MCP4531T-502E/MS

MCP4531T-502E/MS is Microchip’s single-channel digital potentiometer with a fixed end-to-end resistance of 5 kΩ (the “502” code). It lets you digitally set the wiper position to create an adjustable attenuator or gain stage in analog circuits.
Key points
- Channel/resolution: 1 channel, 8-bit wiper (256 steps).
- Interface: SPI-compatible serial interface (CS, SCK, SI, with optional SO in some variants).
- End-to-end resistance: 5 kΩ (as indicated by the 502 code); other resistance options exist in the family.
- Power/Temp: typically 2.7–5.5 V operation; industrial temperature range (and packaging noted by suffix)—consult datasheet for exact figures.
- Packaging: eight-lead package options; suffix -502E/MS indicates the resistance value and RoHS/compliant packaging; “T” often relates to packaging/temperature variant in labeling—verify in datasheet.
- Applications: programmable attenuator, sensor calibration, adjustable feedback networks, gain/volume control.
Note: Always check the latest MCP4531 datasheet for exact electrical specs, pinout, memory behavior (volatile vs. nonvolatile variants), and packaging details.

Here are the key features of the MCP4531T-502E/MS:
- 1-channel I2C digital potentiometer
- End-to-end resistance: 5 kΩ (code 502)
- Wiper: 128 steps (0–127), 7-bit resolution
- Potentiometer or rheostat operation
- Supply voltage: 2.7 V to 5.5 V
- Temperature range: -40°C to +125°C (extended temp grade)
- I2C interface (SCL/SDA), up to 1 MHz
- 8-pin MSOP package; Tape & Reel (MS) option
- RoHS/compliant; low power; no mechanical wear
Notes: Wiper position is set via I2C commands and retained in volatile memory.

- Pin count: 8 pins (8-pin MSOP/SOIC package).
- Function: I2C-controlled single-channel digital potentiometer with 5 kΩ end-to-end resistance (A, B, W terminals). Wiper position (W) is adjustable via the SDA/SCL interface with power supplied by VDD and VSS.

- Manufacturer: Microchip Technology Incorporated (Microchip).
- What kind of company: A multinational American semiconductor company that designs and manufactures embedded control products, including microcontrollers, analog/digital ICs, memory, and related software/tools.

MCP4531T-502E/MS is a 5 kΩ end-to-end, 128-tap volatile digital potentiometer with I2C interface. Typical applications include:
- Programmable gain/attenuation and offset in op-amps and ADC/DAC front-ends
- Programmable voltage dividers and reference trimming
- Adjustable bias networks and sensor signal conditioning
- Audio path attenuation or volume control
- Test equipment, calibration fixtures, and lab instrumentation needing a digitally programmable resistor network
Note: device requires reconfiguration after power-up due to its volatile wiper state.

8-pin MSOP package. The /MS suffix denotes the MSOP package; the T in the part name commonly indicates Tape‑and‑Reel delivery.