This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Digital Potentiometers category on DigiKey.com
Digital potentiometers are a family of integrated circuit devices which provide an adjustable resistance similar to a traditional mechanical potentiometer or rheostat, but which are controlled by means of electronic signals rather than a mechanical input. Though relatively limited in the amount of electrical power that can be dissipated in their resistance, their ability to be electronically controlled facilitates miniaturization, automation, and remote control of signal-level analog circuits where mechanical potentiometers may have otherwise been used.
SelectionCharacteristics
DigiKey Programmable: For verified products, DigiKey can program/flash your compiled code or configuration variables prior to shipping. For unverified products, please inquire with ProgCent.Techs@digikey.com
Taper: Characterizes the relationship between device resistance and knob position (or digital input code, for digital potentiometer devices).
Configuration: Indicates the internal function/type of circuit in the device.
Number of Circuits: Indicates the number of internal devices that are in the body item.
Number of Taps: The number of discrete potentiometer settings available; the resolution of the device.
Resistance (Ohms): Characterizes the nominal resistance of a current path through a device. Indicates the span of resistances the device can produce.
Interface: The way the device is equipped to be communicated to.
Memory Type: Indicates how the memory is maintained in the device and how many times it can be programmed.
Voltage - Supply: Manufacturer’s characterization of maximum change in output voltage resulting from variations in input voltage.
Features: Special features or functions the device includes.
Tolerance: Characterizes the extent of permitted variability of overall device resistance among samples of a given part number, resulting from variations in manufacturing.
Temperature Coefficient (Typ): Characterizes changes in device resistance as a function of temperature.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Supplier Device Package: Describes the footprint and type of body the item has based on what the manufacturer names it.
Package / Case: Describes the footprint and type of body the item has based on a general standard.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and/or other system components.
Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ): Typical series resistance associated with the wiper terminal of the device.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | MCP4018T-103E/LT |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | MCP4018T-103E/LTTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Microchip Technology |
| DESCRIPTION | Digital Potentiometer 10k Ohm 1 Circuit 128 Taps I²C Interface SC-70-6 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MCP41010T-I/SN |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | MCP41010T-I/SNTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Microchip Technology |
| DESCRIPTION | Digital Potentiometer 10k Ohm 1 Circuit 256 Taps SPI Interface 8-SOIC |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | AD5246BKSZ10-RL7 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 505-AD5246BKSZ10-RL7TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Analog Devices Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Digital Potentiometer 10k Ohm 1 Circuit 128 Taps I²C Interface SC-70-6 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |