19-3379; Rev 5; 11/11
Dual, 256-Tap, Nonvolatile,
I2C-Interface, Digital Potentiometers
8/MAX5479
General Description
Features
The MAX5477/MAX5478/MAX5479 nonvolatile, dual,
linear-taper, digital potentiometers perform the function
of a mechanical potentiometer, but replace the
mechanics with a simple 2-wire digital interface. Each
device performs the same function as a discrete poten-
tiometer or variable resistor and has 256 tap points.
o Power-On Recall of Wiper Position from
Nonvolatile Memory
o EEPROM Write Protection
o Tiny 3mm x 3mm x 0.8mm Thin QFN Package
o 70ppm/°C End-to-End Resistance Temperature
Coefficient
The devices feature an internal, nonvolatile EEPROM
used to store the wiper position for initialization during
power-up. A write-protect feature prevents accidental
overwrites of the EEPROM. The fast-mode I2C-compati-
ble serial interface allows communication at data rates
up to 400kbps, minimizing board space and reducing
interconnection complexity in many applications. Three
address inputs allow a total of eight unique address
combinations.
o 10ppm/°C Ratiometric Temperature Coefficient
o Fast 400kbps I C-Compatible Serial Interface
2
o 1µA (max) Static Supply Current
o Single-Supply Operation: +2.7V to +5.25V
o 256 Tap Positions per Potentiometer
o
0.5 LSB DNL in Voltage-Divider Mode
1 LSB INL in Voltage-Divider Mode
o
The MAX5477/MAX5478/MAX5479 provide three nomi-
nal resistance values: 10kΩ (MAX5477), 50kΩ
(MAX5478), or 100kΩ (MAX5479). The nominal resistor
temperature coefficient is 70ppm/°C end-to-end and
10ppm/°C ratiometric. The low temperature coefficient
makes the devices ideal for applications requiring a low-
temperature-coefficient variable resistor, such as low-
drift, programmable gain-amplifier circuit configurations.
Functional Diagram
HA
V
DD
8-BIT
SHIFT
REGISTER
256
POSITION
DECODER
8
8
8
256
256
16-BIT
LATCH
GND
WA
The MAX5477/MAX5478/MAX5479 are available in 16-
pin 3mm x 3mm x 0.8mm TQFN and 14-pin 4.4mm x
5mm TSSOP packages. These devices operate over
the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range.
POR
LA
16-BIT
NV
MEMORY
SDA
SCL
WP
HB
I2C
INTERFACE
256
POSITION
DECODER
WB
LB
Applications
Mechanical Potentiometer Replacement
Low-Drift Programmable-Gain Amplifiers
Volume Control
MAX5477
MAX5478
MAX5479
A0
A1
A2
Pin Configurations appear at end of data sheet.
Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) Contrast Control
Ordering Information/Selector Guide
END-TO-END
RESISTANCE (kꢀ)
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
TOP MARK
MAX5477ETE+T
MAX5477EUD+
MAX5478ETE+T
MAX5478EUD+
MAX5479ETE+T
MAX5479EUD+
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
16 TQFN-EP*
14 TSSOP
10
10
ABO
—
16 TQFN-EP*
14 TSSOP
50
ABP
—
50
16 TQFN-EP*
14 TSSOP
100
100
ABQ
—
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
T = Tape and reel.
*EP = Exposed pad.
________________________________________________________________ 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.