Part A
AD8400AR50
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 614 PCS
- Series
- Acquisition de données - potentiomètres numériques
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The AD8400ARZ10 and AD8400AR50 are both single-channel digital potentiometers from the AD8400 family, sharing identical package, interface, and supply characteristics. The only meaningful distinction is the end-to-end resistance value, which directly affects circuit behavior and must be validated against the target application's resistance requirements before substitution.
Package Type
High match
Interface Type
High match
Supply Voltage Range
High match
End-to-End Resistance
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD8400ARZ10
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5319 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- 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 | AD8400ARZ10 | AD8400AR50 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Resistance | 10 kΩ | 50 kΩ | Sets the nominal resistance range of the digital potentiometer; a direct substitute must match the target circuit's resistance to preserve gain, attenuation, or biasing behavior. |
| Number of Positions / Resolution | 256 positions (8-bit) | 256 positions (8-bit) | Determines the step granularity of wiper adjustment; identical resolution means the same control code maps to the same relative tap position. |
| Number of Potentiometers | 1 | 1 | Indicates how many independent resistor channels are integrated; matching channel count ensures pin and function compatibility. |
| Interface Type | SPI (3-wire serial) | SPI (3-wire serial) | Defines the digital control protocol; identical interface allows the same microcontroller firmware and wiring to drive either part. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Specifies the operating power domain; matching ranges ensure the part works in the same system supply without level shifting. |
| Package / Mounting | 8-lead SOIC (surface mount) | 8-lead SOIC (surface mount) | Determines PCB footprint and assembly compatibility; identical package allows drop-in replacement on the same board layout. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Defines the environmental envelope; matching ranges ensure equivalent reliability across the application's temperature conditions. |
| Wiper Resistance | ~50 Ω (typical) | ~100 Ω (typical) | Adds series resistance at the wiper terminal; a higher wiper resistance can affect accuracy in low-resistance settings and load regulation. |
| Nominal Resistance Tolerance | ±20% (typical for 10 kΩ option) | ±30% (typical for 50 kΩ option) | Indicates part-to-part variation in absolute resistance; looser tolerance affects absolute-value accuracy and may require calibration in precision circuits. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD8400AR50 | AD8400ARZ10 |
|---|---|---|
| Part Status | Obsolete | Active |
| Base Product Number | AD8400 | - |
| Digi Key Programmable | Not Verified | - |
| Taper | Linear | Linear |
| Configuration | Potentiometer | Potentiometer |
| Number of Circuits | 1 | 1 |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 256 |
| Resistance (Ohms) | 50k | - |
| Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Memory Type | Volatile | Volatile |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.7V ~ 5.5V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V |
| Tolerance | ±30% | ±20% |
| Temperature Coefficient (Typ) | 500ppm/°C | - |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 125°C | -40°C ~ 125°C |
| Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ) | 200 | - |
| Packaging | Tube | - |
| Resistance(Ohms) | - | 10k |
| Temperature Coefficient(Typ) | - | 500ppm/°C |
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary difference between the AD8400ARZ10 and AD8400AR50?
The primary difference is the end-to-end resistance value of the digital potentiometer. The AD8400ARZ10 has a 10 kΩ nominal resistance, while the AD8400AR50 has a 50 kΩ nominal resistance. Both are single-channel, 256-position digital potentiometers in an 8-lead SOIC package.
Are the AD8400ARZ10 and AD8400AR50 pin-compatible?
Yes. Both devices are offered in the same 8-lead SOIC (R-8) package and share the same pinout, including the serial interface, RDAC wiper, and terminal connections. They can be used on the same PCB footprint, but the resistance value difference must be validated for the target circuit.
Do both parts use the same digital interface and resolution?
Yes. Both the AD8400ARZ10 and AD8400AR50 are 256-position (8-bit) digital potentiometers controlled via a 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface. They share the same command and data format, so firmware written for one resistance value applies to the other.
Can the AD8400ARZ10 be substituted with the AD8400AR50 in an existing design?
Not without validation. Although the package and interface are identical, the 5x higher end-to-end resistance of the AD8400AR50 changes the wiper resistance ratio, current through the potentiometer, and the resulting voltage or gain in the circuit. The substitution must be verified against the application's resistance and current requirements.
What is the nominal resistance tolerance of these two devices?
Both the AD8400ARZ10 and AD8400AR50 are specified with a nominal resistance tolerance of ±20% per the Analog Devices datasheet. The absolute resistance value varies within this tolerance, so designs should account for the specified tolerance range.
Do the AD8400ARZ10 and AD8400AR50 have the same operating voltage range?
Yes. Both devices operate from a single supply of 2.7 V to 5.5 V and support a digital interface compatible with 3 V and 5 V logic, as specified in the Analog Devices AD8400 datasheet. The supply and logic-level requirements are identical between the two resistance options.
How does the resistance value affect power dissipation in these parts?
For a given applied voltage across the potentiometer terminals, the AD8400AR50 (50 kΩ) dissipates less power than the AD8400ARZ10 (10 kΩ) because power is inversely proportional to resistance (P = V²/R). The lower-resistance AD8400ARZ10 carries higher current for the same terminal voltage, which must be considered against the device's specified current and power limits.