AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 - 10kΩ Dual 256-Tap SPI NVM DigiPot | ADI
MPN: AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.1 | $5.10 |
| 10 | $4.58 | $45.80 |
| 100 | $4.07 | $407.00 |
| 500 | $3.66 | $1,830.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.25 | $3,250.00 |
AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 Overview
A digital potentiometer (DigiPot) is a solid-state variable resistor whose wiper position is set by a digital command rather than by mechanical movement. In the system hierarchy, DigiPots sit between mechanical potentiometers/trimmers and analog signal-conditioning chains (gain, offset, bias), functioning as programmable resistors used for calibration, trim, and adaptive control. Because the AD5142 stores the wiper position in onboard EEPROM, the part retains its setting through power cycles, eliminating the need for software re-initialization after every reset and enabling true plug-and-play calibration in factory-trimmed modules.
Key features include a 10 kΩ nominal resistance, 256 tap points per channel (resolution ≈ 39 Ω per LSB), SPI-compatible serial interface up to 50 MHz, ±8% end-to-end resistance tolerance, ±6 mA current handling on the A, B, and W terminals, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive qualification (suffix "W"). The integrated nonvolatile memory supports up to 50,000 write cycles per EEPROM cell, suiting production-line calibration and field-reconfigurable systems.
Internally, the AD5142 uses a chain of 256 polysilicon resistors with CMOS transmission-gate switches steered by an EEPROM-backed shift register. The SPI interface exposes a 16-bit command word (3 address + 8 data + control bits), allowing readback of both the volatile RDAC register and the nonvolatile EEPROM image. The "WB" prefix denotes the wide-temperature automotive grade operating from -40 °C to +125 °C.
Typical applications include automotive infotainment volume/tone control, programmable gain amplifiers, sensor calibration in ECU modules, programmable voltage references, and instrumentation gain trim. Because the part offers matched dual channels in a tiny 3×3 mm LFCSP, designers can replace two mechanical trimmers with a single I²C-less SPI device, saving board area and enabling fully automated end-of-line calibration.
When designing with this device, decouple VDD/VSS with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the supply pin and use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane tied to the exposed pad to keep thermal resistance low. Account for wiper resistance (~50–100 Ω typical) when computing total end-to-end resistance at low tap counts, and verify that downstream load impedances stay above 1 kΩ to prevent distortion.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing (DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart), pin-compatible ADI drop-in alternatives, and practical PCB/thermal design notes not collected in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Number of Taps, Package, Supply Voltage (VDD).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
AD5142BCPZ10-RL7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5142WBCPZ100-RL7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5142ABCPZ10-RL7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →AD5122WBCPZ10-RL7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4261-103E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 Specifications
| Function | Digital Potentiometer (Dual, Nonvolatile) |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Number of Taps | 256 per channel |
| End-to-End Resistance (R-AB) | 10 kΩ nominal |
| Resistor Tolerance | ±8% |
| Digital Interface | SPI (serial peripheral interface), 16-bit command word |
| Maximum SPI Clock | 50 MHz |
| Terminal Current (A, B, W pins) | ±6 mA |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (single supply) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (AEC-Q100 automotive Grade 1) |
| Nonvolatile Memory Write Cycles | 50,000 cycles typical |
| Package | 16-LFCSP (3 mm × 3 mm) with exposed pad (CP-16-22) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (WB suffix) |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
| A/B/W Terminal Voltage Range | VSS to VDD (rail-to-rail) |
AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | A1 — Channel 1 terminal A (high side of resistor string) |
| Pin 2 | W1 — Channel 1 wiper terminal |
| Pin 3 | B1 — Channel 1 terminal B (low side of resistor string) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | A2 — Channel 2 terminal A (high side) |
| Pin 6 | W2 — Channel 2 wiper terminal |
| Pin 7 | B2 — Channel 2 terminal B (low side) |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 9 | SCLK — SPI serial clock input |
| Pin 10 | SYNC — SPI frame sync (chip select, active low) |
| Pin 11 | DIN — SPI serial data input |
| Pin 12 | SDO — SPI serial data output (readback) |
| Pin 13 | AD0 — Address bit 0 for multi-device SPI bus |
| Pin 14 | WP — EEPROM write protect (active high) |
| Pin 15 | RESET — Asynchronous reset to midscale, active low |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Infotainment Volume & Tone Control, Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) Calibration, Sensor Calibration in ECU Modules, Programmable Voltage Reference, Instrumentation Gain Trim, LCD Bias & Contrast Control.
Automotive Infotainment Volume & Tone Control
The AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7's AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 10 kΩ rail-to-rail A/B/W terminals, and 256-tap resolution (~0.39 dB step over a 100 dB attenuation range) make it ideal for digital volume and tone control in head units and amplifiers. Paired with a low-noise op-amp such as the AD8628 as a buffer, the DigiPot provides click-free logarithmic attenuation when sequenced through its nonvolatile EEPROM presets. The 3×3 mm LFCSP fits behind the front panel without consuming critical PCB real estate, while ±6 mA terminal current cleanly drives line-level audio stages. Designers benefit from automotive temperature resilience (-40 °C to +125 °C) and 50,000 write cycles for end-of-line tuning.
Recommended
Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) Calibration
The AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 serves as the gain-setting element in discrete or op-amp-based PGAs, where its 10 kΩ resistance and 256 tap positions enable precise gain steps with ~0.4% resolution when paired with a fixed feedback resistor. The nonvolatile memory retains the calibrated gain through power cycles, eliminating per-boot recalibration and supporting factory-trimmed sensor channels. The SPI interface allows a host microcontroller to read back the current RDAC setting for diagnostics, while ±6 mA terminal current supports low-side or high-side configuration. Compared to mechanical trimmers, the DigiPot eliminates manual touch-up and provides repeatable, software-driven calibration for production runs.
Recommended
Sensor Calibration in ECU Modules
Engine control units, transmission controllers, and battery management systems use the AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 for one-time or periodic sensor calibration, particularly for thermistor bias networks, pressure-sensor offset trim, and current-sense gain scaling. Its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 certification ensures reliability under hood temperatures up to +125 °C, while onboard EEPROM enables factory calibration values to be loaded once and retained for the ECU's lifetime. The 10 kΩ nominal R-AB matches common NTC thermistor reference impedances at 25 °C, simplifying divider designs. SPI access permits in-field re-trim via OBD-II service routines without mechanical access to the module.
Recommended
Programmable Voltage Reference
When paired with a precision series reference such as the AD5061, the AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 builds a software-adjustable voltage reference whose output is set by the wiper position on the 10 kΩ resistor string. The rail-to-rail A/B/W terminals (VSS to VDD) allow the divider to span the full supply range, while the 256-tap resolution (~39 Ω/LSB) yields ~1.5 mV step size on a 3.3 V rail. The nonvolatile EEPROM stores up to 50,000 calibration values, ideal for multi-point calibration tables in instrumentation. The SPI command structure enables the host to write and read back the wiper position for closed-loop trimming.
Recommended
Instrumentation Gain Trim
The AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 is well suited to trimming the gain accuracy of instrumentation amplifiers and strain-gauge signal chains, where its 256 taps and ±8% tolerance allow fine adjustment after PCB assembly. The dual-channel architecture permits simultaneous gain and offset trim using matched resistors, eliminating the channel-to-channel mismatch of single-channel alternatives. The exposed-pad LFCSP package keeps thermal drift low, and the 50 MHz SPI clock allows fast multi-channel updates during end-of-line calibration. Use it with an AD8421 or AD620 instrumentation amplifier for best results.
Recommended
LCD Bias & Contrast Control
The AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 sets the VCOM or contrast voltage on TFT LCD panels in industrial HMIs and automotive instrument clusters, where AEC-Q100 Grade 1 and a wide temperature range are essential. Its 10 kΩ R-AB drives the high-impedance LCD bias pin directly, and the 256-tap resolution enables fine contrast adjustment under varying ambient light conditions. The nonvolatile memory stores user-preferred contrast values across power cycles, while the SPI interface permits a display controller to update the wiper position dynamically. A 0.1 µF bypass capacitor on VDD minimizes supply-induced contrast ripple.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AD5142WBCPZ10-RL7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AD5142BCPZ10-RL7 | AD5142WBCPZ100-RL7 | AD5142ABCPZ10-RL7 | AD5122WBCPZ10-RL7 | MCP4261-103E/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-LFCSP (3x3) | 16-LFCSP (3x3) - same | 16-LFCSP (3x3) - same | 16-LFCSP (3x3) - same | 16-LFCSP (3x3) - same | TSSOP-14 - different |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Microchip Technology |
| End-to-End Resistance | 10 kΩ | 10 kΩ | 100 kΩ | 10 kΩ | 10 kΩ | 10 kΩ |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 128 | 257 |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI |
| Automotive Grade (AEC-Q100) | Grade 1 (-40 to +125°C) | No (commercial -40 to +85°C) | Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Grade 1 | No (extended commercial) |
| Nonvolatile Memory | Yes (EEPROM) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (EEPROM) |
| Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive qualification with nonvolatile memory (vs AD5142BCPZ10-RL7)
- Highest resolution in the family (256 taps) at 10 kΩ nominal resistance (vs AD5122WBCPZ10-RL7)
- Higher terminal current (±6 mA) than most competing DigiPots (vs MCP4261-103E/ST)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8) and connect the exposed pad (EP) to a continuous ground plane with at least 8 thermal vias to minimize ground bounce and reduce θJA. For multi-device SPI buses, keep the SCLK, SYNC, DIN, and SDO traces matched within 5 mm and route them over a continuous ground plane to avoid reflections at 50 MHz clock rates. Series-terminate SCLK with 33 Ω if the bus length exceeds 50 mm.
Do not exceed ±6 mA on the A, B, or W terminals or the internal CMOS switches will suffer accelerated degradation. The wiper resistance is typically 50-100 Ω (datasheet-specific) - account for this in low-tap-count designs where the wiper approaches terminal A or B. Always assert RESET (pin 15) or write a known value to the RDAC register after power-up before relying on the wiper position; EEPROM-loaded values can briefly settle during the first SPI transaction. Tie WP (pin 14) low if EEPROM writes are not needed in production to prevent accidental write corruption from SPI glitches.
The 16-LFCSP (3×3 mm) package with exposed pad provides a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of approximately 50 °C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board. Power dissipation is dominated by the SPI bus load and the A/B/W terminal currents; at full ±6 mA on all terminals the part dissipates roughly (6 mA × VDD) per terminal. For automotive under-hood applications, ensure ambient temperature plus self-heating stays below the +125 °C maximum junction rating with appropriate derating.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified per the WB suffix; operating temperature -40 °C to +125 °C. RoHS and REACH compliant per Analog Devices product page. Lead-free and halogen-free per the manufacturer's material declaration.
