High-Resolution Digital Potentiometers Provide I2C, SPI Connectivity

A pair of Digitally Programmable Potentiometers (DPPs) feature 256-posiion resolution and I2C and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Bus connectivity. The CAT5171 and CAT5172 are single-channel linear-taper potentiometers. Digital wiper control is performed via I2C and SPI interface, respectively, and both devices are available with end-to-end resistance options of 50 kO and 100 kO. Rated for the full industrial temperature range of ?40ºC to 85ºC, the devices operate with a single supply voltage of between 2.7 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 µA. The devices have a low temperature coefficient of 100 ppm/°C. The CAT5171 and CAT5172 DPPs come in a lead-free, RoHS-compatible, 8-lead SOT-23 package measuring just 2.9 by 3.0 mm. They costs $0.60 each in quantities of 10,000. Samples are available now. Projected lead time for production quantities is eight to 12 weeks. ON SEMICONDUCTOR INC., Phoenix, AZ. (408) 398-9700.