50 kOhm digital pot with 257-tap resolution
The MCP4151-503E/MF is a single-channel, 50 kOhm digital potentiometer with 257 wiper taps, controlled via an SPI interface. The linear taper and ±20% end-to-end tolerance define the voltage divider ratio accuracy — the 257 taps give a step size of roughly 195 Ohms per tap, sufficient for trimming or calibration loops where a mechanical trimmer is undesirable.
Supply voltage and temperature grade
Operating from 1.8V to 5.5V, this part bridges 3.3V and 5V logic rails without a level shifter — a common BOM simplification in mixed-voltage designs. The -40°C to 125°C industrial temperature range suits outdoor telecom, automotive cabin, and factory-floor enclosures where the ambient exceeds commercial limits. The wiper resistance is 75 Ohms typical, which adds a small series resistance that must be accounted for in the voltage-divider output impedance. The 150 ppm/°C temperature coefficient means the 50 kOhm value drifts about 7.5 Ohms per degree — negligible for most trimming applications but worth noting if the divider sets a precision reference.
Active production, ROHS3, and 8-DFN package
Microchip lists the MCP4151-503E/MF as Active with ROHS3 compliance. The 8-VDFN exposed pad package — supplier device package 8-DFN 3x3 mm — requires a thermal pad on the PCB for heat sinking; the exposed paddle must be soldered to a copper plane to keep junction temperature within limits at high wiper current.