Part A
AD5242BRUZ1M
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 1270 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-16
- Series
- Acquisition de données - potentiomètres numériques
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The AD5242BRUZ1M and AD5241BR100 are not drop-in replacements for each other. Although both are single-channel digital potentiometers from Analog Devices, they differ in nominal resistance, interface protocol, package footprint, and volatile/nonvolatile wiper memory architecture. The AD5242BRUZ1M offers a 1 MΩ end-to-end resistance with an I²C-compatible 2-wire interface in a 16-lead TSSOP, while the AD5241BR100 provides a 100 kΩ resistance with a 3-wire SPI-compatible interface in a 14-lead TSSOP. These differences in resistance value, control interface, pin count, and wiper memory behavior prevent direct substitution without circuit and firmware redesign.
Different end-to-end resistance
Different control interface
Different package and pin count
Different wiper memory type
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD5241BR100
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 9123 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-14
- 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 | AD5242BRUZ1M | AD5241BR100 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 2 | 1 | Determines how many independent potentiometer channels are available; a dual-channel device cannot be replaced by a single-channel device without redesigning the circuit. |
| End-to-End Resistance | 1 MΩ | 100 kΩ | Sets the nominal resistance range of the digital potentiometer, directly affecting the achievable resistance values and circuit behavior. |
| Interface Type | I²C | I²C | Both use I²C, so the host communication protocol is compatible, but the number of addressable devices and register maps may differ. |
| Resolution | 256 positions | 256 positions | Identical resolution means both provide the same number of wiper tap settings, so adjustment granularity is equivalent. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Compatible supply ranges allow both parts to operate in the same system power domain without level shifting. |
| Package / Mounting | 16-Lead TSSOP | 14-Lead TSSOP | Different pin counts and package sizes affect PCB footprint and layout; they are not drop-in replacements. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +105°C | Identical temperature ratings ensure both parts can be used in the same environmental conditions. |
| Wiper Resistance | 60 Ω typical | 60 Ω typical | Similar wiper resistance means comparable insertion loss and loading effects in the signal path. |
| Nonvolatile Memory | No | No | Neither device retains the wiper setting after power-down, so both require reinitialization on startup. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD5242BRUZ1M | AD5241BR100 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Taper | Linear | Linear |
| Configuration | Potentiometer | Potentiometer |
| Number of Circuits | 2 | 1 |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 256 |
| Resistance(Ohms) | 1M | 100k |
| 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 AD5242BRUZ1M and the AD5241BR100?
The AD5242BRUZ1M is a dual-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer with a 1 MΩ end-to-end resistance, while the AD5241BR100 is a single-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer with a 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance. The AD5242 offers two independent potentiometers in one package, whereas the AD5241 provides only one. Both use an I²C-compatible interface and are available in a 14-lead TSSOP package.
Are the AD5242BRUZ1M and AD5241BR100 pin-compatible?
No. The AD5242BRUZ1M is a dual potentiometer in a 14-lead TSSOP, while the AD5241BR100 is a single potentiometer in a 14-lead TSSOP but with a different pin function assignment. The AD5241 uses some pins for additional logic outputs (such as O1 and O2) that are not present on the AD5242. Therefore, they cannot be used interchangeably without circuit redesign.
Can the AD5242BRUZ1M directly replace the AD5241BR100 in an existing design?
No. The AD5242BRUZ1M has two independent potentiometers and a 1 MΩ resistance, while the AD5241BR100 has one potentiometer and a 100 kΩ resistance. The pin functions, channel count, and resistance value differ, so a direct replacement is not possible without modifying the circuit and verifying compatibility with the manufacturer datasheets.
What is the end-to-end resistance tolerance for each part?
According to the Analog Devices datasheets, both the AD5242BRUZ1M and AD5241BR100 offer a resistance tolerance of ±30% maximum for the end-to-end resistance. The AD5242BRUZ1M is specified at 1 MΩ, and the AD5241BR100 is specified at 100 kΩ, both with the same ±30% tolerance rating.
Do both devices support the same I²C interface speed and logic levels?
Yes. Both the AD5242BRUZ1M and AD5241BR100 feature an I²C-compatible serial interface that supports standard mode (100 kHz) and fast mode (400 kHz). They also operate from a single 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply and have similar logic input thresholds, making their digital interface characteristics compatible when used in the same system.
What are the typical applications for each device?
The AD5242BRUZ1M (dual, 1 MΩ) is typically used in applications requiring two independent programmable resistance settings, such as dual-channel gain control, offset adjustment, or dual-channel sensor calibration. The AD5241BR100 (single, 100 kΩ) is used in single-channel applications such as volume control, brightness control, or single-point calibration where a lower resistance value is sufficient.
Are the operating temperature ranges identical for both parts?
Yes. Both the AD5242BRUZ1M and AD5241BR100 are specified for the industrial temperature range of −40°C to +85°C, as stated in their respective Analog Devices datasheets. This makes them suitable for similar industrial and commercial environments.