Non-Volatile, Quad Digital Potentiometers Deliver Static Current Consumption of 5 Microamperes (Max.)

Download as PDF

7- and 8-bit Digi Pots Specified for Operation From -40 to 125 C; Available in Packages as Small as 4 mm x 4 mm QFN

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the MCP4341, MCP4342 (MCP434X), MCP4361 and MCP4362 (MCP436X) quad digital potentiometers. The 7- and 8-bit, non-volatile devices feature an SPI interface and static current consumption of just 5 microamperes (max.). They are specified for operation from -40 C to 125 C and are available in space-saving packages as small as 4 mm x 4 mm QFN, making them ideal for consumer and industrial applications, such as power-supply trim and calibration, set-point and process control, closed-loop servo control, PC peripherals, portable instrumentation, instrumentation offset adjust and signal conditioning.

Unlike mechanical potentiometers, the MCP434X/436X devices can be controlled digitally, through an SPI interface. This eliminates the need for human interaction, which increases system accuracy, flexibility and manufacturing throughput while decreasing manufacturing costs. Digital control also provides more system flexibility than mechanical control. Non-volatile memory enables the digital potentiometers to retain their settings at power down, and their low static current consumption of just 5 microamperes (max.) helps to extend battery life.

"Customers are constantly looking for ways to reduce power consumption and design footprint, while increasing the accuracy and performance of their designs," said Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division. "With static current consumption of just 5 microamperes (max.), and availability in small packages, the MCP434X and MCP436X digital potentiometers help designers achieve these goals."

Packaging, Pricing & Availability

The MCP4341/2 digital potentiometers are available in 14- and 20-pin TSSOP, and 4 mm x 4 mm QFN packages, for $1.00 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The MCP4361/2 digital potentiometers are available in 14- and 20-pin TSSOP, and 4 mm x 4 mm QFN packages, for $1.34 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples can be ordered today, from http://www.microchip.com/get/Q12V. The new digital potentiometers can be purchased today, at http://www.microchip.com/get/BS4N. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/0CE3.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com/get/TCU5.

Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Photo and Block Diagram available through editorial contact, or Flickr (feel free to publish):

Photo

http://www.microchip.com/get/ACBB

Block Diagram

http://www.microchip.com/get/8LAD

Tags / Keywords: Microchip, MCHP, PIC, microcontroller, MCU, MCP4341, MCP4342, MCP4361, MCP4362, digital potentiometer, digi pot, set-point control, power supply trim and calibration, analog

RSS Feed for Microchip Product News:

http://www.microchip.com/get/GS27 


    Source: Microchip Technology Incorporated

Released February 22, 2010