Dual 10kΩ digital pot with 256-tap resolution
The AD5242BRZ10-REEL7 is a dual-channel digital potentiometer from Analog Devices, each channel presenting 10kΩ end-to-end resistance with 256 tap positions selected via an I²C interface. The linear taper means each step changes resistance by roughly 39Ω — fine enough for audio volume control, programmable gain stages, or trimming a reference voltage in a feedback loop. The memory is volatile, so the wiper position resets to mid-scale on power-up. If your application needs to retain a calibration setting across power cycles, you will need to store the tap code in an external EEPROM or have the host controller write it during boot.
Supply rails and temperature range
The part runs from a single supply between 2.7V and 5.5V, or from dual ±2.3V to ±2.7V supplies. The dual-supply option lets the wiper swing through ground — useful for bipolar signal conditioning where the pot sets the gain of an op-amp that must handle both positive and negative inputs. The 30ppm/°C temperature coefficient means the resistance drifts about 0.3Ω per °C on a 10kΩ element — negligible for most trimming applications but worth budgeting if the pot is in a feedback path that sets a tight tolerance over the full temperature swing.
Package, footprint, and sourcing posture
The tape-and-reel delivery (REEL7 suffix) is suited for pick-and-place assembly; the same die is also available in tube packaging as the AD5242BRZ10. The wiper resistance is 60Ω typical — this adds a small series resistance that matters when the pot is used as a voltage divider driving a high-impedance load, but becomes significant if you try to sink or source more than a few milliamps through the wiper.