Part A
AD5242BRZ10
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 3626 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Acquisition de données - potentiomètres numériques
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The AD5242BRZ10 and AD5241BR10 are both dual-channel digital potentiometers from Analog Devices with comparable 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance and I²C-compatible interfaces, making the AD5242BRZ10 a viable functional replacement candidate for the AD5241BR10 in many designs. However, differences in package type, interface protocol details, and operating voltage range require careful validation before substitution. Designers should confirm pinout compatibility, supply voltage requirements, and communication protocol specifics against the target application to ensure reliable interchangeability.
Resistance Value
High match
Package Type
Validation required
Interface Protocol
Validation required
Supply Voltage Range
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD5241BR10
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 9657 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 | AD5242BRZ10 | AD5241BR10 | 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. |
| Interface Type | I2C | I2C | Both use I2C, so the digital communication protocol is compatible, but the AD5241 supports a different address scheme and additional control pins. |
| Resistance Value | 10 kΩ | 10 kΩ | The end-to-end resistance sets the current and voltage range of the potentiometer; matching values ensures similar analog behavior. |
| Resolution | 256 positions (8-bit) | 256 positions (8-bit) | Resolution determines the number of wiper tap positions and thus the adjustment granularity; identical resolution allows equivalent digital control precision. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Both operate over the same supply range, so they are compatible with common 3 V and 5 V logic systems. |
| Package Type | 16-lead SOIC | 14-lead SOIC | Different package sizes and pin counts affect PCB layout and footprint; they are not drop-in replacements for each other. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | Both support industrial temperature ranges, making them suitable for similar environmental conditions. |
| Wiper Resistance | 60 Ω typical | 60 Ω typical | Wiper resistance affects the minimum achievable resistance and signal attenuation; matching values ensures similar analog performance. |
| Additional Control Pins | None (software only) | Hardware shutdown and reset pins | The AD5241 offers hardware override pins for shutdown and reset, which the AD5242 lacks; this affects system safety and initialization behavior. |
Need help validating a replacement?
Send your BOM and application constraints for technical and sourcing review.
Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD5242BRZ10 | AD5241BR10 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 10k | 10k |
| 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% | ±30% |
| 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 AD5242BRZ10 and AD5241BR10?
The AD5242BRZ10 is a dual-channel 10 kΩ digital potentiometer with an I²C-compatible interface, while the AD5241BR10 is a single-channel 10 kΩ digital potentiometer with a 3-wire SPI-compatible interface. The AD5242 provides two independently programmable resistors in a 16-lead SOIC package, whereas the AD5241 provides one resistor in a 14-lead SOIC package.
Are the AD5242BRZ10 and AD5241BR10 pin-compatible?
No. The AD5242BRZ10 is housed in a 16-lead SOIC (R-16) package, and the AD5241BR10 is housed in a 14-lead SOIC (R-14) package. They have different pin counts and pinouts, so they are not drop-in replacements on the same PCB footprint.
Do both parts have the same end-to-end resistance and resolution?
Yes. Both the AD5242BRZ10 and AD5241BR10 offer a 10 kΩ nominal end-to-end resistance and 256-position resolution (8-bit). Both are specified with ±30% end-to-end resistance tolerance and operate from a single +2.7 V to +5.5 V supply or dual ±2.7 V supplies.
Can the AD5241BR10 be used as a direct substitute for the AD5242BRZ10 in an existing design?
No. Beyond the package and pinout differences, the AD5242BRZ10 provides two independent potentiometers and an I²C interface, while the AD5241BR10 provides one potentiometer and an SPI-compatible interface. A direct substitution would require redesign of the digital interface, channel count, and PCB layout.
What digital interfaces do the AD5242BRZ10 and AD5241BR10 use?
The AD5242BRZ10 uses a 2-wire I²C-compatible serial interface with adjustable slave address pins. The AD5241BR10 uses a 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface. Both devices support daisy-chaining and readback of the wiper register.
Do both devices offer nonvolatile wiper memory?
No. Neither the AD5242BRZ10 nor the AD5241BR10 includes nonvolatile memory for the wiper setting. Both are volatile digital potentiometers; the wiper position resets to midscale on power-up unless reprogrammed by the host controller.
What are the operating temperature ranges for the AD5242BRZ10 and AD5241BR10?
Both the AD5242BRZ10 and AD5241BR10 are specified for the industrial temperature range of −40°C to +85°C, and both are offered in lead-free RoHS-compliant SOIC packages.
Which part should be selected for a design requiring two independent digitally controlled resistors?
The AD5242BRZ10 should be selected because it integrates two 10 kΩ, 256-position digital potentiometers in a single 16-lead SOIC package with an I²C interface. The AD5241BR10 provides only one channel and would require two devices plus additional board space to achieve the same function.