MCP4551-503E/MS Microchip Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock

Microchip MCP4551-503E/MS is a single-channel I2C digital potentiometer with 256-step resolution and 50 kOhm end-to-end resistance operating up to 2 kHz bandwidth. It uses a 2-wire serial interface and includes non-volatile wiper storage in a compact 8-pin MSOP package. Available in stock from authorized distributors with worldwide shipping.

ACTIVEIntegrated CircuitVerified Jun 2026
Package / Visual Reference
MCP4551-503E/MSSmall Outline Packages
Quick Facts
Manufacturer
Microchip
Package
Small Outline Packages
Pin Count
8
Lifecycle
ACTIVE
Category
Integrated Circuit
Price
From $0.1925(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 256-step digital potentiometer with 50 kOhm end-to-end resistance for fine-resolution analog trimming
  • I2C (2-wire serial) interface enabling direct connection to microcontrollers without dedicated SPI bus pins
  • Non-volatile EEPROM wiper position storage ensuring settings are retained for over 40 years across power cycles
  • Available in 5 kOhm, 10 kOhm, and 50 kOhm resistance variants (MCP4551/MCP4551-102/MCP4551-503) in the same MSOP-8 footprint

Applications

The MCP4551-503E/MS is used for programmable reference voltage adjustment, op-amp gain trimming, and LCD contrast control in consumer and industrial electronics where I2C bus availability makes SPI undesirable. Its 50 kOhm resistance value suits high-impedance input stage biasing and low-current voltage divider applications requiring minimal power dissipation. The non-volatile wiper memory makes it well suited for factory-set calibration in measurement instruments and IoT sensor nodes.

Specifications

Manufacturer Package CodeMSOP-8
Factory Lead Time25Weeks
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

MCP4551-503E/MS Datasheet Download

Official datasheet from Microchip

Alternate & Equivalent Parts

Compatible alternatives and drop-in replacements for MCP4551-503E/MS:

MCP4551-502E/MSMicrochip Technology Inc

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

View Part →
MCP4551-103E/MSMicrochip Technology Inc

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

View Part →
MCP4551T-103E/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 does the MCP4551-503E/MS's I2C interface differ from SPI-based digital potentiometers in embedded designs?

The MCP4551-503E/MS uses a 2-wire I2C interface requiring only SDA and SCL lines, compared to the 3 or 4 wires needed for SPI. This allows the device to share an existing I2C bus with sensors, EEPROMs, or display controllers without consuming additional GPIO lines on the MCU. The I2C address is hardware-configurable via the A0 pin, allowing up to 2 MCP4551 devices on one bus.

What step resolution and resistance range does the MCP4551-503E/MS provide for precision analog circuits?

The MCP4551-503E/MS offers 256 wiper positions across a 50 kOhm end-to-end resistance, giving a step size of approximately 196 Ohm per step. The typical wiper contact resistance is 75 Ohm. For applications needing smaller steps or lower resistance, the MCP4551-502 (10 kOhm) and MCP4551 (5 kOhm) variants are pin- and footprint-compatible alternatives on the same MSOP-8 PCB layout.

Does the MCP4551-503E/MS retain its wiper setting after power loss, and for how long?

Yes, the MCP4551-503E/MS writes the wiper position to on-chip EEPROM non-volatile memory, retaining the value for more than 40 years without power. The EEPROM supports at least 100,000 write cycles before wear-out. This feature is essential for factory-calibrated instruments where the calibration constant must survive field power interruptions without re-calibration procedures.

What lead time should procurement teams plan for when ordering MCP4551-503E/MS in volume?

The MCP4551-503E/MS has a factory lead time of approximately 25 weeks from Microchip's production schedule, which is significantly longer than many standard digital ICs. Procurement teams designing systems with this device should place orders early in the production planning cycle or carry buffer stock. The MSOP-8 package format is shared across the MCP4551 resistance family, so safety stock can be sourced in the 5 kOhm or 10 kOhm variants as design-compatible substitutes if the 50 kOhm version is delayed.

Why Buy from FindMyChip

Authorized Source
Verified supply chain with full traceability & inspection
$
Competitive Pricing
Factory-direct from China distributors, low MOQ
Fast Shipping
DHL Express 3–5 days · FedEx/UPS 5–7 days worldwide
Quality Guaranteed
30-day replacement for defective parts, no questions asked

About Microchip

Microchip is a leading electronic component manufacturer. FindMyChip sources Microchip ICs directly from authorized China distributors, offering competitive pricing and reliable stock.

AvailabilityIn Stock
Reference Price (USD)
From $0.1925
Buy from 1pc · Factory-direct pricing
Qty.Unit PriceExt. Price
1+$1.0200$1.02
25+$0.8500$21.25
100+$0.1925$19.25
pcs
Unit price: $1.0200 · Total: $1.02

In Stock · 24h Response · Worldwide Shipping

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

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.

SK
Sarah Kim
VP Engineering, NovaBit Electronics, South Korea