Overview of MAX5486EUG+ 10k?? Digital Potentiometer
The MAX5486EUG+ is a high-precision 10k?? digital potentiometer (digipot) from Analog Devices Inc. (ADI), engineered for electronic gain, volume, and calibration control. Unlike mechanical potentiometers, it uses digital signals (via I2C interface) to adjust resistance, eliminating wear, drift, and environmental sensitivity. Designed for consumer electronics, test equipment, and medical devices, it integrates 256-tap resolution for ultra-fine adjustments, while its wide voltage range supports low-power portable and industrial systems. For trusted sourcing, visit IC Manufacturer.
Technical Parameters of MAX5486EUG+ Digital Potentiometer
Core Resistance & Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance | 10k?? (??20% tolerance) |
| Tap Count (Resolution) | 256 taps (0.4% step size) |
| Control Interface | I2C (100kHz/400kHz, 7-bit address) |
| Operating Mode | 3-terminal potentiometer (variable resistor) |
| Key Features | Non-volatile memory (NVM) for tap storage, glitch-free adjustments |
Power & Packaging Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8V ?C 5.5V (single supply) |
| Active Current (400kHz I2C) | 150??A (max) |
| Standby Current | 1??A (max) |
| Operating Temperature | -40??C to 85??C |
| Package Type | 8-pin UQG (Lead-Free MicroPak?, MSOP) |
Advantages of MAX5486EUG+ Over Alternatives
The MAX5486EUG+ stands out with its combination of precision, durability, and low power. Unlike mechanical potentiometers, it has no moving parts??eliminating wear (which causes drift after 1k+ turns) and environmental damage from dust/moisture. This extends product lifespan by 5+ years in high-use systems like audio mixers or test equipment.
🔥 Best-Selling Products
Texas Instruments BQ24075 Linear Battery Charger IC – 5mm x 4mm QFN Package
Texas Instruments INA219 Current Sensor Module – SOIC Package, Precision Monitoring
Texas Instruments LM4041 Precision Voltage Reference – SOT-23 Package
Texas Instruments OPA2134 Audio Op Amp – Dual, High-Performance, SOIC-8 Package
??ADI??s MAX5486 transformed our portable test meters,?? says David Chen, Senior Engineer at TestTech Solutions. ??The MAX5486EUG+??s 256-tap resolution let us calibrate voltage measurements to ??0.1%, while its 1??A standby current extended battery life from 3 to 5 days. The 8-pin UQG package also shrank our meter??s PCB by 35%.?? Compared to fixed resistor networks, its digital adjustability eliminates the need for multiple resistors, cutting BOM costs by 15%. The I2C interface also enables remote control??critical for IoT or automated industrial systems where manual adjustment isn??t feasible.
ADI??s ecosystem??including the MAX5486EVKIT evaluation kit and I2C software libraries??accelerates development. Engineers can test tap adjustments and NVM storage in hours, avoiding the need for custom mechanical prototypes. ADI??s 10+ year lifecycle commitment ensures long-term supply, a key advantage for medical and industrial products with extended production runs.
🌟 Featured Products
“Buy MAX9312ECJ+ Precision Voltage Comparator in DIP Package for Reliable Performance”
QCC-711-1-MQFN48C-TR-03-1 Bluetooth Audio SoC with MQFN48C Package
0339-671-TLM-E Model – High-Performance TLM-E Package for Enhanced Functionality
1-1415898-4 Connector Housing, Electrical Wire-to-Board, Receptacle, Packaged
Typical Applications for MAX5486EUG+
The MAX5486EUG+ excels in systems requiring precise, durable resistance control:
- Consumer Electronics: Powers audio mixers, smart speakers, and portable music players, enabling digital volume control without mechanical wear.
- Test and Measurement: Calibrates voltage/current meters and sensor signal conditioning circuits, ensuring ??0.1% accuracy for reliable readings.
- Medical Devices: Adjusts gain in patient monitors (e.g., ECG, blood pressure devices) and hearing aids, with non-volatile memory preserving settings between power cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAX5486EUG+
What does ??256-tap resolution?? mean for real-world use?
256-tap resolution means the 10k?? resistance is split into 256 equal steps (each ~39??), enabling adjustments as fine as 0.4%. For example, in a audio mixer, this ensures smooth volume transitions (no ??clicks??) and precise gain matching across channels??critical for professional sound quality.
📩 Contact Us
How does the I2C interface improve system design?
The I2C interface lets microcontrollers (MCUs) remotely adjust the potentiometer, eliminating manual knobs. This is ideal for IoT devices (e.g., smart speakers controlled via app) or industrial systems (e.g., automated test equipment) where physical access is limited. It also reduces wiring??only 2 lines (SDA/SCL) are needed vs. multiple for mechanical pots.
What value does non-volatile memory (NVM) provide?
NVM stores the last used tap position when power is off. For medical devices (e.g., hearing aids), this means patients don??t need to readjust volume after turning the device on. For test equipment, it preserves calibration settings, saving time and ensuring consistency across measurements.
Can this digital potentiometer operate in harsh environments?
Yes, it supports an operating range of -40??C to 85??C, making it suitable for industrial warehouses, outdoor test gear, and medical clinics. Unlike mechanical pots, it??s immune to dust, moisture, and vibration??common causes of failure in harsh settings. Its wide voltage range (1.8V?C5.5V) also handles unstable power supplies in industrial systems.
How does it compare to ADI??s MAX5487 (50k?? digipot)?
The MAX5486EUG+ (10k??) is optimized for low-resistance applications like audio volume control and low-voltage sensor calibration. The MAX5487 (50k??) is better for high-resistance tasks (e.g., industrial valve control). Both share 256-tap resolution and I2C control, but the MAX5486??s lower resistance and 8-pin package make it ideal for compact, low-power systems.