CatSemi Offers New 32-Tap Digitally Programmable Potentiometer

Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc. has added a new 32-tap device to its family of Digitally Programmable Potentiometers (DPP™). The CAT5128 is a volatile, single-pot device with a simple up/down control to provide an easy-to-use digital interface.

Housed in a small, SOT-23, 8-lead package, the new CAT5128 digital potentiometer is suitable for a wide range of control and calibration applications, such as digital volume control and LCD screen contrast and brightness adjustment applications in portable, consumer and industrial electronic products, as well as automated, tamper-proof product calibration and remote control adjustment applications. The up/down control interface can be configured to work directly with the system microprocessor or with two external push-button switches.

The CAT5128 is a "volatile" device where the wiper powers on at the midscale setting and is said to offer a low-noise, stable, reliable and simple alternative to DACs and mechanical potentiometers. The company states that DAC-based approaches typically require additional interconnects resulting in added board real estate and system costs. Additionally, since the device is silicon-based, it is said to be insensitive to mechanical vibrations, shock and oxidation, which is said to make it a higher reliability alternative to mechanical potentiometers across most environmental conditions.

Among the prominent features of the CAT5128 are: a 32-position linear taper potentiometer; a power supply of 2.7 to 5.5V; Up/Down control for easy digital interface; resistance values of 10, 50 and 100kΩ; and it is packaged in an 8-lead SOT-23.

The CAT5128 digital potentiometer is priced at $0.53 each in 10,000 piece quantities. Samples are now available. Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently 6 to 8 weeks ARO.