Sunnyvale, Calif.—Maxim Integrated Products has introduced what it claims are the industry's lowest voltage digital potentiometers. This family of dual, 256-tap, volatile digital potentiometers operate from a single 1.7V to 5.5V power supply, which makes them suitable for replacing mechanical potentiometers and DACs in power-sensitive applications.

Featuring small package size, low operating voltage, and low supply current, the MAX5391-MAX5393 are well positioned to serve the portable consumer and industrial battery-backup markets. Applications include LCD calibration, volume control, system circuit calibration and trim, amplifier offset, and gain and bias control.

The MAX5391 and MAX5393 include two digital potentiometers in a voltage-divider configuration. The devices have a low 5ppm/°C ratiometric temperature coefficient and come in three different end-to-end resistance values of 10kilohms, 50kilohms, and 100kilohms. SPI-compatible and I²C digital control interfaces are available.

The MAX5391 device is offered in a (3mm x 3mm) 16-pin TQFN package; the MAX5392/MAX5393 are available in 16-/14-pin TSSOP packages. All devices are fully specified over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range.

Pricing: Starts at $1.32 (1000-up, FOB USA).

Availability: Samples and evaluation kits are available now.

Datasheets: MAX5391 and MAX5392.

Maxim Integrated Products, www.maxim-ic.com