Date: 11/06/2009

On Semiconductor's digital potentiometers with I²C- and SPI control interface

ON Semiconductor has released 256-tap Digitally Programmable Potentiometer (DPP) ICs with 50 k ohms and 100 k ohms resistance options and with control interface of I²C and SPI bus.

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 ppm/ºC ensuring stability and reliability, which is better than mechanically controlled potentiometers.
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 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 2µA.

Packaging and Pricing
The CAT5171 and CAT5172 digitally programmable potentiometers are supplied in Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 8-lead SOT-23 packages measuring just 2.9 mm x 3 mm. Pricing is $0.60 USD per unit in 10,000 unit quantities. Samples are available now. Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently eight to 12 weeks ARO.