Part A
AD5241BRZ1M
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6341 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-14
- Series
- Acquisition de données - potentiomètres numériques
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M are functionally compatible digital potentiometers from the same Analog Devices AD524x family, sharing identical 1 MΩ end-to-end resistance, I²C interface, 256-position resolution, and 14-lead SOIC packaging. The AD5242BR1M provides two independent channels versus one channel on the AD5241BRZ1M, so it can serve as a drop-in replacement in single-channel designs where the second channel is left unused or tied off, provided the designer accounts for the additional channel's pin functions and programming overhead.
End-to-End Resistance
High match
Interface Type
High match
Channel Count
Validation required
Package Type
High match
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD5242BR1M
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6472 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Acquisition de données - potentiomètres numériques
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | AD5241BRZ1M | AD5242BR1M | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 1 | 2 | Determines how many independent resistance paths can be controlled; a dual-channel part can replace two single-channel devices but not vice versa. |
| Interface Type | I2C | I2C | Both use the same 2-wire I2C bus, so host firmware and bus wiring are compatible between the two parts. |
| End-to-End Resistance | 1 MΩ | 1 MΩ | Sets the nominal full-scale resistance of the digital potentiometer, directly affecting the achievable signal range and current levels. |
| Resolution (Taps) | 256 positions | 256 positions | Defines the number of discrete wiper settings and thus the step size and adjustment granularity of the potentiometer. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Must match the system rail; identical ranges mean either part can operate in the same 3 V or 5 V designs. |
| Package / Mounting | 14-Lead SOIC (surface mount) | 16-Lead SOIC (surface mount) | Different pin counts and footprints mean the PCB layout and land pattern are not drop-in interchangeable. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Confirms both parts are rated for the same industrial temperature environment, so thermal derating is equivalent. |
| Nonvolatile Memory | No (volatile wiper setting) | No (volatile wiper setting) | Neither retains the wiper position after power loss, so both require re-initialization by the host at every startup. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD5241BRZ1M | AD5242BR1M |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Taper | Linear | Linear |
| Configuration | Potentiometer | Potentiometer |
| Number of Circuits | 1 | 2 |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 256 |
| Resistance(Ohms) | 1M | 1M |
| Interface | I²C | I²C |
| Memory Type | Volatile | Volatile |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.7V ~ 5.5V, ±2.3V ~ 2.7V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V, ±2.3V ~ 2.7V |
| Features | Selectable Address | Selectable Address |
| Tolerance | -30%, +50% | -30%, +50% |
| Temperature Coefficient(Typ) | 30ppm/°C | 30ppm/°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 105°C | -40°C ~ 105°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M?
The AD5241BRZ1M is a single-channel digital potentiometer, while the AD5242BR1M is a dual-channel digital potentiometer. Both are 1 MΩ, 256-position, I²C-compatible devices from Analog Devices. The AD5241 provides one programmable resistor, whereas the AD5242 integrates two independent programmable resistors in the same package family.
Are the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M pin-compatible?
No. The AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M are not pin-compatible. The AD5242 requires additional pins for the second channel's A, B, and W terminals, so the pinout and package configuration differ from the single-channel AD5241. Designers must verify the specific package option and pin assignments in the respective Analog Devices datasheets before layout or substitution.
What is the end-to-end resistance of the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M?
Both the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M are offered in a 1 MΩ end-to-end resistance option, as indicated by the "1M" suffix in the ordering code. The actual end-to-end resistance tolerance and temperature coefficient should be confirmed from the Analog Devices datasheet for the specific model and grade.
How many positions do the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M provide?
Both devices provide 256 programmable positions (8-bit resolution) for each internal digital potentiometer channel. The AD5241BRZ1M has one channel, and the AD5242BR1M has two independent channels, each with 256 positions.
What digital interface do the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M use?
Both the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M use a 2-wire I²C-compatible serial interface for programming the wiper position. The devices support standard I²C addressing and can be daisy-chained or addressed individually depending on the configuration and address pins.
Can the AD5241BRZ1M be used as a drop-in replacement for the AD5242BR1M?
No. The AD5241BRZ1M cannot be used as a drop-in replacement for the AD5242BR1M because the AD5242 is a dual-channel device and the AD5241 is single-channel. The pinout, package, and channel count differ, so a direct substitution is not possible without redesigning the circuit and verifying all electrical and mechanical requirements against the Analog Devices datasheets.
What are the typical applications for the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M?
Both devices are used for digitally controlled resistance adjustment, such as gain and offset trimming, programmable filters, sensor calibration, and volume control. The AD5241BRZ1M is suitable for single-channel applications, while the AD5242BR1M is preferred when two independent programmable resistance channels are needed in one package.
Do the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M operate from the same supply voltage range?
Both the AD5241BRZ1M and AD5242BR1M are specified for single-supply operation over a range that includes 2.7 V to 5.5 V, as documented in the Analog Devices datasheets. Designers should confirm the exact operating voltage limits and logic thresholds for the specific grade and package option before use.