ON Semiconductor Launches High-Resolution I2C- and SPI-Compatible Digital Potentiometers

256-tap Digitally Programmable Potentiometer (DPP™) ICs with 50 kΩ and 100 kΩ resistance options deliver enhanced stability and reliability

High-Resolution I2C- and SPI-Compatible Digital Potentiometers

Phoenix, Ariz. – June 11, 2009 - ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN), a leading global supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions, has further expanded its family of Digitally Programmable Potentiometer (DPP™) ICs with new high-resolution devices incorporating I2C and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Bus connectivity. The new DPPs offer a low-noise, reliable and space-saving alternative to mechanical potentiometers in applications ranging from instrumentation and industrial automation to portable battery-powered equipment.

The ON Semiconductor CAT5171 and CAT5172 are single-channel, digitally programmable linear taper potentiometers featuring 256-position resolution. Digital control of wiper settings is made via I2C and SPI interfaces respectively and both devices are available with end-to-end resistance options of 50 kiloohms, (kΩ) and 100 kΩ.

The CAT5171 and CAT5172 are insensitive to mechanical vibrations, shock, oxidation, and dust and dirt unlike their mechanical counterparts.  Each device also has a low temperature coefficient of 100 part per million per degrees Celsius (ppm/ºC). As a result they are much more stable and reliable than mechanical potentiometers across a wider variety of environmental conditions.

The new DPPs are ideal for volume control, lighting control, LCD screen adjustment and other circuitry requiring electronic control of key parameters. In addition, the parts also offer a flexible solution for, RF amplifier biasing and gain control.

Rated for the full industrial temperature range of -40 ºC to 85 ºC, the ON Semiconductor CAT5171 and CAT5172 operate with a single supply voltage of between 2.7 volts (V) and 5.5 V. In power-up, the wiper assumes a mid-span position and may be re-positioned any time after the power stabilizes. Operating current for both devices is just 2 microamperes (µA).

Packaging and Pricing
The CAT5171 and CAT5172 digitally programmable potentiometers are supplied in lead (Pb) free, RoHS-compliant 8-lead SOT-23 packages measuring just 2.9 mm x 3.0 mm. Pricing is $0.60 USD per unit in 10,000 unit quantities.  Samples are available now.  Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently eight to 12 weeks after receipt of order (ARO).

About ON Semiconductor
With its global logistics network and strong product portfolio, ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN - News) is a preferred supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions to customers in the power supply, automotive, communication, computer, consumer, medical, industrial, mobile phone, and military/aerospace markets. The company's broad portfolio includes power, analog, DSP, mixed-signal, advance logic, clock management, non-volatile memory and standard component devices. The company operates a network of manufacturing facilities, sales offices and design centers in key markets throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions. For more information, visit https://www.onsemi.com

#  #  #

ON Semiconductor and the ON Semiconductor logo are registered trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC. All other brand and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders. Although the company references its Web site in this news release, such information on the Web site is not to be incorporated herein.

About onsemi

onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) is driving disruptive innovations to help build a better future. With a focus on automotive and industrial end-markets, the company is accelerating change in megatrends such as vehicle electrification and safety, sustainable energy grids, industrial automation, and 5G and cloud infrastructure. onsemi offers a highly differentiated and innovative product portfolio, delivering intelligent power and sensing technologies that solve the world’s most complex challenges and leads the way to creating a safer, cleaner, and smarter world. onsemi is recognized as a Fortune 500® company and included in the S&P 500® index. Learn more about onsemi at www.onsemi.com.

###

onsemi and the onsemi logo are trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC. All other brand and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders. Although the Company references its website in this news release, information on the website is not to be incorporated herein.

subscribe icon

Receive Announcements Alerts!

If you are a member of the press and are interested in receiving onsemi press releases via email, please complete the form below.

Please provide a name.
Please provide email.
Please provide media.
Please select one of the press categories.

Select Language:

Please select at least one of the languages.
Please select at least one of the languages.
Please select at least one of the languages.

*I agree that the information that I provide will be used in accordance with the terms of the onsemi Privacy Policy