The AD5161 provides a compact 3 mm × 4.9 mm packagedsolution for 256-position adjustment applications. Thesedevices perform the same electronic adjustment function asmechanical potentiometers or variable resistors, with enhancedresolution, solid-state reliability, and superior low temperaturecoefficient performance.

The wiper settings are controllable through a pin selectable SPIor I²C compatible digital interface, which can also be used toread back the wiper register content. When the SPI mode isused, the device can be daisy-chained (SDO to SDI), allowingseveral parts to share the same control lines. In the I²C mode, address pin AD0 can be used to place up to two devices on thesame bus. In this same mode, command bits are available toreset the wiper position to midscale or to shut down the deviceinto a state of zero power consumption.

Operating from a 2.7 V to 5.5 V power supply and consumingless than 5 μA allows for usage in portable battery-operatedapplications.

Applications

• Mechanical potentiometer replacement in new designs
• Transducer adjustment of pressure, temperature, position, chemical, and optical sensors
• RF amplifier biasing
• Gain control and offset adjustment 

At least one model within this product family is in production and available for purchase. The product is appropriate for new designs but newer alternatives may exist.