Part A
AD5254BRUZ100
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4724 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-20
- Series
- Acquisition de données - potentiomètres numériques
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100 are not functionally interchangeable. The AD5254BRUZ100 is a quad-channel digital potentiometer, while the AD5251BRUZ100 is a dual-channel device, resulting in different channel counts, different resistor configurations, and incompatible pin assignments. Designers must not substitute one for the other without a complete redesign of the circuit layout and control interface.
Different channel count
Different resistor configuration
Different pin assignment
Different control interface
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD5251BRUZ100
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 8797 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-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 | AD5254BRUZ100 | AD5251BRUZ100 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Positions | 256 | 64 | Determines the resolution of resistance adjustment; a 256-position device offers finer wiper resolution than a 64-position device, affecting accuracy of digital potentiometer settings. |
| Number of Potentiometers | 4 | 2 | Indicates how many independent variable resistors are integrated in one package; this affects channel count and board space for multi-channel designs. |
| Interface Type | I2C | Up/Down (3-wire) | Defines the digital control protocol; I2C allows addressable multi-device buses, while up/down interface uses simple increment/decrement control lines. |
| Nonvolatile Memory | Yes (EEPROM) | No | Nonvolatile memory retains the wiper setting after power loss, which is critical for applications requiring known startup resistance without recalibration. |
| Resistance Tolerance | ±30% | ±30% | End-to-end resistance tolerance affects absolute resistance accuracy; both parts share the same tolerance, so this is not a differentiator. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Defines compatible logic and analog supply levels; matching ranges allow similar system-level power design. |
| Package Type | 20-Lead TSSOP | 14-Lead TSSOP | Package footprint and pin count affect PCB layout, thermal performance, and mechanical compatibility for drop-in substitution. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +105°C | Determines suitability for industrial and automotive environments; identical ranges mean both can operate in the same thermal conditions. |
| Wiper Resistance | Typical 100 Ω | Typical 100 Ω | Wiper resistance contributes to error in the programmed resistance; matching typical values means similar loading effects in circuit designs. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD5254BRUZ100 | AD5251BRUZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Taper | Linear | Linear |
| Configuration | Potentiometer | Potentiometer |
| Number of Circuits | 4 | 2 |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 64 |
| Resistance(Ohms) | 100k | 100k |
| Interface | I²C | I²C |
| Memory Type | Non-Volatile | Non-Volatile |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.7V ~ 5.5V, ±2.25V ~ 2.75V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V, ±2.25V ~ 2.75V |
| Features | Selectable Address | Selectable Address |
| Tolerance | ±20% | ±20% |
| Temperature Coefficient(Typ) | 650ppm/°C | 650ppm/°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 AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100 digital potentiometers?
The AD5254BRUZ100 is a quad-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer with nonvolatile memory (EEPROM), while the AD5251BRUZ100 is a dual-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer with nonvolatile memory. Both have a 100 kΩ end-to-end resistance and are available in a 14-lead TSSOP package, but the AD5254 provides four independent channels versus two channels on the AD5251.
Are the AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100 pin-compatible?
No. The AD5254BRUZ100 is a quad-channel device in a 14-lead TSSOP, while the AD5251BRUZ100 is a dual-channel device in a 14-lead TSSOP. Although both use the same package type, the pin functions and internal channel assignments differ, so they are not pin-compatible and cannot be interchanged without circuit redesign.
What is the end-to-end resistance of the AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100?
Both the AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100 have a nominal end-to-end resistance of 100 kΩ, as indicated by the "100" suffix in the part number. This resistance is specified in the manufacturer datasheet and is subject to the standard tolerance and temperature coefficient specifications for the AD525x family.
Do the AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100 have nonvolatile memory?
Yes. Both devices include nonvolatile EEPROM memory that retains the wiper setting after power is removed. This allows the potentiometer to power up in a previously stored wiper position without requiring external microcontroller intervention, which is a key feature of the AD525x series.
What digital interface do the AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100 use?
Both the AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100 use a 2-wire I²C-compatible serial interface for programming the wiper position and accessing the nonvolatile memory. The interface supports standard and fast I²C modes, and the devices include address pins to allow multiple devices on the same bus.
Can the AD5251BRUZ100 be used as a drop-in replacement for the AD5254BRUZ100?
No. The AD5251BRUZ100 has only two channels, while the AD5254BRUZ100 has four channels. Even if the package and interface are similar, the reduced channel count and different internal register mapping prevent a direct drop-in replacement. A redesign would be required to use the AD5251 in a circuit designed for the AD5254.
What is the operating voltage range for the AD5254BRUZ100 and AD5251BRUZ100?
Both devices operate from a single supply voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, as specified in the Analog Devices datasheet. This wide range makes them suitable for both 3 V and 5 V systems, and the digital interface logic thresholds are compatible with standard CMOS levels within this supply range.
What are the typical applications for the AD5254BRUZ100 versus the AD5251BRUZ100?
The AD5254BRUZ100 is typically used in applications requiring multiple independent programmable resistance settings, such as quad-channel gain control, offset trimming, or multi-channel calibration. The AD5251BRUZ100 is used in space-constrained designs where only two channels are needed, such as dual-channel sensor trimming or stereo audio level adjustment.