Part A
AD5254BRUZ50
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 2128 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-20
- Series
- Acquisition de données - potentiomètres numériques
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The AD5254BRUZ50 and AD5251BRU1 are not functionally interchangeable. The AD5254BRUZ50 is a quad-channel 50 kΩ digital potentiometer with I²C interface and nonvolatile memory, while the AD5251BRU1 is a dual-channel 1 kΩ digital potentiometer with a different control interface and package. The substantial differences in channel count, end-to-end resistance, interface type, and package footprint make direct substitution impractical without significant design changes.
Different channel count
Different end-to-end resistance
Different control interface
Different package footprint
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD5251BRU1
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 9098 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 | AD5254BRUZ50 | AD5251BRU1 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Positions | 256 | 64 | Determines the resolution of resistance adjustment; a 256-position device offers finer wiper granularity than a 64-position device. |
| Number of Channels | 4 | 2 | Affects how many independent resistance paths can be controlled in a single package, impacting board space and circuit complexity. |
| End-to-End Resistance | 50 kΩ | 1 kΩ | Sets the nominal resistance range of the potentiometer, which must match the impedance requirements of the target circuit. |
| Interface Type | I²C | Up/Down (3-wire) | Determines the digital communication protocol required by the host controller; incompatible interfaces prevent direct substitution. |
| Nonvolatile Memory | Yes (EEPROM) | No | Nonvolatile storage retains the wiper setting across power cycles, which is essential for applications requiring a known startup state. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Defines the operating voltage window; both parts share the same range, allowing use in similar logic-level systems. |
| Package | 14-Lead TSSOP | 14-Lead TSSOP | Physical footprint and pin count must match the PCB layout for a drop-in replacement. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Ensures the device functions reliably within the environmental conditions of the application. |
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 | AD5254BRUZ50 | AD5251BRU1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 50k | 1k |
| 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% | ±30% |
| 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 main differences between the AD5254BRUZ50 and the AD5251BRU1?
The AD5254BRUZ50 is a quad-channel, 256-position digital potentiometer with a 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, while the AD5251BRU1 is a dual-channel, 64-position digital potentiometer with a 1 kΩ end-to-end resistance. The AD5254 offers more channels and higher resolution, whereas the AD5251 provides a lower resistance value and smaller channel count.
Are the AD5254BRUZ50 and AD5251BRU1 pin-compatible?
No. The AD5254BRUZ50 is supplied in a 14-lead TSSOP package, and the AD5251BRU1 is supplied in a 10-lead MSOP package. The different package types and pin counts mean they are not pin-compatible and cannot be used as drop-in replacements without PCB redesign.
What is the resolution of each digital potentiometer?
The AD5254BRUZ50 provides 256 positions (8-bit resolution) per channel. The AD5251BRU1 provides 64 positions (6-bit resolution) per channel. The higher position count of the AD5254 allows finer adjustment of the wiper setting.
What are the end-to-end resistance values of these two devices?
The AD5254BRUZ50 has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 50 kΩ. The AD5251BRU1 has a nominal end-to-end resistance of 1 kΩ. These values determine the maximum resistance range available in each digital potentiometer.
How many potentiometer channels does each device integrate?
The AD5254BRUZ50 integrates four independent digitally controlled potentiometers (quad channel). The AD5251BRU1 integrates two independent digitally controlled potentiometers (dual channel). The AD5254 therefore supports more independent resistance adjustments in a single package.
What digital interface do the AD5254BRUZ50 and AD5251BRU1 use?
Both devices use a 2-wire I²C-compatible serial interface for programming the wiper positions. This allows them to be controlled by standard I²C masters and daisy-chained or addressed on the same bus, subject to their respective address pin configurations.
Can the AD5251BRU1 be used as a substitute for the AD5254BRUZ50 in an existing design?
No, not directly. The AD5251BRU1 has fewer channels (2 vs. 4), lower resolution (64 vs. 256 positions), a different end-to-end resistance (1 kΩ vs. 50 kΩ), and a different package (10-lead MSOP vs. 14-lead TSSOP). A direct substitution would require significant hardware and firmware changes and is not recommended without full validation against the target application requirements.
What are the typical operating voltage ranges for these digital potentiometers?
Both the AD5254BRUZ50 and AD5251BRU1 operate from a single supply voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, and also support dual-supply operation of ±2.5 V to ±2.7 V. These ranges are specified in the respective manufacturer datasheets and are common to the AD525x family.