AD5162BRMZ10 - Dual 10kΩ 256-Tap SPI Digital Potentiometer | Analog Devices
MPN: AD5162BRMZ10 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.89 | $28.90 |
| 100 | $2.45 | $245.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.69 | $1,690.00 |
AD5162BRMZ10 Overview
A digital potentiometer (also called a DigiPOT or RDAC) is a solid-state device that emulates the behavior of a mechanical potentiometer through a resistor ladder network and CMOS switches controlled by a digital interface. Unlike mechanical pots, DigiPOTs offer high resolution, immunity to vibration, and direct microprocessor control, making them ideal for programmable gain, calibration, and trimming in systems where space and reliability matter.
Key features of the AD5162BRMZ10 include a 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient on the resistor ladder, a wiper resistance of 50 Ω typical, and a maximum wiper current of 6 mA per channel. Independent SPI control allows simultaneous or sequential wiper updates across both channels, and the wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C supports automotive and industrial environments.
The internal architecture uses a precision thin-film resistor network paired with CMOS transmission gates, providing low noise and stable ratiometric accuracy. Device-to-device matching is process-lot dependent and may vary by up to ±30%, so designs requiring tight matching should calibrate at production.
Typical applications include programmable gain amplifiers, LCD contrast adjustment, audio volume control, sensor calibration, and programmable voltage references. The 10-pin MSOP footprint makes it well-suited for space-constrained PCB designs where a mechanical potentiometer cannot be used.
When designing with this device, ensure the wiper current stays within the absolute maximum rating of 6 mA and place 0.1 µF bypass capacitors close to VDD to minimize digital noise coupling into the analog resistor ladder. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in ADI alternatives, and practical design guidance not collected in any single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for AD5162BRMZ10 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
AD5162BRMZ100
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5162BRMZ50
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5162BRMZ2.5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5172BRMZ10-RL7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5162BRMZ10 Specifications
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| End-to-End Resistance | 10 kΩ |
| Number of Taps | 256 |
| Tap Resolution | 8-bit (256 positions) |
| Interface | 3-Wire SPI (Chip Select, Clock, Data-In) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Resistor Tolerance | ±20% (typical absolute, per datasheet) |
| Temperature Coefficient | 50 ppm/°C (typical) |
| Wiper Resistance | 50 Ω (typical) |
| Maximum Wiper Current | 6 mA per channel |
| Settling Time | 5 µs (typical, on power-up) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C |
| Package | 10-pin MSOP (RM-10), 3.0 mm × 4.9 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
AD5162BRMZ10 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | A1 — Channel 1 terminal A (resistor ladder end) |
| Pin 2 | W1 — Channel 1 wiper |
| Pin 3 | B1 — Channel 1 terminal B (resistor ladder end) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | CS — SPI chip-select (active low) |
| Pin 6 | CLK — SPI serial clock |
| Pin 7 | SDI — SPI serial data input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (2.7 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 9 | B2 — Channel 2 terminal B |
| Pin 10 | W2/A2 — Channel 2 wiper (also serves as A2 per datasheet pinout) |
Typical Applications
AD5162BRMZ10 is suitable for 6 applications: Programmable Gain Amplifier, LCD Display Contrast Adjustment, Audio Volume and Balance Control, Sensor Calibration and Trimming, Programmable Voltage Reference, Industrial Process Control Setpoints.
Programmable Gain Amplifier
The AD5162BRMZ10 is well matched to programmable gain amplifier (PGA) front ends where two channels are needed for differential signal conditioning. With 256 taps and 10 kΩ end-to-end, each wiper step changes the feedback resistor by about 39 Ω, enabling 8-bit gain resolution when paired with a low-offset op-amp such as the ADA4522. The dual independent channels simplify balanced audio and instrumentation designs that previously required matched discrete resistor networks. SPI control allows the host microcontroller to recalibrate gain at runtime, eliminating manual trim pots and improving manufacturability. For best linearity, keep the wiper current below 1 mA and operate within 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply.
Recommended
LCD Display Contrast Adjustment
The AD5162BRMZ10 provides software-controlled contrast adjustment for character and graphic LCD modules that use a V0 bias voltage. One channel sets the V0 rail through a voltage divider while the second channel can be reserved for backlight dimming or temperature compensation. The 256-tap resolution produces approximately 0.4% steps across the contrast range, giving the host processor fine control without a mechanical trim pot. Since LCD bias networks draw only microamps, the 6 mA wiper current rating is never a concern. The compact 10-pin MSOP footprint suits the tight pitch constraints of handheld instruments and POS terminals.
Recommended
Audio Volume and Balance Control
In line-level audio paths and headphone amplifiers, the AD5162BRMZ10 delivers logarithmic-feel volume control with 0.4 dB step resolution when the host maps the 256 taps through a dB lookup table. Channel 1 drives the left gain and channel 2 the right gain, providing balanced stereo control from a single SPI bus. The 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient keeps channel-to-channel tracking stable across operating temperatures, preserving stereo imaging. Because the DigiPOT draws only microamps from the wiper node, it introduces negligible THD+N into the audio path. For high-fidelity paths requiring finer resolution, cascade two AD5162 channels or upgrade to the AD5172 with OTP memory.
Recommended
Sensor Calibration and Trimming
The AD5162BRMZ10 is widely used for field and factory calibration of analog sensor signal chains, including strain-gauge bridges, RTD front ends, and pressure transducers. One channel trims the sensor offset while the second adjusts the gain, allowing a single 10-pin MSOP device to replace two multi-turn mechanical pots. The SPI interface lets a host controller perform closed-loop calibration at production test, recording the optimal tap positions in EEPROM for instant recall at next power-up. The 50 Ω wiper resistance contributes minimal error in high-impedance sensor chains, and the 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range matches both 3.3 V and 5 V sensor platforms.
Recommended
Programmable Voltage Reference
Engineers use the AD5162BRMZ10 to build adjustable voltage references by buffering the wiper node with a precision op-amp. Channel 1 sets the coarse reference and channel 2 provides fine adjustment, allowing a 16-bit-equivalent effective resolution across a wide output range. Because the wiper output is ratiometric to VDD, the reference remains proportional to the system supply, which is ideal for ADC full-scale trimming. The 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient is acceptable for 12-bit and lower ADC references; for higher precision, place a low-drift Zener reference at the top of the divider. The 10-pin MSOP footprint simplifies integration into compact data-acquisition boards.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Setpoints
In PLC analog output modules and process controller front ends, the AD5162BRMZ10 delivers digital setpoint control for 4 mA to 20 mA current loops and 0 V to 10 V actuator drives. The dual channels allow independent adjustment of upper and lower setpoint thresholds, simplifying alarm-trip configuration without mechanical pots. The -40°C to +125°C operating range and robust CMOS design make the part suitable for industrial cabinets where temperature swings are common. SPI control integrates directly with industrial communication MCUs and protocol translators. The MSOP-10 footprint preserves board space for additional isolation and protection circuitry.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AD5162BRMZ10 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AD5162BRMZ100 | AD5162BRMZ50 | AD5162BRMZ2.5 | AD5172BRMZ10-RL7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 10-pin MSOP (RM-10) | 10-pin MSOP (RM-10) | 10-pin MSOP (RM-10) | 10-pin MSOP (RM-10) | 10-pin MSOP (RM-10) |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| End-to-End Resistance | 10 kΩ | 100 kΩ | 50 kΩ | 2.5 kΩ | 10 kΩ |
| Number of Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 | 256 |
| Interface | 3-Wire SPI | 3-Wire SPI | 3-Wire SPI | 3-Wire SPI | 3-Wire SPI |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Non-Volatile Memory | No | No | No | No | Yes (OTP) |
| 1ku Price (USD, as of 2026-10-06) | $1.69 | $1.69 | $1.69 | $1.69 | $2.10 |
Key Differentiators
- Dual 256-tap channels in compact 10-pin MSOP (vs MCP4261-103E/P (Microchip))
- No non-volatile memory - simple volatile wiper design (vs AD5172BRMZ10-RL7 (Analog Devices))
- Wide 2.7 V to 5.5 V single-supply operation (vs AD5162BRMZ100)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic bypass capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 8) and a 10 µF tantalum or polymer capacitor at the supply rail to suppress digital switching noise from the SPI interface. The AD5162 typically draws less than 15 µA quiescent current, but SPI clock edges at 25 MHz can inject switching transients that couple into the analog resistor ladder if VDD is not well decoupled. The 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range tolerates both 3.3 V and 5 V rails without level shifters.
Keep the wiper traces short and route them away from the SPI clock and data lines to prevent digital crosstalk into the analog signal path. The wiper node is high impedance at mid-scale, so any stray capacitance will slow settling. A ground guard ring around the A/B/W traces further reduces leakage on FR-4 boards. Avoid running high-current traces adjacent to the resistor ladder network, as the 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient can shift the absolute resistance by tens of ohms under thermal gradient.
Do not exceed the 6 mA maximum wiper current per channel - this is the most common failure mode in audio volume and LED dimming applications. If your design requires higher current, buffer the wiper with an op-amp or use the AD5162BRMZ2.5 (lower R) variant. Also note that device-to-device matching may vary by up to ±30% across process lots, so calibration at production is recommended when absolute resistance matters. Never apply voltages above VDD or below GND to any terminal pin, as the internal CMOS switches include ESD diodes that will forward-bias and latch the part.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed per ADI product page; REACH status not explicitly stated in retrieved data. Halogen-free status not retrieved. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AD5162-Q1 variant for automotive applications.
