256-tap I²C digital pot for industrial trim
The MAX5387MAUD+ is a dual 50kOhm digital potentiometer from Analog Devices with 256 taps per channel, controlled via an I²C interface. The linear taper means the wiper resistance changes uniformly with the digital code, which is the expected characteristic for gain-setting or voltage-divider applications where the transfer function should be straight-line. Supply voltage range is 2.6V to 5.5V, covering common 3.3V and 5V logic rails without an extra regulator. The wiper resistance is 250 ohms typical, which sets the minimum end-to-end resistance when the wiper is at the top stop. The 14-TSSOP package (4.40mm width) is a surface-mount footprint that fits standard PCB assembly lines. The selectable address feature lets multiple devices share the same I²C bus without address conflicts.
Temperature coefficient and tolerance
This matters for precision voltage references or filter tuning where the absolute resistance value must stay stable across the operating temperature. The ±25% tolerance on the end-to-end resistance is typical for digital pots — the absolute value is loose, but the ratiometric accuracy (tap-to-tap matching) is much tighter. If the absolute resistance matters, budget for a calibration step or use a lower-tolerance fixed resistor in series.
For volume orders the tube quantity is typically 96 per tube — confirm your pick-and-place feeder compatibility.