MCP4641-104E/ST - 100kΩ Dual 7-Bit I2C Digital Potentiometer
MPN: MCP4641-104E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.4214 | $0.42 |
| 10 | $0.4 | $4.00 |
| 100 | $0.35 | $35.00 |
| 500 | $0.3 | $150.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.27 | $270.00 |
MCP4641-104E/ST Overview
A digital potentiometer is an active resistor-network IC whose wiper position is controlled through a digital interface instead of a mechanical shaft. The MCP4641 belongs to the digital potentiometer hierarchy, which combines resistor networks, wiper switches, EEPROM-backed configuration, and serial control into a compact surface-mount component. Its I2C interface allows a microcontroller or other host controller to change resistance settings while the circuit remains in operation.
The MCP4641-104E/ST provides 129 wiper positions, corresponding to 7-bit resolution and a 128-resistor network per channel. Its nominal end-to-end resistance is 100 kΩ with a resistance tolerance of ±20%, according to the verified manufacturer and distributor data. Non-volatile EEPROM storage preserves the last programmed wiper configuration, reducing repeated setup after power cycling when the host supports the device’s memory functions.
The MCP464X family is designed around an EEPROM-backed architecture and supports potentiometer or rheostat use. The device can therefore be placed in signal paths where software-adjustable attenuation, current-limits, threshold, or gain correction is useful. Its 14-TSSOP package is suitable for compact embedded control boards, although the narrow package requires careful PCB layout and pin-level soldering.
Typical applications include audio volume control, sensor signal conditioning, programmable amplifier gain, industrial control interfaces, and portable equipment where a microcontroller needs to trim analog parameters digitally. The I2C bus allows centralized control of both channels, while EEPROM retention simplifies deterministic power-up behavior.
For robust design, verify the I2C address and bus pull-up requirements in the manufacturer datasheet, confirm the electrical limits for the selected terminal and wiper configuration, and route analog resistor-network terminals away from high-current switching nodes. This page consolidates verified distributor specifications, practical application guidance, and available replacement information for engineers evaluating the MCP4641-104E/ST.
Drop-in alternatives for MCP4641-104E/ST — 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:
MCP4641T-104E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4641-103E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4641-502E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4661-104E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4542T-503E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCP4641-104E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Dual-channel non-volatile digital potentiometer |
| Number of Circuits | 2 |
| End-to-End Resistance | 100 kΩ |
| Number of Wiper Steps | 129 |
| Resolution | 7-bit |
| Control Interface | I2C |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Resistance Tolerance | ±20% |
| Non-Volatile Memory | EEPROM |
| Configuration | Potentiometer or rheostat |
| Resistor Network | 128 resistors per channel |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
MCP4641-104E/ST 14-pin tssop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCP4641-104E/ST (14-pin tssop package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for MCP4641-104E/ST.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCP4641-104E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Audio Volume Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Programmable Amplifier Gain, Industrial Control Interfaces, Portable Equipment Calibration, Programmable Voltage Divider.
Audio Volume Control
The MCP4641-104E/ST fits audio volume-control paths because its two 100 kΩ resistor networks provide 129 programmable wiper positions over an I2C bus. A host microcontroller can adjust the attenuation setting without a mechanical potentiometer, while EEPROM can preserve a preferred configuration. The designer should verify signal swing, source impedance, and wiper behavior against the datasheet, and keep the analog path away from noisy switching stages.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The device can implement programmable attenuation or threshold adjustment in sensor front ends where a fixed resistor is inconvenient. Its 7-bit, 129-step control gives the firmware a repeatable way to calibrate gain, compensate tolerances, or trim an analog input. The 100 kΩ network is useful when the source impedance is compatible with the resistor network, and the I2C interface allows adjustment during calibration without mechanical access.
Recommended
Programmable Amplifier Gain
MCP4641-104E/ST can serve as a digitally adjustable element in gain-setting or feedback networks when the amplifier design permits its resistance and capacitance characteristics. Two channels allow independent coarse and fine adjustment or coordinated gain calibration through I2C. Because the target is a 7-bit device, the resulting adjustment resolution depends on the surrounding circuit; verify resistor-network accuracy, wiper impedance, and amplifier stability in the final design.
Recommended
Industrial Control Interfaces
The MCP4641-104E/ST is suitable for industrial equipment that needs remote resistance adjustment, limit setting, or calibration over a control bus. Its 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range supports common embedded rails, and the I2C interface simplifies connection to a microcontroller. Industrial use still requires checking the manufacturer’s temperature limits, noise performance, and isolation requirements; those values were not included in the verified search data.
Recommended
Portable Equipment Calibration
The non-volatile MCP4641-104E/ST can store a wiper setting in EEPROM, which is useful in portable products where calibration values should survive power cycling. A low-power microcontroller can read or restore the configuration through I2C, reducing the need for user-accessible adjustment components. The design should include safe defaults, bus pull-ups, and recovery behavior if the controller resets before the calibration write completes.
Recommended
Programmable Voltage Divider
The MCP4641-104E/ST can replace a mechanical potentiometer in a voltage-divider network when the downstream circuit tolerates the resistor-network impedance and wiper behavior. Firmware can change the division ratio through I2C, which is helpful for range selection, test coverage, and adaptive control. Verify the input voltage range, leakage behavior, and maximum wiper current before using the part directly in a high-impedance divider.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCP4641-104E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCP4641T-104E/ST | MCP4641-103E/ST | MCP4641-502E/ST | MCP4661-104E/ST | MCP4542T-503E/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Interface | I2C | I2C | I2C | I2C | I2C | SPI |
Key Differentiators
- 100 kΩ dual-channel resistance value (vs MCP4641-103E/ST)
- 7-bit 129-step control resolution (vs MCP4661-104E/ST)
- I2C interface with non-volatile configuration (vs MCP4542T-503E/MF)
Design Notes
Keep the 14-TSSOP footprint and analog resistor-network traces away from high-current switching nodes. Route the two potentiometer channels separately when their signals are not intentionally related, and maintain a continuous ground reference beneath or near the device. Because exact pin names were not included in the verified data, use the manufacturer pinout rather than relying on package orientation assumptions.
Design the I2C bus with appropriate pull-up resistors and verify the pull-up voltage against the target system’s 3.3 V or 5 V logic level. The MCP4641-104E/ST is specified for 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply, but the complete system must also satisfy I2C rise-time, leakage, and logic thresholds. Check the manufacturer datasheet before selecting resistor values or bus capacitance.
Do not assume that all MCP4641 variants are interchangeable. The verified data distinguishes the 100 kΩ and 129-tap target from MCP4641-103E/ST, MCP4641-502E/ST, and MCP4661-104E/ST. Confirm resistance, step count, interface, memory behavior, package, and temperature requirements before substitution. For MCP4641T-104E/ST, also verify the ordering-code and qualification implications.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified search data identifies the manufacturer, device family, electrical values, interface, package, and pricing, but does not provide explicit RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations. Compliance should be confirmed from the current Microchip product documentation or supplier certificates.