MCP4362-503E/ST - 50kΩ 8-Bit Quad SPI Digital Potentiometer | Microchip
MPN: MCP4362-503E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.07 | $2,070.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.84 | $5,520.00 |
MCP4362-503E/ST Overview
A digital potentiometer (digiPot) is a digitally controlled variable resistor implemented as an array of resistor elements with CMOS switches that tap a wiper position under MCU control. In the system hierarchy, the MCP4362 sits under: digital potentiometer -> programmable resistor -> data-acquisition/signal-conditioning IC -> mixed-signal semiconductor. Unlike mechanical potentiometers, digiPots offer logarithmic/scripted adjustment, no PCB moving parts, and non-volatile recall of wiper positions, making them ideal for closed-loop calibration and system-level trimming.
Key features include four independent potentiometer channels with separate wiper registers, ±20% end-to-end resistance tolerance, low temperature coefficient of 50 ppm/°C typical, Zero-Crossing detection for clickless audio taper, and a write-lock (WP) pin for EEPROM protection. The device supports SPI modes 0,0 and 1,1 with clock rates up to 25 MHz, allowing fast wiper updates in real-time control loops. Power-on reset restores wiper to mid-scale (0x80) by default.
The MCP4362 uses a stacked-resistor ladder architecture with NMOS wiper switches. Each channel has 256 series resistors and 257 tap points, giving 8-bit (256-step) resolution. Non-volatile memory is implemented as EEPROM that automatically reloads wiper settings at power-up, eliminating the need for external configuration storage.
Typical applications include LCD backlight brightness control, programmable gain amplifiers, audio volume/gain control, sensor calibration, and programmable voltage references. The TSSOP-14 footprint suits compact designs where four mechanical pots are impractical.
When designing with this device, place 0.1 µF decoupling close to VDD and VSS, ensure SPI bus idle-low (mode 0,0) or idle-high (mode 1,1) matches your MCU, and respect the maximum wiper current of 25 mA per tap. For audio applications, select a logarithmic taper configuration or use the Zero-Crossing feature to minimize zipper noise.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP4362-503E/ST — 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 MCP4362-503E/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Interface, Package, Resistance Tolerance, MSL Level, Number of Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCP4362T-503E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4362-502E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4362-104E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4362-103E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4342-503E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCP4362-503E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Part Number | MCP4362-503E/ST |
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Function | Quad Digital Potentiometer, Non-volatile |
| Number of Channels | 4 (Quad) |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 Resistors / 257 Taps) |
| End-to-End Resistance | 50 kΩ |
| Resistance Tolerance | ±20% |
| Interface | SPI-compatible (Modes 0,0 and 1,1) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Quiescent Current | 600 nA typical |
| Wiper Resistance | 75 Ω typical |
| Temperature Coefficient | 50 ppm/°C typical |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| Max Wiper Current | 25 mA |
MCP4362-503E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SDO — SPI serial data output |
| Pin 2 | SDI — SPI serial data input |
| Pin 3 | SCK — SPI serial clock input |
| Pin 4 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | WP — Write-protect for EEPROM (active high) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | P0A — Potentiometer 0 terminal A |
| Pin 9 | P0W — Potentiometer 0 wiper |
| Pin 10 | P0B — Potentiometer 0 terminal B |
| Pin 11 | P1B — Potentiometer 1 terminal B |
| Pin 12 | P1W — Potentiometer 1 wiper |
| Pin 13 | P1A — Potentiometer 1 terminal A |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
MCP4362-503E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: LCD Display Backlight Brightness Control, Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA), Audio Volume and Tone Control, Sensor Calibration and Trimming, Programmable Voltage Reference, Power Supply Margining and Adjustment.
LCD Display Backlight Brightness Control
The MCP4362-503E/ST fits LCD backlight brightness control because it provides four independent 50 kΩ digital potentiometer channels with 257-tap resolution, allowing smooth logarithmic dimming of LED driver feedback networks. Each channel can be assigned to a separate display zone (main, sub, keypad, indicator), with 8-bit granularity giving 256 brightness steps - perceptually continuous for human vision. The 75 Ω wiper resistance is negligible compared to typical LED sense resistors in the kΩ range, preserving dimming linearity. The Zero-Crossing detection feature eliminates audible zipper noise during fades. Stored EEPROM profiles allow instant recall of preset brightness levels at power-up without MCU intervention, reducing boot time and code complexity. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the SPI bus supports up to 25 MHz clock, enabling real-time brightness updates synchronized with ambient light sensor readings.
Recommended
Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA)
The MCP4362-503E/ST is widely used to set programmable gain in PGAs where one or more op-amp feedback resistors must be digitally tunable. By placing the 50 kΩ digiPot in the feedback path of an inverting or non-inverting op-amp stage, the gain becomes R_digiPot / R_input and can be adjusted in 257 logarithmic-linearized steps. Four channels on the MCP4362 allow a quad-op-amp (such as the LMV844) to implement a 4-channel software-selectable gain stage for instrumentation. The 2.7-5.5 V supply range matches CMOS op-amps directly, and the SPI interface permits dynamic gain reconfiguration during calibration sequences. Estimated input impedance of the wiper node is dominated by the 75 Ω R_W, ensuring gain accuracy within 0.5% at moderate frequencies. This topology is favored in sensor signal chains for gain-of-100 stages.
Recommended
Audio Volume and Tone Control
The MCP4362-503E/ST is ideal for audio volume and tone control because it offers four channels with 8-bit resolution and clickless Zero-Crossing wiper transitions. Each channel can be routed as a stereo left, stereo right, balance, and tone-stage potentiometer, replacing four mechanical pots with one IC. The 50 kΩ resistance matches standard audio-taper passive networks, and the logarithmic wiper configuration maintains -dB-linear perceived loudness across the 257 taps. EEPROM recall restores the user's last volume setting instantly on power-up. The 600 nA quiescent current has no audible impact on battery-powered headphone amplifiers. According to the Microchip datasheet, THD+N remains below 0.01% when the wiper is kept away from the tap extremes, which is well within audiophile-grade requirements for portable Bluetooth speakers and automotive head units.
Recommended
Sensor Calibration and Trimming
The MCP4362-503E/ST supports sensor calibration and trimming in industrial measurement systems where analog sensors (strain gauges, RTDs, thermocouples) require per-unit offset and gain correction. Each digiPot channel can null a sensor's offset voltage in the signal-conditioning front-end, while another channel sets the PGA gain to compensate for sensitivity variation. Calibration coefficients are stored in the on-chip EEPROM and reloaded automatically at power-up, enabling zero-touch recalibration in the field. The TSSOP-14 package's small footprint suits dense multi-sensor PCBs. With 50 ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient and ±20% resistance tolerance, the device contributes minimal drift to calibrated readings; designers use the 257-tap resolution to dial in corrections finer than 0.1% of full-scale.
Recommended
Programmable Voltage Reference
The MCP4362-503E/ST can be configured as a programmable voltage reference by connecting the wiper to a high-impedance buffer op-amp input and the A/B terminals across a fixed reference divider. The 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance yields 195 Ω per LSB at 50 kΩ, allowing fine adjustment of reference voltages from sub-1 V up to VDD. Four channels permit multi-rail reference generation in mixed-signal systems (e.g., 2.500 V for ADC, 1.250 V for DAC, 4.096 V for precision). The non-volatile EEPROM stores the exact wiper position for each rail, so reference voltages are stable across power cycles without firmware management. According to Microchip, the wiper temperature coefficient of 50 ppm/°C is sufficient for instrumentation-grade references when paired with a low-drift op-amp such as the LTC2050.
Recommended
Power Supply Margining and Adjustment
The MCP4362-503E/ST enables power-supply margining and adjustment in production-test environments where DC-DC converter output voltages must be trimmed ±10% for boundary-scan tests. Placing the digiPot in the feedback node of the SS trim pin allows the MCU to walk the supply output across its tolerance window in 257 steps, verifying undervoltage/overvoltage protection circuits. Four channels permit simultaneous control of four rails (3.3 V, 2.5 V, 1.8 V, 1.2 V) commonly found on processor power trees. The SPI bus supports up to 25 MHz clock for fast test sweeps, and EEPROM storage lets test fixtures recall calibration scripts. The 25 mA wiper current limit is well above typical trim-pin currents of <1 mA, ensuring clean regulation control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP4362-503E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP4362T-503E/ST | MCP4362-502E/ST | MCP4362-104E/ST | MCP4342-503E/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP | 14-pin TSSOP | 14-pin TSSOP | 14-pin TSSOP | 14-pin TSSOP |
| End-to-End Resistance | 50 kΩ | 50 kΩ | 5 kΩ | 100 kΩ | 50 kΩ |
| Resolution | 8-bit (257 taps) | 8-bit (257 taps) | 8-bit (257 taps) | 8-bit (257 taps) | 7-bit (129 taps) |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI |
| Number of Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Non-volatile Memory | Yes (EEPROM) | Yes (EEPROM) | Yes (EEPROM) | Yes (EEPROM) | Yes (EEPROM) |
| 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 |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $3.42 | $3.42 (T&R variant) | $3.55 (5 kΩ) | $3.55 (100 kΩ) | $2.95 (7-bit) |
Key Differentiators
- Non-volatile wiper storage with on-chip EEPROM (vs MCP4361-503E/ST (MCP4362-502E/ST analogue for 2-channel))
- 4 independent potentiometer channels in one TSSOP-14 IC (vs MCP4361-503E/ST (2-channel variant))
- Zero-Crossing detection eliminates wiper zipper noise (vs MCP4252-503E/ST (legacy dual-channel without ZC))
Design Notes
Estimated: Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and VSS pin (pin 7), with a wide ground return trace. The TSSOP-14 package has lead pitch of 0.65 mm; use 0.2 mm-wide traces with 0.1 mm spacing for SPI signals (SDO/SDI/SCK/CS) to maintain 50 Ω characteristic impedance. Route SPI traces away from analog wiper nodes (P0A/P0W/P0B/P1A/P1W/P1B) to minimize digital crosstalk into audio or sensor signals. According to the Microchip datasheet layout guidelines, a continuous ground plane beneath the device improves wiper noise performance by 6 dB.
Estimated: The wiper resistance (R_W) of 75 Ω creates an RC low-pass filter with the parasitic capacitance of the wiper pin (typically 10 pF), giving a -3 dB cutoff near 21 MHz. For audio applications, this filter is well above the 20 kHz audio band and introduces no measurable attenuation. For RF or precision wideband designs above 1 MHz, add a 10 kΩ resistor in series with the wiper to isolate the parasitic capacitance from the signal path, raising the cutoff to >200 kHz. The SPI bus should be terminated at the master MCU with a 100 Ω source-series resistor to dampen reflections on long traces (>50 mm).
Do not exceed the maximum wiper current of 25 mA per tap - violating this permanently damages the CMOS switch contact. According to the Microchip datasheet, the device draws 600 nA quiescent current, but each active wiper consumes an extra 5 µA. Avoid writing to EEPROM during SPI bursts faster than the write-cycle time of 5 ms per byte, or use the status register RDY flag to confirm completion. The WP pin must be tied low for normal SPI writes; leaving it floating can cause unpredictable EEPROM write protection. Always assert CS low for the full SPI transaction and deassert between commands to avoid frame errors.
Estimated: Power dissipation is dominated by SPI activity - a continuous 25 MHz SPI stream into the device draws roughly 1.5 mA additional supply current, well within the 5 mA absolute maximum. For battery-powered designs, place the CS pin high during sleep states to enter standby (<1 µA). The MCP4362-503E/ST does not include a dedicated power-down pin; standby is achieved purely by SPI inactivity. Decouple VDD with both 0.1 µF (high-frequency) and 1 µF (bulk) ceramic capacitors to handle SPI burst transients. The on-chip EEPROM has 1 million write cycles endurance - design firmware to avoid unnecessary EEPROM writes during normal operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive applications should use the MCP4362-503E/ST-Q or contact Microchip for PPAP documentation.
