The MAX5160LEUA+T is a single-channel, 32-tap digital potentiometer with a linear taper and 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance. The wiper resistance is 400 Ω typical, and each tap step changes the resistance by roughly 1.6 kΩ — fine enough for analog gain trim or adjustable voltage divider networks where the step size is uniform across the range. The interface uses three digital lines (CS, INC, U/D) — no SPI or I²C bus required, which simplifies firmware on a small microcontroller.
Wiper position resets to midscale on power-up
The memory type is volatile — the wiper position defaults to midscale (tap 16) at power-on and is lost when the supply drops. For applications that must retain a calibration setting across power cycles, an external EEPROM or a non-volatile digital pot is needed. Temperature coefficient is 50 ppm/°C typical, which translates to about 2.5 Ω/°C drift on the 50 kΩ element. That is acceptable for gain trimming in a ±25% tolerance system but not for precision references or ratiometric measurements where the tempco dominates the error budget.
Industrial temp range and surface-mount package
Operating temperature covers -40°C to 85°C, qualifying the part for factory-floor control cabinets, outdoor telecom enclosures, and HVAC equipment — anything that sees ambient extremes but not under-hood automotive heat. Housed in an 8-TSSOP/MSOP package (3.00 mm body width) with the supplier device package listed as 8-uMAX/uSOP — same footprint, different brand name. The tape-and-reel option (cut tape also available) suits pick-and-place assembly without a manual placement step.
Active lifecycle and ROHS3 compliance
Analog Devices lists the MAX5160LEUA+T as active — no discontinuation notice, no last-time-buy window. ROHS3 compliant (no exempted substances), so it drops into RoHS-driven assemblies without exemption paperwork.