ON Semiconductor Launches High-Resolution I2C- and SPI-Compatible Digital Potentiometers

256-tap Digitally Programmable Potentiometer (DPP™) ICs with 50 kΩ and 100 kΩ Resistance Options Deliver Enhanced Stability and Reliability

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN), a leading global supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions, has further expanded its family of Digitally Programmable Potentiometer (DPP™) ICs with new high-resolution devices incorporating I²C and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Bus connectivity. The new DPPs offer a low-noise, reliable and space-saving alternative to mechanical potentiometers in applications ranging from instrumentation and industrial automation to portable battery-powered equipment.

The ON Semiconductor CAT5171 and CAT5172 are single-channel, digitally programmable linear taper potentiometers featuring 256-position resolution. Digital control of wiper settings is made via I²C and SPI interfaces, respectively, and both devices are available with end-to-end resistance options of 50 kiloohms (kΩ) and 100 kΩ.

The CAT5171 and CAT5172 are insensitive to mechanical vibrations, shock, oxidation, and dust and dirt unlike their mechanical counterparts. Each device also has a low temperature coefficient of 100 part per million per degrees Celsius (ppm/ºC). As a result they are much more stable and reliable than mechanical potentiometers across a wider variety of environmental conditions.

The new DPPs are ideal for volume control, lighting control, LCD screen adjustment and other circuitry requiring electronic control of key parameters. In addition, the parts also offer a flexible solution for RF amplifier biasing and gain control.

Rated for the full industrial temperature range of -40 ºC to 85 ºC, the ON Semiconductor CAT5171 and CAT5172 operate with a single supply voltage of between 2.7 volts (V) and 5.5 V. In power-up, the wiper assumes a mid-span position and may be repositioned anytime after the power stabilizes. Operating current for both devices is just 2 microamperes (µA).

Packaging and Pricing

The CAT5171 and CAT5172 digitally programmable potentiometers are supplied in lead (Pb) free, RoHS-compliant 8-lead SOT-23 packages measuring just 2.9 mm x 3.0 mm. Pricing is $0.60 USD per unit in 10,000 unit quantities. Samples are available now. Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently eight to 12 weeks after receipt of order (ARO).

About ON Semiconductor

With its global logistics network and strong product portfolio, ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN) is a preferred supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions to customers in the power supply, automotive, communication, computer, consumer, medical, industrial, mobile phone, and military/aerospace markets. The company's broad portfolio includes power, analog, DSP, mixed-signal, advance logic, clock management, non-volatile memory and standard component devices. The company operates a network of manufacturing facilities, sales offices and design centers in key markets throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions. For more information, visit http://www.onsemi.com.

ON Semiconductor and the ON Semiconductor logo are registered trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC. All other brand and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders. Although the company references its Web site in this news release, such information on the Web site is not to be incorporated herein.