Microchip Technology MCP4661-104E/ST Digital Potentiometer

The MCP4661-104E/ST from Microchip Technology is a versatile digital potentiometer that offers a perfect solution for applications requiring precise resistance tuning. This integrated circuit (IC) is designed to function as an electronically adjustable resistor, which can be controlled through a digital interface. The MCP4661-104E/ST is part of the MCP4661 series, known for their reliability and performance in a wide range of electronic systems.

This digital potentiometer comes in a compact TSSOP-14 package, which is suitable for space-constrained applications. It features a quad-channel configuration, providing multiple channels of potentiometers in a single IC, thus saving space and reducing component count in complex designs. Each potentiometer channel has a resistance value of 100 kOhms, making it suitable for various applications such as calibrating system tolerances or controlling parameters in electronic circuits.

The MCP4661-104E/ST offers a 7-bit resolution, which translates to 128 wiper positions, allowing for fine-grained control over the resistance settings. The wiper position can be adjusted through an I2C-compatible serial interface, which is widely used and allows for easy integration into most microcontroller-based systems. The device also features non-volatile memory (EEPROM) to store the wiper positions, ensuring that the settings are retained even after power is removed.

One of the key advantages of using the MCP4661-104E/ST is its ability to operate over a wide voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, making it suitable for both 3.3V and 5V systems. This feature provides designers with flexibility in various power environments. Additionally, the digital potentiometer has an extended temperature range, functioning reliably from -40°C to +125°C, which is ideal for industrial and automotive applications where extreme conditions may be encountered.

In summary, the MCP4661-104E/ST digital potentiometer by Microchip Technology is a highly functional component that brings digital precision to analog tuning. Its multiple channels, high resolution, non-volatile memory, and robust operating ranges make it an excellent choice for engineers looking to add reliable and precise variable resistance capabilities to their designs.