Rev 0; 4/05
Triple NV Low Step Size Variable
Resistor Plus Memory
General Description
Features
♦ Three Programmable Resistors for Low Step-Size
The DS3906 is intended for low resistance, small step-
size applications. It contains three nonvolatile (NV), low-
temperature coefficient, variable digital resistors that
are capable of ohm and subohm increments when
used in parallel with a fixed external resistor. All three of
the DS3906’s resistors have 64 positions (plus a high-Z
state) with a pseudo-log response cleverly chosen to
have a linear equivalent resistance when paired with an
external resistor (see graphs below). The DS3906 also
contains 16 bytes of user EEPROM that, in addition to
the resistors, are controlled through an I2C™-compati-
ble serial interface. Three address pins allow up to
eight DS3906s to be placed on the same I2C bus.
Applications (Ohm and Subohm)
♦ Resistor Settings are NV
♦ 16-Byte NV User Memory (EEPROM)
2
♦ I C-Compatible Serial Interface
♦ Up to 8 Devices Can be Multidropped on the
2
Same I C Bus
♦ Low Power Consumption
♦ Wide Operating Voltage (2.7V to 5.5V)
♦ Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
Ordering Information
The DS3906 can also be factory cutomized to provide a
variety of transfer functions depending on user
requirements. Contact mixedsignal.apps@dalsemi.com
for additional information.
PART
DS3906U
DS3906U+
TEMP RANGE
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
PACKAGE
10-Pin µSOP
10-Pin µSOP
+Denotes lead-free package.
Add “/T&R” for Tape-and-Reel orders
Applications
Low Ohm, Fine Resolution Driver Control for LED
Display Panels
Pin Configuration
TOP VEIW
Low Ohm, Fine Resolution Instrumentation Control
A1
1
2
3
4
5
10 A2
SDA
9
8
7
6
A0
H0
H1
H2
SCL
DS3906
V
CC
Typical Operating Circuit appears at end of data sheet.
GND
10-PIN µSOP
Resistor Plots
RESISTOR 0 AND 1 RESISTANCE vs. POSITION
(WITH AND WITHOUT EXTERNAL RESISTOR)
RESISTOR 2 RESISTANCE vs. POSITION
(WITH AND WITHOUT EXTERNAL RESISTOR)
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
3000
2500
2000
1500
100
500
20
350
1600
R0
R1
R2
R
R
R
EXT0
EXT1
EXT2
R || (R = 400Ω)
2
EXT
300
250
200
150
100
50
1400
1200
1000
800
R || (R = 310Ω)
2
EXT
R
|| (R = 150Ω)
EXT
0, 1
R
0, 1
|| (R = 105Ω)
EXT
DS3906
R || (R = 250Ω)
2
EXT
R
0, 1
|| (R = 50Ω)
EXT
60
R WITHOUT R
2
EXT
40
600
20
R
WITHOUT R
48
0, 1
EXT
0
0
0
400
0
16
32
64
0
16
32
48
64
RESISTOR POSITION (dec)
RESISTOR POSITION (dec)
2
2
I C is a trademark of Philips Corp. Purchase of I C components of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., or one of its sublicensed
2
2
Associated Companies, conveys a license under the Philips I C Patent Rights to use these components in an I C system, provided
that the system conforms to the I C Standard Specification as defined by Philips Corp.
2
______________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.