What this digital pot is and where it fits
The MAX5465EXT+T is a single-channel, 50kΩ digital potentiometer from Maxim Integrated's FleaPoT™ family, configured as a rheostat with 32 wiper tap positions and a linear taper characteristic. It operates from a 2.7V to 5.5V supply and is specified over the -40°C to 85°C industrial temperature range. The volatile memory type means the wiper position resets to mid-scale on power-up, which is important for designs that need a known start state. Typical applications include volume control, LCD bias adjustment, programmable gain amplifiers, and sensor calibration in industrial control, audio equipment, and portable instrumentation.
Key ratings and what they mean for the BOM
The 50kΩ end-to-end resistance with ±25% tolerance is a mid-range value that suits most bias and level-setting circuits; the wide tolerance means you should budget a trim step or use the digital taps to calibrate out the initial error. The 600Ω typical wiper resistance adds a small series offset that matters in low-impedance paths. A temperature coefficient of 35ppm/°C keeps the set resistance stable across the -40°C to 85°C range, so the calibration holds in thermal cycling environments like outdoor telecom or factory floor enclosures. The 32 taps give 31 steps of adjustment, which is coarse for fine-grain trimming but adequate for gain selection or threshold setting.
Package and handling note
Housed in a 6-lead SC-70-6 (SOT-363) surface-mount package, the part is small enough for space-constrained boards. The interface uses an Up/Down (U/D, CS) control scheme, which requires only two digital lines from the host. Store the reels dry — no special moisture sensitivity level is stated, but standard MSL precautions apply for the small-pitch package.