AVAILABLE
Functional Diagrams
Pin Configurations appear at end of data sheet.
Functional Diagrams continued at end of data sheet.
UCSP is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
General Description
The MAX5481–MAX5484 10-bit (1024-tap) nonvolatile,
linear-taper, programmable voltage-dividers and vari-
able resistors perform the function of a mechanical
potentiometer, but replace the mechanics with a pin-
configurable 3-wire serial SPI™-compatible interface or
up/down digital interface. The MAX5481/MAX5482 are
3-terminal voltage-dividers and the MAX5483/MAX5484
are 2-terminal variable resistors.
The MAX5481–MAX5484 feature an internal, non-
volatile, electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory (EEPROM) that stores the wiper position for ini-
tialization during power-up. The 3-wire SPI-compatible
serial interface allows communication at data rates up
to 7MHz. A pin-selectable up/down digital interface is
also available.
The MAX5481–MAX5484 are ideal for applications
requiring digitally controlled potentiometers. Two end-to-
end resistance values are available (10kΩand 50kΩ) in a
voltage-divider or a variable-resistor configuration (see
the
Selector Guide
). The nominal resistor temperature
coefficient is 35ppm/°C end-to-end, and only 5ppm/°C
ratiometric, making these devices ideal for applications
requiring low-temperature-coefficient voltage-dividers,
such as low-drift, programmable gain-amplifiers.
The MAX5481–MAX5484 operate with either a +2.7V to
+5.25V single power supply or ±2.5V dual power sup-
plies. These devices consume 400µA (max) of supply
current when writing data to the nonvolatile memory
and 1.0µA (max) of standby supply current. The
MAX5481–MAX5484 are available in a space-saving
(3mm x 3mm), 16-pin TQFN, or a 14-pin TSSOP pack-
age and are specified over the extended (-40°C to
+85°C) temperature range.
Applications
Features
♦1024 Tap Positions
♦Power-On Recall of Wiper Position from
Nonvolatile Memory
♦16-Pin (3mm x 3mm x 0.8mm) TQFN or 14-Pin
TSSOP Package
♦35ppm/°C End-to-End Resistance Temperature
Coefficient
♦5ppm/°C Ratiometric Temperature Coefficient
♦10kΩ and 50kΩ End-to-End Resistor Values
♦Pin-Selectable SPI-Compatible Serial Interface or
Up/Down Digital Interface
♦1µA (max) Standby Current
♦Single +2.7V to +5.25V Supply Operation
♦Dual ±2.5V Supply Operation
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Ordering Information
16
15
14
13
VSS
N.C.
VDD
GND
9
101112
SPI/UD
DIN(U/D)
SCLK(INC)
CS
4321
N.C.
L
W
H
5
+
+
**EP
*EP
6
7
8
N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
VSS
INTERFACE
TOP VIEW
TQFN
*SEE FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM
**CONNECT EXPOSED PAD TO VSS
*CONNECT EXPOSED PAD TO VSS
16
15
14
13
VSS
N.C.
VDD
GND
9
101112
SPI/UD
DIN(U/D)
SCLK(INC)
CS
4321
N.C.
L
W
D.N.C.
5
6
7
8
N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
VSS
MAX5483
MAX5484
INTERFACE
TQFN
MAX5481*
MAX5482*
Pin Configurations
PART PIN-PACKAGE TOP MARK
MAX5481ETE+ 16 TQFN-EP* ACP
MAX5481EUD+ 14 TSSOP —
Selector Guide appears at end of data sheet.
SPI is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
Note: All devices are specified over the -40°C to +85°C operating
temperature range.
+
Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*
EP = Exposed pad.
Ordering Information continued at end of data sheet.
Pin Configurations continued at end of data sheet.
Gain and Offset
Adjustment
LCD Contrast Adjustment
Pressure Sensors
Low-Drift Programmable
Gain Amplifiers
Mechanical Potentiometer
Replacement
MAX5481–MAX5484
19-3708; Rev 5; 4/10
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
VDD to GND...........................................................-0.3V to +6.0V
VSS to GND............................................................-3.5V to +0.3V
VDD to VSS .............................................................-0.3V to +6.0V
H, L, W to VSS ..................................(VSS - 0.3V) to (VDD + 0.3V)
CS, SCLK(INC), DIN(U/D), SPI/UD to GND ..-0.3V to (VDD + 0.3V)
Maximum Continuous Current into H, L, and W
MAX5481/MAX5483.........................................................±5mA
MAX5482/MAX5484......................................................±1.0mA
Maximum Current into Any Other Pin ...............................±50mA
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA= +70°C)
16-Pin TQFN (derate 17.5mW/°C above +70°C) .....1398.6mW
14-Pin TSSOP (derate 9.1mW/°C above +70°C) ..........727mW
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-60°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Soldering Temperature (reflow) .......................................+260°C
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VDD = +2.7V to +5.25V, VSS = VGND = 0V, VH= VDD, VL= 0V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
VDD = +5.0V, TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
DC PERFORMANCE (MAX5481/MAX5482 programmable voltage-divider)
Resolution N 10 Bits
VDD = +2.7V ±2
Integral Nonlinearity (Note 2) INL VDD = +5V ±2 LSB
VDD = +2.7V ±1
Differential Nonlinearity (Note 2) DNL VDD = +5V ±1 LSB
End-to-End Resistance
Temperature Coefficient TCR35 ppm/°C
Ratiometric Resistance
Temperature Coefficient 5 ppm/°C
MAX5481 -4 -2.5 0
Full-Scale Error FSE MAX5482 -4 -0.75 0 LSB
MAX5481 0 +3.3 +5
Zero-Scale Error ZSE MAX5482 0 +1.45 +5 LSB
MAX5481 7.5 10 12.5
End-to-End Resistance RH-L MAX5482 37.5 50 62.5 kΩ
Wiper Capacitance CW60 pF
MAX5481 6.3
Resistance from W to L and H
W at code = 15, H and L
shorted to VSS, measure
resistance from W to H, Figures
1 and 2 MAX5482 25
kΩ
DC PERFORMANCE (MAX5483/MAX5484 variable resistor)
Resolution N 10 Bits
VDD = +2.7V -1.6
VDD = +3V -4 -1.4 +4Integral Nonlinearity (Note 3) INL_R
VDD = +5V -4 -1.3 +4
LSB
VDD = +2.7V +0.45
VDD = +3V -1 +0.4 +1Differential Nonlinearity (Note 3) DNL_R
VDD = +5V -1 +0.35 +1
LSB
Variable-Resistor Temperature
Coefficient TCVR VDD = +3V to +5.25V; code = 128 to 1024 35 ppm/°C
MAX5481–MAX5484
2
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VDD = +2.7V to +5.25V, VSS = VGND = 0V, VH= VDD, VL= 0V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
VDD = +5.0V, TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
MAX5483 7.5 10 12.5 kΩ
Full-Scale Wiper-to-End
Resistance RW-L MAX5484 37.5 50 62.5 kΩ
MAX5483 70
Zero-Scale Resistor Error RZCode = 0 MAX5484 110 Ω
Wiper Resistance RWVDD ≥ +3V (Note 4) 50 Ω
Wiper Capacitance CW60 pF
DIGITAL INPUTS (CS, SCLK(INC), DIN(U/D), SPI/UD) (Note 5)
VDD = +3.6V to
+5.25V 2.4
Single-supply operation VDD = +2.7V to
+3.6V
0.7 x
VDD
Input-High Voltage VIH
Dual-supply operation VDD = +2.5V, VSS
= -2.5V 2.0
V
Single-supply operation VDD = +2.7V to
+5.25V 0.8
Input-Low Voltage VIL
Dual-supply operation VDD = +2.5V, VSS
= -2.5V 0.6
V
Input Leakage Current IIN ±1 µA
Input Capacitance CIN 5pF
DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS
MAX5481 250
Wiper -3dB Bandwidth Wiper at code = 01111
01111, CLW = 10pF MAX5482 50 kHz
MAX5481 0.026
Total Harmonic Distortion THD
VDD = +3V, wiper at
code = 01111 01111,
1VRMS at 10kHz is
applied at H, 10pF
load on W MAX5482 0.03
%
NONVOLATILE MEMORY RELIABILITY
Data Retention TA = +85°C 50 Years
TA = +25°C 200,000
Endurance TA = +85°C 50,000 Stores
POWER SUPPLY
Single-Supply Voltage VDD VSS = VGND = 0V 2.70 5.25 V
VDD VGND = 0V 2.50 5.25
Dual-Supply Voltage VSS VDD - VSS ≤ +5.25V -2.5 -0.2 V
Average Programming Current IPG During nonvolatile write; digital inputs =
VDD or GND 220 400 µA
Peak Programming Current During nonvolatile write only; digital inputs
= VDD or GND 4mA
Standby Current IDD Digital inputs = VDD or GND, TA = +25°C 0.6 1 µA
MAX5481–MAX5484
3
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
TIMING CHARACTERISTICS
(VDD = +2.7V to +5.25V, VSS = VGND = 0V, VH= VDD, VL= 0V, TA= -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at
VDD = +5.0V, TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
ANALOG SECTION
MAX5481 5
Wiper Settling Time (Note 6) tSMAX5482 22 µs
SPI-COMPATIBLE SERIAL INTERFACE (Figure 3)
SCLK Frequency fSCLK 7 MHz
SCLK Clock Period tCP 140 ns
SCLK Pulse-Width High tCH 60 ns
SCLK Pulse-Width Low tCL 60 ns
CS Fall to SCLK Rise Setup tCSS 60 ns
SCLK Rise to CS Rise Hold tCSH 0ns
DIN to SCLK Setup tDS 40 ns
DIN Hold after SCLK tDH 0ns
SCLK Rise to CS Fall Delay tCS0 15 ns
CS Rise to SCLK Rise Hold tCS1 60 ns
CS Pulse-Width High tCSW 150 ns
Write NV Register Busy Time tBUSY 12 ms
UP/DOWN DIGITAL INTERFACE (Figure 8)
CS to INC Setup tCI 25 ns
INC High to U/D Change tID 20 ns
U/D to INC Setup tDI 25 ns
INC Low Period tIL 25 ns
INC High Period tIH 25 ns
INC Inactive to CS Inactive tIC 50 ns
CS Deselect Time (Store) tCPH 50 ns
INC Cycle Time tCYC 50 ns
INC Active to CS Inactive tIK 50 ns
Wiper Store Cycle tWSC 12 ms
Note 1: 100% production tested at TA= +25°C and TA= +85°C. Guaranteed by design to TA= -40°C.
Note 2: The DNL and INL are measured with the device configured as a voltage-divider with H = VDD and L = VSS. The wiper termi-
nal (W) is unloaded and measured with a high-input-impedance voltmeter.
Note 3: The DNL_R and INL_R are measured with D.N.C. unconnected and L = VSS = 0V. For VDD = +5V, the wiper terminal is dri-
ven with a source current of IW= 80µA for the 50kΩdevice and 400µA for the 10kΩdevice. For VDD = +3V, the wiper termi-
nal is driven with a source current of 40µA for the 50kΩdevice and 200µA for the 10kΩdevice.
Note 4: The wiper resistance is measured using the source currents given in Note 3.
Note 5: The device draws higher supply current when the digital inputs are driven with voltages between (VDD - 0.5V) and (VGND +
0.5V). See Supply Current vs. Digital Input Voltage in the
Typical Operating Characteristics
.
Note 6: Wiper settling test condition uses the voltage-divider configuration with a 10pF load on W. Transition code from 00000 00000
to 01111 01111 and measure the time from CS going high to the wiper voltage settling to within 0.5% of its final value.
MAX5481–MAX5484
4
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5483)
MAX5481 toc01
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5483)
MAX5481 toc02
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
-2.0
-1.0
-1.5
0
-0.5
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
INL vs. CODE (MAX5483)
MAX5481 toc03
INL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
-2.0
-1.0
-1.5
0
-0.5
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
INL vs. CODE (MAX5483)
MAX5481 toc04
INL (LSB)
VDD = 3V
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
-2.0
-1.0
-1.5
0
-0.5
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
INL vs. CODE (MAX5483)
MAX5481 toc05
INL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5481)
MAX5481 toc06
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5481)
MAX5481 toc07
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
INL vs. CODE (MAX5481)
MAX5481 toc08
CODE
INL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
INL vs. CODE (MAX5481)
MAX5481 toc09
CODE
INL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
Typical Operating Characteristics
(VDD = 5.0V, VSS = 0V, TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX5481–MAX5484
5
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5484)
MAX5481 toc10
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5484)
MAX5481 toc11
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
INL vs. CODE (MAX5484)
MAX5481 toc12
CODE
INL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
INL vs. CODE (MAX5484)
MAX5481 toc13
CODE
INL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5482)
MAX5481 toc14
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
DNL vs. CODE (MAX5482)
MAX5481 toc15
CODE
DNL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
INL vs. CODE (MAX5482)
MAX5481 toc16
CODE
INL (LSB)
VDD = 2.7V
-1.0
-0.6
-0.8
-0.2
-0.4
0.2
0
0.4
0.8
0.6
1.0
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
INL vs. CODE (MAX5482)
MAX5481 toc17
CODE
INL (LSB)
VDD = 5V
0
20
10
40
30
50
60
70
80
WIPER RESISTANCE vs. CODE
(VARIABLE RESISTOR, TA = -40°C)
MAX5481 toc18
RW (Ω)
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VDD = 5.0V, VSS = 0V, TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX5481–MAX5484
6
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VDD = 5.0V, VSS = 0V, TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
0
20
10
40
30
50
60
70
80
WIPER RESISTANCE vs. CODE
(VARIABLE RESISTOR, TA = +25°C)
MAX5481 toc19
RW (Ω)
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
0
20
10
40
30
50
60
70
80
WIPER RESISTANCE vs. CODE
(VARIABLE RESISTOR, TA = +85°C)
MAX5481 toc20
RW (Ω)
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
0
10
30
20
50
60
40
70
W-TO-L RESISTANCE vs. CODE
(MAX5484)
MAX5481 toc21
RWL (kΩ)
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
0
2
6
4
10
12
8
14
W-TO-L RESISTANCE vs. CODE
(MAX5483)
MAX5481 toc22
RWL (kΩ)
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
18.0
18.5
19.0
19.5
20.0
20.5
21.0
21.5
22.0
012345
WIPER RESISTANCE vs. WIPER VOLTAGE
(VARIABLE RESISTOR)
MAX5481 toc23
WIPER VOLTAGE (V)
RW (Ω)
VDD = 5V
CODE = 00 0000
-2.0
-1.5
-1.0
-0.5
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
-40 -15 10 35 60 85
END-TO-END (RHL) % CHANGE
vs. TEMPERATURE (VOLTAGE-DIVIDER)
MAX5481 toc24
TEMPERATURE (°C)
END-TO-END RESISTANCE CHANGE (%)
-2.0
-1.5
-1.0
-0.5
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
-40 -15 10 35 60 85
WIPER-TO-END RESISTANCE (RWL) % CHANGE
vs. TEMPERATURE (VARIABLE RESISTOR)
MAX5481 toc25
TEMPERATURE (°C)
WIPER-TO-END RESISTANCE CHANGE (%)
CODE = 11 1111 1111
0
0.3
0.9
0.6
1.2
1.5
-40 10-15 35 60 85
STANDBY SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX5481 toc26
TEMPERATURE (°C)
IDD (μA)
VDD = 5.25V
DIGITAL SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. DIGITAL INPUT VOLTAGE
MAX5481 toc27
DIGITAL INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
IDD (μA)
4.54.03.53.02.52.01.51.00.5
1
10
100
1000
10,000
0.1
0 5.0
VDD = 5V
MAX5481–MAX5484
7
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1, TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
1μs/div
TAP-TO-TAP SWITCHING TRANSIENT
RESPONSE (MAX5481)
VW
(AC-COUPLED)
20mV/div
CS
2V/div
MAX5481 toc28
H = VDD, L = GND
CW = 10pF
FROM CODE 01 1111 1111
TO CODE 10 0000 0000
4μs/div
TAP-TO-TAP SWITCHING TRANSIENT
RESPONSE (MAX5482)
VW
(AC-COUPLED)
20mV/div
CS
2V/div
MAX5481 toc29
H = VDD, L = GND
CW = 10pF
FROM CODE 01 1111 1111
TO CODE 10 0000 0000
WIPER RESPONSE vs. FREQUENCY
(MAX5481)
MAX5481 toc30
FREQUENCY (kHz)
GAIN (dB)
100101
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
-25
0.1 1000
CW = 10pF
CW = 30pF
CODE = 01111 01111
WIPER RESPONSE vs. FREQUENCY
(MAX5482)
MAX5481 toc31
FREQUENCY (kHz)
GAIN (dB)
100101
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
-25
0.1 1000
CW = 10pF
CW = 30pF
CODE = 01111 01111
THD+N vs. FREQUENCY
(MAX5481)
MAX5481 toc32
FREQUENCY (kHz)
THD+N (%)
1010.1
0.001
0.01
0.1
1
10
0.0001
0.01 100
CODE 01111 01111
CW = 10pF
THD+N vs. FREQUENCY
(MAX5482)
MAX5481 toc33
FREQUENCY (kHz)
THD+N (%)
1010.1
0.001
0.01
0.1
1
10
0.0001
0.01 100
CODE 01111 01111
CW = 10pF
0
40
20
80
60
120
100
140
180
160
200
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
RATIOMETRIC TEMPERATURE
COEFFICIENT vs. CODE
MAX5481 toc34
CODE
RATIOMETRIC TEMPCO (ppm)
50kΩ
VOLTAGE-DIVIDER
VDD = +3V
TA = -40°C TO +85°C
10kΩ
0
100
300
200
500
600
400
700
VARIABLE-RESISTOR TEMPERATURE
COEFFICIENT vs. CODE
MAX5481 toc35
TCVR (ppm)
0 256 384128 512 640 768 896 1024
CODE
50kΩ
VDD = +3V
TA = -40°C TO +85°C
10kΩ
MAX5481–MAX5484
8
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Pin Description
PIN
TQFN TSSOP NAME FUNCTION
1 12 H High Terminal
2 11 W Wiper Terminal
3 10 L Low Terminal
4–7, 15 7, 8, 9, 13 N.C. No Connection. Not internally connected.
8, 16 14 VSS
Negative Power-Supply Input. For single-supply operation, connect VSS to GND. For dual-
supply operation, -2.5V ≤ VSS ≤ -0.2V as long as (VDD - VSS) ≤ +5.25V. Bypass VSS to GND
with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor as close to the device as possible.
9 6 SPI/UD Interface-Mode Select. Select serial SPI interface when SPI/UD = 1. Select serial up/down
interface when SPI/UD = 0.
Serial SPI Interface Data Input (SPI/UD = 1)
10 5 DIN(U/D)Up/Down Control Input (SPI/UD = 0). With DIN(U/D) low, a high-to-low SCLK(INC) transition
decrements the wiper position. With DIN(U/D) high, a high-to-low SCLK(INC) transition
increments the wiper position.
Serial SPI Interface Clock Input (SPI/UD = 1)
11 4 SCLK(INC)Wiper-Increment Control Input (SPI/UD = 0). With CS low, the wiper position moves in the
direction determined by the state of DIN(U/D) on a high-to-low transition.
12 3 CS Active-Low Digital Input Chip Select
13 2 GND Ground
14 1 VDD Positive Power-Supply Input (+2.7V ≤ VDD ≤ +5.25V). Bypass VDD to GND with a 0.1µF
ceramic capacitor as close to the device as possible.
— — EP Exposed Pad (TQFN Only). Externally connect EP to VSS or leave unconnected.
(MAX5481/MAX5482 Voltage-Dividers)
MAX5481–MAX5484
9
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Pin Description (continued)
PIN
TQFN TSSOP
NAME FUNCTION
4–7, 15 7, 8, 9, 13 N.C. No Connection. Not internally connected.
1 12 D.N.C. Do Not Connect. Leave unconnected for proper operation.
2 11 W Wiper Terminal
3 10 L Low Terminal
8, 16 14 VSS
Negative Power-Supply Input. For single-supply operation, connect VSS to GND. For dual-
supply operation, -2.5V ≤ VSS ≤ -0.2V as long as (VDD - VSS) ≤ 5.25V. Bypass VSS to GND
with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor as close to the device as possible.
9 6 SPI/UD Interface-Mode Select. Select serial SPI interface when SPI/UD = 1. Select serial up/down
interface when SPI/UD = 0.
Serial SPI Interface Data Input (SPI/UD = 1)
10 5 DIN(U/D)Up/Down Control Input (SPI/UD = 0). With DIN(U/D) low, a high-to-low SCLK(INC) transition
decrements the wiper position. With DIN(U/D) high, a high-to-low SCLK(INC) transition
increments the wiper position.
Serial SPI Interface Clock Input (SPI/UD = 1)
11 4 SCLK(INC)Wiper Increment Control Input (SPI/UD = 0). With CS low, the wiper position moves in the
direction determined by the state of DIN(U/D) on a high-to-low transition.
12 3 CS Active-Low Digital Input Chip Select
13 2 GND Ground
14 1 VDD Positive Power-Supply Input (+2.7V ≤ VDD ≤ +5.25V). Bypass VDD to GND with a 0.1µF
ceramic capacitor as close to the device as possible.
— — EP Exposed Pad (TQFN Only). Externally connect EP to VSS or leave unconnected.
(MAX5483/MAX5484 Variable Resistors)
MAX5481–MAX5484
10
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
MAX5481
MAX5482
SPI/UD
W
10
10
DECODER
10-BIT
LATCH
10-BIT
NV
MEMORY
POR
SPI
INTERFACE
UP/DOWN
INTERFACE
MUX
DIN(U/D)
SCLK(INC)
CS
VDD
GND
VSS
L
H
NOTE: THE MAX5481/MAX5482 ARE NOT INTENDED FOR CURRENT TO FLOW THROUGH THE WIPER
(SEE THE
MAX5481/MAX5482 PROGRAMMABLE VOLTAGE-DIVIDER
SECTION).
Functional Diagrams
MAX5481–MAX5484
11
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Detailed Description
The MAX5481/MAX5482 linear programmable voltage-
dividers and the MAX5483/MAX5484 variable resistors
feature 1024 tap points (10-bit resolution) (see the
Functional Diagrams
). These devices consist of multi-
ple strings of equal resistor segments with a wiper con-
tact that moves among the 1024 points through a
pin-selectable 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface or
up/down interface. The MAX5481/MAX5483 provide a
total end-to-end resistance of 10kΩ, and the
MAX5482/MAX5484 have an end-to-end resistance of
50kΩ. The MAX5481/MAX5482 allow access to the
high, low, and wiper terminals for a standard voltage-
divider configuration.
MAX5481/MAX5482 Programmable
Voltage-Dividers
The MAX5481/MAX5482 programmable voltage-
dividers provide a weighted average of the voltage
between the H and L inputs at the W output. Both
devices feature 10-bit resolution and provide up to
1024 tap points between the H and L voltages. Ideally,
the VLvoltage occurs at the wiper terminal (W) when all
data bits are zero and the VHvoltage occurs at the
wiper terminal when all data bits are one. The step size
(1 LSB) voltage is equal to the voltage applied across
terminals H and L divided by 210. Calculate the wiper
voltage VWas follows:
VD D
VV V
VV
W
HL FSE ZSE
L ZSE
()=+
()
⎡
⎣
⎢
⎢
⎢
⎤
⎦
⎥
⎥
⎥
++
−⏐⏐⏐ ⏐ ⏐⏐
1023
MAX5483
MAX5484
SPI/UD
H
10
10
DECODER
10-BIT
LATCH
10-BIT
NV
MEMORY
POR
SPI
INTERFACE
UP/DOWN
INTERFACE
MUX
DIN(U/D)
SCLK(INC)
CS
VDD
GND
VSS
L
Functional Diagrams (continued)
MAX5481–MAX5484
12
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
where D is the decimal equivalent of the 10 data bits writ-
ten (0 to 1023), VHL is the voltage difference between the
H and L terminals:
The MAX5481 includes a total end-to-end resistance
value of 10kΩwhile the MAX5482 features an end-to-
end resistance value of 50kΩ. These devices are not
intended to be used as a variable resistor. Wiper cur-
rent creates a nonlinear voltage drop in series with the
wiper. To ensure temperature drift remains within speci-
fications, do not pull current through the voltage-divider
wiper. Connect the wiper to a high-impedance node.
Figures 1 and 2 show the behavior of the MAX5481’s
resistance from W to H and from W to L. This does not
apply to the variable-resistor devices
MAX5483/MAX5484 Variable Resistors
The MAX5483/MAX5484 provide a programmable
resistance between W and L. The MAX5483 features a
total end-to-end resistance value of 10kΩ, while the
MAX5484 provides an end-to-end resistance value of
50kΩ. The programmable resolution of this resistance is
equal to the nominal end-to-end resistance divided by
1024 (10-bit resolution). For example, each nominal
segment resistance is 9.8Ωand 48.8Ωfor the MAX5483
and the MAX5484, respectively.
The 10-bit data in the 10-bit latch register selects a
wiper position from the 1024 possible positions, result-
ing in 1024 values for the resistance from W to L.
Calculate the resistance from W to L (RWL) by using the
following formula:
where D is decimal equivalent of the 10 data bits writ-
ten, RW-L is the nominal end-to-end resistance, and RZ
is the zero-scale error. Table 1 shows the values of RWL
at selected codes for the MAX5483/MAX5484.
Digital Interface
Configure the MAX5481–MAX5484 by a pin-selectable,
3-wire, SPI-compatible serial data interface or an
up/down interface. Drive SPI/UD high to select the 3-
wire SPI-compatible interface. Pull SPI/UD low to select
the up/down interface.
RD DRR
WL W L Z
()=×+
−
1023
V FSE Vand
V ZSE V
FSE HL
ZSE HL
=⎡
⎣
⎢⎤
⎦
⎥
=⎡
⎣
⎢⎤
⎦
⎥
1024
1024
,
MAX5483
(10kΩ DEVICE)
MAX5484
(50kΩ DEVICE)
CODE
(DECIMAL)
RWL (Ω)R
WL (Ω)
0 70 110
1 80 160
512 5070 25,110
1023 10,070 50,110
Table 1. RWL at Selected Codes
CODE (DECIMAL)
RW-H (kΩ)
896768512 640256 384128
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
0
0 1024
50kΩ DEVICE SCALES BY A FACTOR OF FIVE
Figure 1. Resistance from W to H vs. Code (10k
Ω
Voltage-Divider)
CODE (DECIMAL)
RW-L (kΩ)
896768512 640256 384128
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
0
0 1024
50kΩ DEVICE SCALES BY A FACTOR OF FIVE
Figure 2. Resistance from W to L vs. Code (10k
Ω
Voltage-Divider)
MAX5481–MAX5484
13
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
SPI-Compatible Serial Interface
Drive SPI/UD high to enable the 3-wire SPI-compatible
serial interface (see Figure 3). This write-only interface
contains three inputs: chip select (CS), data in
(DIN(U/D)), and data clock (SCLK(INC)). Drive CS low
to load the data at DIN(U/D) synchronously into the shift
register on each SCLK(INC) rising edge.
The WRITE command (C1, C0 = 00) requires 24 clock
cycles to transfer the command and data (Figure 4a).
The COPY commands (C1, C0 = 10 or 11) use either
eight clock cycles to transfer the command bits (Figure
4b) or 24 clock cycles with the last 16 data bits disre-
garded by the device.
After loading the data into the shift register, drive CS
high to latch the data into the appropriate control regis-
ter. Keep CS low during the entire serial data stream to
avoid corruption of the data. Table 2 shows the com-
mand decoding.
Write Wiper Register
Data written to this register (C1, C0 = 00) controls the
wiper position. The 10 data bits (D9–D0) indicate the
position of the wiper. For example, if DIN(U/D) = 00 0000
0000, the wiper moves to the position closest to L. If
DIN(U/D) = 11 1111 1111, the wiper moves closest to H.
This command writes data to the volatile random
access memory (RAM), leaving the NV register
unchanged. When the device powers up, the data
stored in the NV register transfers to the wiper register,
moving the wiper to the stored position. Figure 5 shows
how to write data to the wiper register.
CLOCK EDGE 1 2 345678910111213141516171819…24
Bit Name — — C1 C0 — — — — D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 — … —
Write Wiper Register 0 0 000000D9D8D7D6D5D4D3D2D1D0X…X
Copy Wiper Register
to NV Register 00100000———————————…—
Copy NV Register to
Wiper Register 00110000———————————…—
Table 2. Command Decoding*
*
D9 is the MSB and D0 is the LSB.
X = Don’t care.
CS
tCSO
tCSS
tCL tCH
tDH
tDS
tCP tCSH
tCSW
tCS1
SCLK(INC)
DIN(U/D)
Figure 3. SPI-Compatible Serial-Interface Timing Diagram (SPI/UD = 1)
MAX5481–MAX5484
14
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Figure 4. Serial SPI-Compatible Interface Format
ACTION
WIPER
REGISTER
UPDATED
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0
12345678 910111213141516 1718192021222324
XXX XXX
CS
C1 C0
SCLK(INC)
DIN(U/D)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2
a) 24-BIT COMMAND/DATA WORD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
C1 C0
b) 8-BIT COMMAND WORD
D1 D0
CS
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
CS
C1 C0
SCLK(INC)
DIN(U/D)
DIN(U/D)
SCLK(INC)
Figure 5. Write Wiper Register Operation
MAX5481–MAX5484
15
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Copy Wiper Register to NV Register
The copy wiper register to NV register command (C1,
C0 = 10) stores the current position of the wiper to the
NV register for use at power-up. Figure 6 shows how to
copy data from wiper register to NV register. The oper-
ation takes up to 12ms (max) after CS goes high to
complete and no other operation should be performed
until completion.
Copy NV Register to Wiper Register
The copy NV register to wiper register (C1, C0 = 11)
restores the wiper position to the current value stored in
the NV register. Figure 7 shows how to copy data from
the NV register to the wiper register.
Digital Up/Down Interface
Figure 8 illustrates an up/down serial-interface timing
diagram. In digital up/down interface mode (SPI/UD =
0), the logic inputs CS, DIN(U/D), and SCLK(INC) con-
trol the wiper position and store it in nonvolatile memory
(see Table 3). The chip-select (CS) input enables the
serial interface when low and disables the interface
when high. The position of the wiper is stored in the
nonvolatile register when CS transitions from low to
high while SCLK(INC) is high.
When the serial interface is active (CS low), a high-to-
low (falling edge) transition on SCLK(INC) increments
or decrements the internal 10-bit counter depending on
the state of DIN(U/D). If DIN(U/D) is high, the wiper
increments. If DIN(U/D) is low, the wiper decrements.
The device stores the value of the wiper position in the
nonvolatile memory when CS transitions from low to high
while SCLK(INC) is high. The host system can disable
the serial interface and deselect the device without stor-
ing the latest wiper position in the nonvolatile memory by
keeping SCLK(INC) low while taking CS high.
Upon power-up, the MAX5481–MAX5484 load the
value of nonvolatile memory into the wiper register, and
set the wiper position to the value last stored.
ACTION
00100000
12345678
CS
C1 C0
WRITE NV
REGISTER
(DEVICE IS
BUSY)
tBUSY
SCLK(INC)
DIN(U/D)
Figure 6. Copy Wiper Register to NV Register Operation
CS DIN(U/D) SCLK(INC)W
LL ↓Decrement
LH ↓Increment
LX ↑No Change
H X X No Change
↓X X No Change
↑X L Position Not Stored
↑X H Position Stored
Table 3. Truth Table
↑
= Low-to-high transition.
↓
= High-to-low transition.
X
= Don’t care.
ACTION
00110000
12345678
CS
C1 C0
WIPER
REGISTER
UPDATED
SCLK(INC)
DIN(U/D)
Figure 7. Copy NV Register to Wiper Register Operation
MAX5481–MAX5484
16
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Standby Mode
The MAX5481–MAX5484 feature a low-power standby
mode. When the device is not being programmed, it
enters into standby mode and supply current drops to
0.5µA (typ).
Nonvolatile Memory
The internal EEPROM consists of a nonvolatile register
that retains the last value stored prior to power-down.
The nonvolatile register is programmed to midscale at
the factory. The nonvolatile memory is guaranteed for
50 years of wiper data retention and up to 200,000
wiper write cycles.
Power-Up
Upon power-up, the MAX5481–MAX5484 load the data
stored in the nonvolatile wiper register into the volatile
wiper register, updating the wiper position with the data
stored in the nonvolatile wiper register.
Applications Information
The MAX5481–MAX5484 are ideal for circuits requiring
digitally controlled adjustable resistance, such as LCD
contrast control (where voltage biasing adjusts the dis-
play contrast), or programmable filters with adjustable
gain and/or cutoff frequency.
Positive LCD Bias Control
Figures 9 and 10 show an application where a voltage-
divider or a variable resistor is used to make an
adjustable, positive LCD-bias voltage. The op amp pro-
vides buffering and gain to the voltage-divider network
made by the programmable voltage-divider (Figure 9) or
to a fixed resistor and a variable resistor (see Figure 10).
Programmable Gain and Offset Adjustment
Figure 11 shows an application where a voltage-divider
and a variable resistor are used to make a programma-
ble gain and offset adjustment.
CS
SCLK(INC)
DIN(U/D)
VW
tS
tID tDI
tIH
tIL
tCYC
tCI tIC tCPH
tWSC
tIK
WIPER POSITION
NOT STORED
WIPER POSITION
STORED
NOTES:
VW IS NOT A DIGITAL SIGNAL. IT REPRESENTS A WIPER TRANSITION.
SCLK(INC) MUST BE AT LOGIC HIGH WHEN DIN(U/D) CHANGES STATE.
Figure 8. Up/Down Serial-Interface Timing Diagram (SPI/UD = 0)
MAX5481–MAX5484
17
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Programmable Filter
Figure 12 shows the configuration for a 1st-order pro-
grammable filter using two variable resistors. Adjust R2
for the gain and adjust R3 for the cutoff frequency. Use
the following equations to estimate the gain (G) and the
3dB cutoff frequency (fC):
GR
R
fRC
C
=+
⎛
⎝
⎜⎞
⎠
⎟
=××
11
2
1
23π
VOUT
30V
5V
W
L
MAX5483
MAX5484
MAX480
Figure 10. Positive LCD Bias Control Using a Variable Resistor
VOUT
VIN
R1
R2
R3
C
W
L
W
L
MAX5483
MAX5484
MAX5483
MAX5484
Figure 12. Programmable Filter
VOUT
W
L
MAX5481
MAX5482
MAX5483
MAX5484
VREF
W
H
L
VIN
Figure 11. Programmable Gain/Offset Adjustment
VOUT
30V
5V
W
H
L
MAX5481
MAX5482
MAX480
Figure 9. Positive LCD Bias Control Using a Voltage-Divider
MAX5481–MAX5484
18
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Chip Information
PROCESS: BiCMOS
PART CONFIGURATION END-TO-END
RESISTANCE (kΩ)
MAX5481ETE Voltage-divider 10
MAX5481EUD Voltage-divider 10
MAX5482ETE Voltage-divider 50
MAX5482EUD Voltage-divider 50
MAX5483ETE Variable resistor 10
MAX5483EUD Variable resistor 10
MAX5484ETE Variable resistor 50
MAX5484EUD Variable resistor 50
Selector Guide
*SEE FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
VSS
N.C.
H
WSCLK(INC)
CS
GND
VDD
TOP VIEW
MAX5481*
MAX5482*
L
N.C.
N.C.N.C.
SPI/UD
DIN(U/D)
TSSOP
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
VSS
N.C.
D.N.C.
WSCLK(INC)
CS
GND
VDD
MAX5483
MAX5484
L
N.C.
N.C.N.C.
SPI/UD
DIN(U/D)
TSSOP
++
Pin Configurations (continued)
Ordering Information (continued)
PART PIN-PACKAGE TOP MARK
MAX5482ETE+ 16 TQFN-EP* ACQ
MAX5482EUD+ 14 TSSOP —
MAX5483ETE+ 16 TQFN-EP* ACR
MAX5483EUD+ 14 TSSOP —
MAX5484ETE+ 16 TQFN-EP* ACS
MAX5484EUD+ 14 TSSOP —
Note: All devices are specified over the -40°C to +85°C operating
temperature range.
+
Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*
EP = Exposed pad.
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns, go
to www.maxim-ic.com/packages. Note that a “+”, “#”, or “-” in
the package code indicates RoHS status only. Package draw-
ings may show a different suffix character, but the drawing per-
tains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE
TYPE
PACKAGE
CODE
OUTLINE
NO.
LAND
PATTERN NO.
16 TQFN-EP T1633F+3 21-0136 90-0033
14 TSSOP U14+1 21-0066 90-0113
MAX5481–MAX5484
19
Maxim Integrated
10-Bit, Nonvolatile, Linear-Taper Digital
Potentiometers
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
3 12/07 Updated Table 3 16
4 4/10 Updated Ordering Information, Absolute Maximum Ratings, and Figure 8 1, 2, 17
MAX5481–MAX5484
20 Maxim Integrated 160 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134 USA 1-408-601-1000
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are implied.
Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits) shown in the Electrical
Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
© 2010 Maxim Integrated The Maxim logo and Maxim Integrated are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.