Dual 10k digital pot with 256 taps — what it is and where it fits
The MAX5451EUD+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual-channel, 256-tap digital potentiometer with a linear taper, configured as a potentiometer (three-terminal). Each of the two independent pots is 10k end-to-end, controlled via a three-wire Up/Down interface (U/D, INC, CS). The wiper position is volatile — it defaults to midscale on power-up — so this part is suited for adjustable gain, offset trim, or volume control where the setting is re-established each power cycle, not for storing calibration constants across power loss.
Key ratings and what they mean for the BOM
Wiper resistance is 225 ohms typical. Temperature coefficient is 35ppm/°C. The Up/Down interface uses three GPIOs (U/D, INC, CS) — not I2C or SPI. That means any microcontroller with free digital pins can drive it, but verify your MCU has the headroom; no dedicated serial peripheral is needed.
Lifecycle and sourcing
The MAX5451EUD+ is listed as Active (current production) and ROHS3 compliant. No end-of-life notice or last-time-buy risk for new designs.