256-Position One-Time Programmable
Dual-Channel I2C Digital Potentiometers
AD5172/AD5173
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAMS
FEATURES
A1
W1
B1
A2
W2
B2
2-channel, 256-position
OTP (one-time programmable) set-and-forget resistance
setting, low cost alternative to EEMEM
Unlimited adjustments prior to OTP activation
OTP overwrite allows dynamic adjustments with user
defined preset
End-to-end resistance: 2.5 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 50 kΩ, 100 kΩ
Compact MSOP-10 (3 mm × 4.9 mm) package
Fast settling time: tS = 5 µs typ in power-up
Full read/write of wiper register
FUSE
LINKS
V
DD
1
2
RDAC
RDAC
REGISTER 2
GND
REGISTER 1
Power-on preset to midscale
8
Extra package address decode pins AD0 and AD1 (AD5173)
Single supply 2.7 V to 5.5 V
SDA
SCL
SERIAL INPUT
REGISTER
Low temperature coefficient: 35 ppm/°C
Low power, IDD = 6 µA max
Figure 1. AD5172
Wide operating temperature: –40°C to +125°C
Evaluation board and software are available
Software replaces µC in factory programming applications
W1
B1
W2
B2
APPLICATIONS
Systems calibration
Electronics level setting
FUSE
LINKS
V
DD
1
2
Mechanical Trimmers® replacement in new designs
Permanent factory PCB setting
Transducer adjustment of pressure, temperature, position,
chemical, and optical sensors
RF amplifier biasing
RDAC
REGISTER 1
RDAC
REGISTER 2
GND
AD0
AD1
ADDRESS
DECODE
8
Automotive electronics adjustment
Gain control and offset adjustment
SDA
SCL
SERIAL INPUT
REGISTER
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Figure 2. AD5173
The AD5172/AD5173 are dual channel, 256-position, one-time
programmable (OTP) digital potentiometers1 that employ fuse
link technology to achieve memory retention of resistance
setting. OTP is a cost-effective alternative to EEMEM for users
who do not need to program the digital potentiometer setting in
memory more than once. This device performs the same elec-
tronic adjustment function as mechanical potentiometers or
variable resistors with enhanced resolution, solid-state reliabil-
ity, and superior low temperature coefficient performance.
Unlike traditional OTP digital potentiometers, the AD5172/
AD5173 have a unique temporary OTP overwrite feature that
allows for new adjustments even after the fuse has been blown.
However, the OTP setting is restored during subsequent power-
up conditions. This feature allows users to treat these digital
potentiometers as volatile potentiometers with a programmable
preset.
For applications that program the AD5172/AD5173 at the
factory, Analog Devices offers device programming software
running on Windows® NT®, 2000, and XP® operating systems.
This software effectively replaces any external I2C controllers,
thus enhancing the time-to-market of the user’s systems.
The AD5172/AD5173 are programmed using a 2-wire, I2C
compatible digital interface. Unlimited adjustments are allowed
before permanently setting the resistance value. During OTP
activation, a permanent blow fuse command freezes the wiper
position (analogous to placing epoxy on a mechanical trimmer).
1The terms digital potentiometer, VR, and RDAC are used interchangeably.
Rev. A
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Specifications subject to change without notice. No license is granted by implication
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