+$0.7800$78.00
1000+$0.7500$750.00
pcs
Unit price: $0.9900 · Total: $0.99

In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping

Lead Time3-7 business days
MOQFrom 1 piece
ShippingDHL / FedEx / UPS
OriginChina (Authorized)

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