New DPP ICs from On Semiconductor

The CAT5270 and CAT5271 are dual channel digital potentiometers with 256 resistor taps for fine resolution adjustment and an I2C-compatible interface for maximum interoperability. The new DPPs feature a volatile wiper register making them suitable for applications using an mcu with on chip memory for wiper recall, or for systems that do not require memory. They have been designed to provide a low noise and space saving alternative to mechanical potentiometers with the added features of immunity to dust / dirt contamination and vibration. The CAT5270 allows microprocessor control of up to 16 devices from a single bus, while the CAT5271 offers a single, fixed address. Both devices are available with end to end resistance options of 50 and 100kO and can be used as a potentiometer or as a 2 terminal, variable rheostat. The volatile wiper register for both devices is set to midscale on power up. According to On Semiconductor, the CAT5270 and CAT5271 are insensitive to mechanical vibrations, shock, oxidation, dust, dirt and other contamination and are smaller than mechanical potentiometers.