The MAX5417/MAX5418/MAX5419 nonvolatile, linear-taper, digital potentiometers perform the function of a mechanical potentiometer by replacing the mechanics with a simple 2-wire digital interface, allowing communication with multiple devices. Each device performs the same function as a discrete potentiometer or variable resistor and has 256 tap points.

The devices feature an internal, nonvolatile EEPROM used to store the wiper position for initialization during power-up. The fast-mode I²C-compatible serial interface allows communication at data rates up to 400kbps, minimizing board space and reducing interconnection complexity in many applications. Each device is available with one of four factory-preset addresses (see the Ordering Information/Selector Guide in the full data sheet) and features an address input for a total of eight unique address combinations.

The MAX5417/MAX5418/MAX5419 provide three nominal resistance values: 50kΩ (MAX5417), 100kΩ (MAX5418), or 200kΩ (MAX5419). The nominal resistor temperature coefficient is 35ppm/°C end-to-end, and only 5ppm/°C ratiometric. This makes the devices ideal for applications requiring a low-temperature-coefficient variable resistor, such as low-drift, programmable gain-amplifier circuit configurations.

The MAX5417/MAX5418/MAX5419 are available in a 3mm x 3mm 8-pin TDFN package, and are specified over the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range.

Applications

• Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) Contrast Control
• Low-Drift Programmable-Gain Amplifiers
• Mechanical Potentiometer Replacements
• Volume Control