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MCP41010 / MCP41050 / MCP41100 Digital Potentiometer IC — SOP-8, SPI, 256 Positions (5-Pack)
The MCP41010, MCP41050, and MCP41100 are single-channel SPI-controlled digital potentiometers from Microchip Technology in SOP-8 SMD packages. With 256 wiper positions and end-to-end resistance values of 10kΩ (MCP41010), 50kΩ (MCP41050), and 100kΩ (MCP41100), they provide digitally programmable resistance for gain control, volume adjustment, offset calibration, and sensor biasing in microcontroller-based designs.
Variant Specifications
| Part Number | End-to-End Resistance | Wiper Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP41010 | 10kΩ | 52Ω typ. | Low-impedance circuits, op-amp gain control |
| MCP41050 | 50kΩ | 133Ω typ. | General-purpose volume and gain control |
| MCP41100 | 100kΩ | 176Ω typ. | High-impedance circuits, filter tuning |
Key Specifications (All Variants)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Package | SOP-8 (SMD) |
| Channels | 1 (single) |
| Wiper Positions | 256 (8-bit) |
| Interface | SPI (up to 10MHz) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V – 5.5V |
| Resistance Tolerance | ±20% (end-to-end) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Quantity | 5 pieces |
Why Choose MCP41xxx?
- SPI interface — fast, simple 3-wire control (SCK, SDI, CS) from any MCU
- 256 positions — fine-grained 8-bit resolution for precise resistance setting
- 2.7–5.5V supply — compatible with 3.3V (ESP32, STM32) and 5V (Arduino) systems
- Non-volatile option: Use MCP4131 (I²C) or MCP4151 (SPI with NVM) if wiper position must survive power-off
- 5-pack value — sufficient for multiple circuit builds and calibration applications
Compatible With
- Arduino: SPI library — use digitalPotWrite(value) pattern with CS on any digital pin
- ESP32 / STM32: Hardware SPI at 3.3V
- Op-amp gain control: Replace fixed feedback resistor with MCP41010 for software-adjustable gain
- Audio volume control: MCP41050 or MCP41100 as digitally controlled volume pot
- Sensor calibration: Programmable bias resistor for bridge sensor offset trimming
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I control MCP41010 with Arduino?
A: Connect SCK to Arduino pin 13, SDI to pin 11, CS to any digital pin (e.g., pin 10). Use the SPI library: SPI.begin(); digitalWrite(CS, LOW); SPI.transfer(0x11); SPI.transfer(value); digitalWrite(CS, HIGH); where value is 0–255 (0 = minimum resistance, 255 = maximum).
Q: Does the MCP41010 retain its wiper position after power-off?
A: No — MCP41010/41050/41100 are volatile digital potentiometers. The wiper resets to the midpoint (position 128) on power-up. For non-volatile wiper retention, use MCP4151 (SPI with EEPROM) or MCP4551 (I²C with EEPROM).
Q: Can MCP41010 replace a mechanical potentiometer in an audio circuit?
A: For low-frequency audio (below 1kHz), yes. However, the wiper resistance (52Ω for MCP41010) and parasitic capacitance limit high-frequency performance. For audio applications above 10kHz, use a dedicated audio digital potentiometer like DS1882 or PGA2311.
Package Contents
- 5× MCP41010 / MCP41050 / MCP41100 Digital Potentiometer IC (SOP-8) — variant as selected


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