Dual 10kΩ digital pot with 256-tap resolution
The MAX5386LATE+T is a dual-channel digital potentiometer from Analog Devices, each channel presenting a 10kΩ end-to-end resistance with 256 wiper tap positions.
The 250Ω typical wiper resistance adds a series element between the wiper terminal and the internal resistor string. In a voltage-divider configuration the wiper resistance introduces a small offset error; at the 10kΩ full-scale end the error is roughly 2.5%, but at the low-end codes near ground the wiper resistance dominates the divider ratio. The ±25% end-to-end tolerance is typical for digital pots — the absolute resistance can vary by a quarter of the nominal value from lot to lot, so the circuit should rely on the resistor ratio rather than the absolute value for accuracy.
Package and board integration
Housed in a 16-WFQFN with an exposed pad, the package measures 3mm x 3mm — the 0.5mm pitch requires a controlled solder-paste stencil aperture to avoid bridging between adjacent pins. Surface-mount assembly is the only mounting option — no through-hole variant exists in this series.
ROHS3 compliant, the part meets the current EU restriction on hazardous substances.