ON Semiconductor - High-Resolution I2C- and SPI-Compatible Digital Potentiometers

The ON Semiconductor 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 50 kiloohms, (kΩ) and 100 kΩ.

The CAT5171 and CAT5172 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). As a result they are much more stable and reliable than mechanical potentiometers across a wider variety of environmental conditions.

The new DPPs are ideal 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).