Date: 05/02/2010

1.7V digital potentiometers from Maxim for power-sensitive applications

Maxim has introduced the MAX5391/MAX5392/MAX5393, a new dual 256-tap, volatile, low-voltage linear taper digital potentiometers offering three end-to-end resistance values of 10kOhm, 50kOhm, and 100kOhm. The new potentiometers operate from a single 1.7V to 5.5V power supply, and suitable for replacing mechanical potentiometers and DACs in power-sensitive applications.

The key features of the new digital potentiometers are,

Low 12µA of quiescent supply current
High ratiometric temperature coefficient (5ppm/°C)
2ppm/°C gain-error drift over temperature
MAX5391/MAX5393 features a SPI-compatible interface
MAX5392 features a I²C interface
Wiper set to Midscale on power-up

The suggested applications for the new digital potentiometers are adjustable voltage references/linear regulators, automotive electronics, offset and gain control, portable electronics, and low-voltage battery applications.

"The MAX5391-MAX5393 bring digital control and calibration to low-voltage systems," explained Jeremy Tole, Maxim's Director of Business Development for Data Converters. "They are the industry's first digital potentiometers to operate from a voltage as low as 1.7V. This capability, along with a small TQFN package, makes this family a space-saving alternative to mechanical potentiometers and some DACs in portable consumer and industrial battery-backup applications. Designers can now enjoy all of the benefits of digital potentiometers while still meeting their power-consumption specs."

Operating temperature range: -40°C to +125°C

Package:
MAX5391: Ultra-small (3mm x 3mm) 16-pin TQFN package
MAX5392/MAX5393: 16-/14-pin TSSOP packages
Price: Starts at $1.32 for 1k pieces
Availability: Now in samples

For more details visit www.maxim-ic.com