ON Semiconductor has expanded its family of Digitally Programmable Potentiometer (DPP) ICs with high-resolution devices incorporating I2C and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Bus connectivity. The new DPPs offer a low-noise, reliable and space-saving alternative to mechanical potentiometers in applications ranging from instrumentation and industrial automation to portable battery-powered equipment. The CAT5171 and CAT5172 are single-channel, digitally programmable linear taper potentiometers featuring 256-position resolution. Digital control of wiper settings is made via I2C and SPI interfaces respectively and both devices are available with end-to-end resistance options of 50kΩ and 100kΩ.

The devices are insensitive to mechanical vibrations, shock, oxidation, and dust and dirt unlike their mechanical counterparts. Each device also has a low temperature coefficient of 100 part per million per degrees Celsius (ppm/ºC). The DPPs are suited for volume control, lighting control, LCD screen adjustment and other circuitry requiring electronic control of key parameters. In addition, the parts also offer a flexible solution for, RF amplifier biasing and gain control. Rated for the full industrial temperature range of -40 ºC to 85 ºC, the ON Semiconductor CAT5171 and CAT5172 operate with a single supply voltage of between 2.7 volts (V) and 5.5 V. In power-up, the wiper assumes a mid-span position and may be re-positioned any time after the power stabilizes. Operating current for both devices is just 2 microamperes (µA).

Packaging and pricing

The CAT5171 and CAT5172 digitally programmable potentiometers are supplied in lead (Pb) free, RoHS-compliant 8-lead SOT-23 packages measuring just 2.9 mm x 3.0 mm. Pricing is $0.60 USD per unit in 10,000 unit quantities. Samples are available now.