FEATURES

128-position
End-to-end resistance 5 k, 10 k, 50 k, 100 k
Ultracompact SC70-6 (2 mm 2.1 mm) package
I2C compatible interface
Full read/write of wiper register
Power-on preset to midscale
Single supply 2.7 V to 5.5 V
Rheostat mode temperature coefficient: 45 ppm/C
Low power, IDD = 0.9 A at 3.3 V typical
Wide operating temperature 40C to +125C

APPLICATIONS

FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM

VDD

SCL
I2C INTERFACE
SDA

A
W

WIPER
REGISTER

03875-001

Data Sheet

128-Position I2C-Compatible
Digital Resistor
AD5246

GND

Figure 1.

Mechanical potentiometer replacement in new designs

Transducer adjustment of pressure, temperature, position,
chemical, and optical sensors
RF amplifier biasing
Automotive electronics adjustment
Gain control and offset adjustment

GENERAL OVERVIEW
The AD5246 provides a compact 2 mm 2.1 mm packaged
solution for 128-position adjustment applications. This device
performs the same electronic adjustment function as a variable
resistor. Available in four different end-to-end resistance values
(5 k, 10 k, 50 k, 100 k), these low temperature coefficient
devices are ideal for high accuracy and stability variable
resistance adjustments.
The wiper settings are controllable through the I2C compatible
digital interface, which can also be used to read back the present
wiper register control word. The resistance between the wiper
and either end point of the fixed resistor varies linearly with
respect to the digital code transferred into the RDAC1 latch.
Operating from a 2.7 V to 5.5 V power supply and consuming
0.9 A (3.3 V) allows for usage in portable battery-operated
applications.
1

The terms digital potentiometer, VR, and RDAC are used interchangeably
in this document.

Rev. C

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable.

However, no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use.
Specifications subject to change without notice. No license is granted by implication
or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices. Trademarks and
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.

Tel: 781.329.4700
www.analog.com
Fax: 781.461.3113 20032012 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.

AD5246

Data Sheet

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifications..................................................................................... 3

Programming the Variable Resistor ......................................... 13

Electrical Characteristics5 k Version .................................. 3

I2C Compatible 2-Wire Serial Bus ........................................... 13

Electrical Characteristics10 k, 50 k, 100 k Versions .. 4

Level Shifting for Bidirectional Interface ................................ 14

Timing Characteristics ................................................................ 5

ESD Protection ........................................................................... 14

Absolute Maximum Ratings ............................................................ 6

Terminal Voltage Operating Range ......................................... 14

ESD CAUTION ............................................................................ 6

Maximum Operating Current .................................................. 14

Pin Configuration and Function Descriptions ............................. 7

Power-Up Sequence ................................................................... 14

Typical Performance Characteristics ............................................. 8

Layout and Power Supply Bypassing ....................................... 15

Test Circuits ..................................................................................... 11

Constant Bias to Retain Resistance Setting............................. 15

I2C Interface ..................................................................................... 12

Outline Dimensions ....................................................................... 16

Operation ......................................................................................... 13

Ordering Guide .......................................................................... 16

REVISION HISTORY
5/12Rev. B to Rev. C
Changes to Features and General Description Sections.............. 1
Changes to IDD Parameters, Table 1 ................................................ 3
Changes to IDD Parameters, Table 2 ................................................ 4
Changes to Figure 10 ........................................................................ 9
Removed Evaluation Board Section ............................................. 15
Changes to Ordering Guide .......................................................... 16
8/09Rev. A to Rev. B
Changes to Power Supply Sensitivity Parameter .......................... 3
Updated Outline Dimensions ........................................................16
Changes to Ordering Guide ...........................................................16
7/05Rev. 0 to Rev. A
Changes to Table 1 ............................................................................ 3
Changes to Table 2 ............................................................................ 4
Changes to Absolute Maximum Ratings ....................................... 6
Moved Pin Configuration and Function Descriptions ................ 7
Deleted Table 7 ................................................................................12
Changes to Operation Section .......................................................13
Deleted Figure 31.............................................................................14
Changes to Figure 30 and Figure 32 .............................................14
9/03Revision 0: Initial Version

Rev. C | Page 2 of 16

Data Sheet

AD5246

SPECIFICATIONS
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS5 k VERSION
VDD = 5 V 10% or 3 V 10%; VA = +VDD; 40C < TA < +125C, unless otherwise noted.
Table 1.
Parameter
DC CHARACTERISTICSRHEOSTAT MODE
Resistor Differential Nonlinearity 2
Resistor Integral Nonlinearity2
Nominal Resistor Tolerance 3
Resistance Temperature Coefficient
RWB
RESISTOR TERMINALS
Voltage Range 4
Capacitance 5 B
Capacitance5 W
Common-Mode Leakage
DIGITAL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Input Logic High
Input Logic Low
Input Logic High
Input Logic Low
Input Current
Input Capacitance5
POWER SUPPLIES
Power Supply Range
Supply Current

Power Dissipation 6
Power Supply Sensitivity
DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS5, 7
Bandwidth 3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
VW Settling Time
Resistor Noise Voltage Density

Symbol

Conditions

Min

Typ 1

Max

Unit

R-DNL
R-INL
RAB
(RAB/RAB)/T
RWB

RWB
RWB
TA = 25C
Wiper = no connect
Code = 0x00, VDD = 5 V
Code = 0x00, VDD = 2.7 V

1.5
4
30

0.1
0.75

+1.5
+4
+30

LSB
LSB
%
ppm/C

VB, W
CB
CW
ICM
VIH
VIL
VIH
VIL
IIL
CIL
VDD RANGE
IDD

45
75
150
GND

f = 1 MHz, measured to GND, code = 0x40

f = 1 MHz, measured to GND, code = 0x40

VDD = 5 V
VDD = 5 V
VDD = 3 V
VDD = 3 V
VIN = 0 V or 5 V

150
400
VDD

45
60
1
2.4
0.8
2.1
0.6
1
5
2.7

V
pF
pF
nA
V
V
V
V
A
pF

5.5

VDD = 5.5 V; VIH = VDD or VIL = GND

VDD = 5 V; VIH = VDD or VIL = GND
VDD = 3.3 V; VIH = VDD or VIL = GND

3
2.5
0.9

7
5.2
2

A
A
A

PDISS
PSSR

VIH = 5 V or VIL = 0 V, VDD = 5 V

VDD = +5 V 10%, code = midscale

0.01

40
0.025

W
%/%

BW_5K
THDW
tS
eN_WB

RAB = 5 k, code = 0x40

VA = 1 V rms, VB = 0 V, f = 1 kHz
VA = 5 V, 1 LSB error band
RWB = 2.5 k, RS = 0

1.2
0.05
1
6

Typical specifications represent average readings at 25C and VDD = 5 V.

Resistor position nonlinearity error R-INL is the deviation from an ideal value measured between the maximum resistance and the minimum resistance wiper
positions. R-DNL measures the relative step change from ideal between successive tap positions. Parts are guaranteed monotonic.
3
Code = 0x7F.
4
Resistor Terminal A and Resistor Terminal W have no limitations on polarity with respect to each other.
5
Guaranteed by design; not subject to production test.
6
PDISS is calculated from (IDD VDD). CMOS logic level inputs result in minimum power dissipation.
7
VDD = 5 V.
1
2

Rev. C | Page 3 of 16

MHz
%
s
nV/Hz

AD5246

Data Sheet

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS10 k, 50 k, 100 k VERSIONS

VDD = 5 V 10% or 3 V 10%; VA = VDD; 40C < TA < +125C, unless otherwise noted.
Table 2.
Parameter
DC CHARACTERISTICS, RHEOSTAT MODE
Resistor Differential Nonlinearity 2
Resistor Integral Nonlinearity2
Nominal Resistor Tolerance 3
Resistance Temperature Coefficient
RWB
RESISTOR TERMINALS
Voltage Range 4
Capacitance 5 B
Capacitance5 W
Common-Mode Leakage
DIGITAL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Input Logic High
Input Logic Low
Input Logic High
Input Logic Low
Input Current
Input Capacitance5
POWER SUPPLIES
Power Supply Range
Supply Current

Power Dissipation 6
Power Supply Sensitivity
DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS5, 7
Bandwidth 3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
VW Settling Time (10 k/50 k/100 k)
Resistor Noise Voltage Density

Symbol

Conditions

Min

Typ 1

Max

Unit

R-DNL
R-INL
RAB
(RAB/RAB)/T
RWB

RWB, VA = no connect
RWB, VA = no connect
TA = 25C
Wiper = no connect
Code=0x00, VDD = 5 V
Code=0x00, VDD = 2.7 V

1
2
20

0.1
0.25

+1
+2
+20

LSB
LSB
%
ppm/C

VB, W
CB
CW
ICM
VIH
VIL
VIH
VIL
IIL
CIL
VDD RANGE
IDD

45
75
150
GND

f = 1 MHz, measured to GND, code = 0x40

f = 1 MHz, measured to GND, code = 0x40

VDD = 5 V
VDD = 5 V
VDD = 3 V
VDD = 3 V
VIN = 0 V or 5 V

150
400
VDD

45
60
1
2.4
0.8
2.1
0.6
1
5
2.7

VDD = 5.5 V; VIH = VDD or VIL = GND

VDD = 5 V; VIH = VDD or VIL = GND
VDD = 3.3 V; VIH = VDD or VIL = GND

5.5

7
5.2
2

A
A
A

40
0.02

W
%/%

VIH = 5 V or VIL = 0 V, VDD = 5 V

VDD = +5 V 10%, code = midscale

0.01

BW
THDW
tS
eN_WB

RAB = 10 k/50 k/100 k, code = 0x40

VA = 1 V rms, f = 1 kHz, RAB = 10 k
VA = 5 V 1 LSB error band
RWB = 5 k, RS = 0

600/100/40
0.05
2
9

Typical specifications represent average readings at 25C and VDD = 5 V.

Resistor position nonlinearity error R-INL is the deviation from an ideal value measured between the maximum resistance and the minimum resistance wiper
positions. R-DNL measures the relative step change from ideal between successive tap positions. Parts are guaranteed monotonic.
3
Code = 0x7F.
4
Resistor Terminal A and Resistor Terminal W have no limitations on polarity with respect to each other.
5
Guaranteed by design; not subject to production test.
6
PDISS is calculated from (IDD VDD). CMOS logic level inputs result in minimum power dissipation.
7
All dynamic characteristics use VDD = 5 V.
2

Rev. C | Page 4 of 16

V
V
V
V
A
pF

3
2.5
0.9

PDISS
PSSR

V
pF
pF
nA

kHz
%
s
nV/Hz

Data Sheet

AD5246

TIMING CHARACTERISTICS
VDD = 5 V 10% or 3 V 10%; VA = VDD; 40C < TA < +125C, unless otherwise noted.
Table 3.
Parameter
I2C INTERFACE TIMING CHARACTERISTICS 2, 3, 4
SCL Clock Frequency
tBUF Bus Free Time Between STOP and START
tHD;STA Hold Time (Repeated START)
tLOW Low Period of SCL Clock
tHIGH High Period of SCL Clock
tSU;STA Setup Time for Repeated START Condition
tHD;DAT Data Hold Time
tSU;DAT Data Setup Time
tF Fall Time of Both SDA and SCL Signals
tR Rise Time of Both SDA and SCL Signals
tSU;STO Setup Time for STOP Condition

Symbol
fSCL
t1
t2

Conditions

Min

Typ 1

Max

Unit

400

kHz
s

1.3
After this period, the first clock pulse is
generated

t3
t4
t5
t6
t7
t8
t9
t10

0.6
1.3
0.6
0.6

50
0.9

100
300
300
0.6

Typical specifications represent average readings at 25C and VDD = 5 V.

Guaranteed by design; not subject to production test.
See timing diagrams (Figure 26, Figure 27, and Figure 28) for locations of measured values.
4
Specifications apply to all parts.
1
2
3

Rev. C | Page 5 of 16

s
s
s
s
s
ns
ns
ns
s

AD5246

Data Sheet

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

TA = 25C, unless otherwise noted.
Table 4.
Parameter
VDD to GND
VA, VW to GND
Terminal Current, AB, AW, BW
Pulsed1
Continuous
Digital Inputs and Output Voltage to GND
Operating Temperature Range
Maximum Junction Temperature (TJMAX)
Storage Temperature
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec)
Thermal Resistance2 JA: SC70-6

Value
0.3 V to +7 V
VDD
20 mA
5 mA
0 V to VDD + 0.3 V
40C to +125C
150C
65C to +150C
300C
340C/W

Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings

may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress
rating only; functional operation of the device at these or any
other conditions above those indicated in the operational
section of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.

Maximum terminal current is bounded by the maximum current handling of

the switches, maximum power dissipation of the package, and maximum
applied voltage across any two of the A, B, and W terminals at a given
resistance.
2
Package power dissipation = (TJMAX TA)/JA.

ESD CAUTION
ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive device. Electrostatic charges as high as 4000 V readily accumulate on
the human body and test equipment and can discharge without detection. Although this product features
proprietary ESD protection circuitry, permanent damage may occur on devices subjected to high energy
electrostatic discharges. Therefore, proper ESD precautions are recommended to avoid performance
degradation or loss of functionality.

Rev. C | Page 6 of 16

Data Sheet

AD5246

PIN CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS

VDD 1

SDA

GND 2
SCL 3

TOP VIEW
(Not to Scale)

03875-018

AD5246

Figure 2. Pin Configuration

Table 5. Pin Function Descriptions

Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6

Mnemonic
VDD
GND
SCL
SDA
W
B

Description
Positive Power Supply.
Digital Ground.
Serial Clock Input. Positive edge triggered.
Serial Data Input/Output.
W Terminal.
B Terminal.

Rev. C | Page 7 of 16

AD5246

Data Sheet

TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

1.0

0.5
TA = 25C
RAB = 10k

RHEOSTAT MODE DNL (LSB)

VDD = 2.7V

0.4
0.2
0
VDD = 5.5V

0.2
0.4
0.6

03875-020

0.8
1.0
0

16

32

48
64
80
CODE (Decimal)

96

112

0.3
0.2

TA = 40C, +25C, +85C, +125C

0.1
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5

128

Figure 3. R-INL vs. Code vs. Supply Voltages

64
80
48
CODE (Decimal)

96

112

128

RHEOSTAT
MODEERROR
INL (LSB)
FSE,
FULL-SCALE
(LSB)

0.3
0.2
VDD = 2.7V
0.1
0
0.1

VDD = 5.5V

0.2

03875-021

0.3
0.4
0.5
0

16

32

64
80
48
CODE (Decimal)

96

112

0.5
VDD = 5.5V, VA = 5.5V
1.0

1.5

2.0
VDD = 2.7V, VA = 2.7V
2.5

3.0
40

128

03875-024

TA = 25C
RAB = 10k

0.4

RHEOSTAT MODE DNL (LSB)

32

Figure 6. R-DNL vs. Code vs. Temperature

0.5

25

10

20 35
50
65
TEMPERATURE (C)

80

95

110 125

Figure 7. Full-Scale Error vs. Temperature

Figure 4. R-DNL vs. Code vs. Supply Voltages

1.50

1.0
0.8

TA = 40C

1.25

ZSE, ZERO-SCALE ERROR (LSB)

TA = +85C

0.6
0.4
0.2

TA = +25C

TA = +125C

0.2
0.4

TA = 40C
TA = +25C

0.6

TA = +85C

0.8

TA = +125C

1.0
0

16

32

48
64
80
CODE (Decimal)

96

112

03875-022

RHEOSTAT MODE INL (LSB)

16

1.00
VDD = 5.5V, VA = 5.5V

0.75

0.50

0.25

VDD = 2.7V, VA = 2.7V

0
40 25

128

Figure 5. R-INL vs. Code vs. Temperature

10

20
35
50
65
TEMPERATURE (C)

80

95

Figure 8. Zero-Scale Error vs. Temperature

Rev. C | Page 8 of 16

03875-025

RHEOSTAT MODE INL (LSB)

0.6

VDD = 2.7V
RAB = 10k

40C
+25C
+85C
+125C

0.4

03875-023

0.8

110 125

Data Sheet

AD5246

100

DIGITAL INPUTS = 0V
CODE = 0x40

0x40

0x20

GAIN (dB)

VDD = 2.7V

0x04
30
0x02
36

0x01

42

20
35 50
65
TEMPERATURE (C)

80

95

110

100

5V
2.7V

90

54
60
1k

125

10k

100k
FREQUENCY (Hz)

1M

10M

Figure 12. Gain vs. Frequency vs. Code, RAB = 10 k

IWB = 200A
RAB = 10k

0x40

6
12

70

18

60

24

GAIN (dB)

80

50
40

0x20
0x10
0x08
0x04

30

0x02

36
42

20

48

10

54

17 25 33 41 49 57 65 73 81 89 97 105 113 121

60
1k

CODE (Decimal)

Figure 10. Rheostat Mode Tempco RWB/T vs. Code

12
18

0x20

12

0x10

0x10

18

GAIN (dB)

0x04
0x02
0x01

42

0x08

24

0x04

30

0x02

36

0x01

42

48

48

03875-028

54
60
1k

10k

10M

0x40

0x20

0x08

36

1M

0x40

24
30

100k
FREQUENCY (Hz)

Figure 13. Gain vs. Frequency vs. Code, RAB = 50 k

0
6

10k

100k

1M

03875-031

03875-027

03875-030

0x01

30

03875-029

48

Figure 9. Supply Current vs. Temperature

RTHESOSTAT MODE TEMPCO (ppm/C)

0x08

24

0.1

0.01
40 25 10

GAIN (dB)

0x10

18

VDD = 5.5V

03875-026

IDD, SUPPLY CURRENT (A)

12

10

54
60
1k

10M

FREQUENCY (Hz)

Figure 11. Gain vs. Frequency vs. Code, RAB = 5 k

10k

100k
FREQUENCY (Hz)

1M

Figure 14. Gain vs. Frequency vs. Code, RAB = 100 k

Rev. C | Page 9 of 16

10M

AD5246

Data Sheet

TA = 25C
RAB = 10kW
FCLK = 100kHz

VDD = 5.5V
VB = 0V

6
5k
12
10k
18

GAIN (dB)

100k

VW

50k

24
30
36

5V

42

CLK

0V

03875-032

03875-006

48
54
60
1k

10k

100k
FREQUENCY (Hz)

1M

1s/DIV

10M

Figure 15. 3 dB Bandwidth @ Code = 0x80

Figure 18. Digital Feedthrough

0.30

TA = 25C
RAB = 10k

B - VDD = 5.5V
CODE = 0x7F

0.20

C - VDD = 2.7V
CODE = 0x55

0.15

D - VDD = 2.7V
CODE = 0x7F
V

0.10

C
D

0
1k

03875-007

0.05

03875-033

IDD (A)

0.25

VDD = 5.5V
VB = 0V
CODE 0x40 to 0x3F

TA = 25C

A - VDD = 5.5V
CODE = 0x55

10k
100k
FREQUENCY (Hz)

200ns/DIV

1M

Figure 19. Midscale Glitch, Code 0x40 to 0x3F

Figure 16. IDD vs. Frequency

360
TA = 25C
RAB = 50kW
CODE = 0x00

300
VDD = 2.7V

240

180
VW 1

120
VDD = 5.5V
03875-005

60
03875-008

RWB (W)

TA = 25C
RAB = 10kW
IW = 50A

VDD = 5.5V
VB = 0V
CODE 00H TO 7FH

0
0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

40s/DIV

5.5

VBIAS (V)

Figure 20. Large Signal Settling Time

Figure 17. RWB vs. VBIAS vs. VDD

Rev. C | Page 10 of 16

Data Sheet

AD5246

TEST CIRCUITS
Figure 21 to Figure 25 define the test conditions used in the product Specification tables.

DUT

RSW =

DUT
IW

0.1V
ISW

CODE = 0x00
W
B

VMS

03875-004

0.1V

ISW

03875-040

VDD TO GND

Figure 24. Test Circuit for Incremental On Resistance

Figure 21. Test Circuit for Resistor Position Nonlinearity Error

(Rheostat Operation; R-INL, R-DNL)

DUT

V MS
PSRR (dB) = 20 LOG
V
V MS%
PSS (%/%) =
V %

V
W
B

VMS

W
B
03875-009

V+

NO CONNECT

10kW
+15V

10kW
W
B

2.5V

OP27

VOUT

15V

03875-010

VIN

VCM

Figure 25. Test Circuit for Common-Mode Leakage Current

Figure 22. Test Circuit for Power Supply Sensitivity (PSS, PSSR)

DUT

ICM

03875-012

V+ = V 10%

UT

Figure 23. Test Circuit for Gain vs. Frequency

Rev. C | Page 11 of 16

AD5246

Data Sheet

I2C INTERFACE
Table 6. Write Mode
S

D6

D5

D4

Slave Address Byte

D3

D2

D1

D0

D2

D1

D0

Data Byte

Table 7. Read Mode

S

0
1
1
Slave Address Byte

D6

D5

D4
D3
Data Byte

S = Start Condition.

W = Write.

P = Stop Condition.

R = Read.

A = Acknowledge.

D6, D5, D4, D3, D2, D1, D0 = Data Bits.

X = Dont Care.

t2

t9

t8
SCL

t6
t3

t2

t7

t4

t5

t10

t9

t8

t1
S

Figure 26. I2C Interface, Detailed Timing Diagram

SCL
0

D6

D4

D5

ACK BY
AD5246

FRAME 1
SLAVE ADDRESS BYTE

START BY
MASTER

R/W

D3

D2

D1

D0

ACK BY
AD5246

FRAME 2
DATA BYTE

STOP BY
MASTER

03875-014

SDA

NO ACK
BY MASTER
STOP BY
MASTER

03875-013

Figure 27. Writing to the RDAC Register

SCL

SDA

START BY
MASTER

FRAME 1
SLAVE ADDRESS BYTE

R/W

D6

ACK BY
AD5246

D5

D4

D2

FRAME 2
RDAC REGISTER

Figure 28. Reading from the RDAC Register

Rev. C | Page 12 of 16

D3

D1

D0

03875-019

SDA

Data Sheet

AD5246

OPERATION
I2C COMPATIBLE 2-WIRE SERIAL BUS

The AD5246 is a 128-position, digitally controlled variable

resistor (VR) device.

PROGRAMMING THE VARIABLE RESISTOR

Rheostat Operation

The nominal resistance of the RDAC between Terminal A

and Terminal B is available in 5 k, 10 k, 50 k, and 100 k.
The final two or three digits of the part number determine
the nominal resistance value, that is, 10 k = 10, 50 k = 50.
The nominal resistance (RAB) of the VR has 128 contact points
accessed by the wiper terminal. The 7-bit data in the RDAC
latch is decoded to select one of the 128 possible settings.

The first byte of the AD5246 is a slave address byte (see Table 6
and Table 7). It has a 7-bit slave address and an R/W bit. The
seven MSBs of the slave address are 0101110 followed by 0
for a write command or 1 to place the device in read mode.
The 2-wire I2C serial bus protocol operates as follows:
1.

The general equation determining the digitally programmed

output resistance between W and B is

RWB ( D) =

D
RAB + 2 RW
128

The slave whose address corresponds to the transmitted

address responds by pulling the SDA line low during the
ninth clock pulse (this is termed the acknowledge bit).
At this stage, all other devices on the bus remain idle while
the selected device waits for data to be written to or read
from its serial register. If the R/W bit is high, the master
reads from the slave device. Conversely, if the R/W bit is
low, the master writes to the slave device.

(1)

where:
D is the decimal equivalent of the binary code loaded in the
7-bit RDAC register.
RAB is the end-to-end resistance.
RW is the wiper resistance contributed by the on resistance
of each internal switch.
Ax

D6
D5
D4
D3
D2
D1
D0

2.

In write mode, after acknowledgement of the slave address

byte, the next byte is the data byte. Data is transmitted over
the serial bus in sequences of nine clock pulses (eight data
bits followed by an acknowledge bit). The transitions on
the SDA line must occur during the low period of SCL and
remain stable during the high period of SCL (see Table 6).

3.

In read mode, after acknowledgment of the slave address

byte, data is received over the serial bus in sequences of
nine clock pulses (a slight difference from the write mode
where eight data bits are followed by an acknowledge bit).
Similarly, the transitions on the SDA line must occur
during the low period of SCL and remain stable during
the high period of SCL (see Figure 28).

4.

When all data bits have been read or written, a STOP

condition is established by the master. A STOP condition
is defined as a low-to-high transition on the SDA line while
SCL is high. In write mode, the master pulls the SDA line
high during the tenth clock pulse to establish a STOP
condition (see Figure 27). In read mode, the master issues
a No Acknowledge for the ninth clock pulse (that is, the
SDA line remains high). The master then brings the SDA
line low before the tenth clock pulse, which goes high to
establish a STOP condition (see Figure 28).

RS
RS
Wx

RDAC

Bx
03875-015

LATCH
AND
RS
DECODER

The master initiates data transfer by establishing a START

condition, which is when a high-to-low transition on the
SDA line occurs while SCL is high (see Figure 27). The
following byte is the slave address byte, which consists of
the 7-bit slave address followed by an R/W bit (this bit
determines whether data will be read from or written to
the slave device).

Figure 29. AD5246 Equivalent RDAC Circuit

Note that in the zero-scale condition, there is a relatively small

finite wiper resistance. Care should be taken to limit the current
flow between W and B in this state to a maximum pulse current
of no more than 20 mA. Otherwise, degradation or possible
destruction of the internal switch contact can occur.
Typical device-to-device matching is process lot dependent and
may vary by up to 30%. Since the resistance element is processed in thin-film technology, the temperature coefficient of
RAB is only 45 ppm/C.

Rev. C | Page 13 of 16

AD5246

Data Sheet

A repeated write function gives the user flexibility to update the

RDAC output a number of times after addressing the part only
once. For example, after the RDAC has acknowledged its slave
address in write mode, the RDAC output updates on each successive byte. If different instructions are needed, the write/read mode
has to start again with a new slave address and data byte.
Similarly, a repeated read function of the RDAC is also allowed.

VDD

LEVEL SHIFTING FOR BIDIRECTIONAL INTERFACE

GND

While most legacy systems may be operated at one voltage,

a new component may be optimized at another. When two
systems operate the same signal at two different voltages, proper
level shifting is needed. For instance, one can use a 1.8 V
E2PROM to interface with a 5 V digital potentiometer. A level
shifting scheme is needed to enable a bidirectional communication so that the setting of the digital potentiometer can be
stored to and retrieved from the E2PROM. Figure 30 shows
one of the implementations. M1 and M2 can be any N channel
signal FETs, or if VDD falls below 2.5 V, M1 and M2 can be low
threshold FETs such as the FDV301N.
VDD2 = 5V

VDD1 = 1.8V
RP

RP

RP

RP

03875-016

Figure 32. Maximum Terminal Voltages Set by VDD and GND

MAXIMUM OPERATING CURRENT

At low code values, the user should be aware that due to low
resistance values, the current through the RDAC may exceed
the 5 mA limit. In Figure 33, a 5 V supply is placed on the
wiper, and the current through Terminal W and Terminal B is
plotted with respect to code. A line is also drawn denoting the
5 mA current limit. Note that at low code values (particularly
for the 5 k and 10 k options), the current level increases
significantly. Care should be taken to limit the current flow
between W and B in this state to a maximum continuous
current of 5 mA and a maximum pulse current of no more than
20 mA. Otherwise, degradation or possible destruction of the
internal switch contacts can occur.

G
D

SDA2
D

SCL2

M2

1.8V

5V

AD5246

E2PROM

10

IWB CURRENT (mA)

SCL1

100

M1

03875-011

Figure 30. Level Shifting for Operation at Different Potentials

ESD PROTECTION

5mA CURRENT LIMIT

RAB = 5kW

1
RAB = 10kW
RAB = 50kW
0.1

All digital inputs are protected with a series input resistor

and parallel Zener ESD structures, as shown in Figure 31.
This applies to the digital input pins SDA and SCL.

03875-034

SDA1

RAB = 100kW
0.01
0

16

32

64
80
48
CODE (Decimal)

96

112

128

LOGIC

03875-002

Figure 33. Maximum Operating Current

340

POWER-UP SEQUENCE

GND

Figure 31. ESD Protection of Digital Pins

TERMINAL VOLTAGE OPERATING RANGE

The AD5246 VDD and GND power supply defines the boundary
conditions for proper 3-terminal digital potentiometer
operation. Supply signals present on Terminal B and
Terminal W that exceed VDD or GND are clamped by
the internal forward biased diodes (see Figure 32).

Since the ESD protection diodes limit the voltage compliance

at Terminal B and Terminal W (see Figure 32), it is important
to power VDD/GND before applying any voltage to Terminal B
and Terminal W; otherwise, the diode is forward biased such
that VDD is powered unintentionally and may affect the rest of
the users circuit. The ideal power-up sequence is in the following order: GND, VDD, digital inputs, and then VB/VW. The
relative order of powering VB and VW and the digital inputs
is not important, providing they are powered after VDD/GND.

Rev. C | Page 14 of 16

Data Sheet

AD5246

LAYOUT AND POWER SUPPLY BYPASSING

The measurement over time shows that the device draws

approximately 1.3 A and consumes negligible power. Over
a course of 30 days, the battery was depleted by less than 2%,
the majority of which is due to the intrinsic leakage current
of the battery itself.

Similarly, it is good practice to bypass the power supplies with

quality capacitors for optimum stability. Supply leads to the
device should be bypassed with 0.01 F to 0.1 F disc or chip
ceramic capacitors. Low ESR 1 F to 10 F tantalum or
electrolytic capacitors should also be applied at the supplies to
minimize any transient disturbance and low frequency ripple
(see Figure 34). Note that the digital ground should also be
joined remotely to the analog ground at one point to minimize
the ground bounce.

110%
108%

TA = 25C

106%

BATTERY LIFE DEPLETED

It is a good practice to use a compact, minimum lead-length

layout design. The leads to the inputs should be as direct as
possible with a minimum conductor length. Ground paths
should have low resistance and low inductance.

104%
102%
100%
98%
96%
94%
03875-035

VDD

VDD

92%

C1
C3 +
0.1F
10F

90%

AD5246

10

15
DAYS

20

25

30

Figure 35. Battery Operating Life Depletion

03875-017

GND

Figure 34. Power Supply Bypassing

CONSTANT BIAS TO RETAIN RESISTANCE SETTING

For users who desire nonvolatility but cannot justify the additional cost for the EEMEM, the AD5246 may be considered as
a low cost alternative by maintaining a constant bias to retain
the wiper setting. The AD5246 was designed specifically with
low power in mind, which allows low power consumption
even in battery-operated systems. The graph in Figure 35
demonstrates the power consumption from a 3.4 V 450 mA/hr
Li-ion cell phone battery, which is connected to the AD5246.

This demonstrates that constantly biasing the pot is not an

impractical approach. Most portable devices do not require the
removal of batteries for the purpose of charging. Although the
resistance setting of the AD5246 will be lost when the battery
needs replacement, such events occur rather infrequently, so
that this inconvenience is justified by the lower cost and smaller
size offered by the AD5246. If and when total power is lost,
the user should be provided with a means to adjust the setting
accordingly.

Rev. C | Page 15 of 16

AD5246

Data Sheet

OUTLINE DIMENSIONS
2.20
2.00
1.80

0.65 BSC

1.30 BSC
1.00
0.90
0.70

0.10 MAX
COPLANARITY
0.10

2.40
2.10
1.80

1.10
0.80

0.30
0.15

SEATING
PLANE

0.40
0.10

0.22
0.08

0.46
0.36
0.26

COMPLIANT TO JEDEC STANDARDS MO-203-AB

072809-A

1.35
1.25
1.15

Figure 36. 6-Lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Transistor Package [SC70]
(KS-6)
Dimensions shown in millimeters

ORDERING GUIDE
Model 1, 2
AD5246BKSZ5-RL7
AD5246BKSZ10-R2
AD5246BKSZ10-RL7
AD5246BKSZ50-RL7
AD5246BKSZ100-R2
AD5246BKSZ100-RL7
EVAL-AD5246DBZ
1
2

RAB (k)
5
10
10
50
100
100

Temperature Range
40C to +125C
40C to +125C
40C to +125C
40C to +125C
40C to +125C
40C to +125C

Package Description
6-lead SC70
6-lead SC70
6-lead SC70
6-lead SC70
6-lead SC70
6-lead SC70
Evaluation Board

Package Option
KS-6
KS-6
KS-6
KS-6
KS-6
KS-6

Branding
D93
D92
D92
D94
D9D
D9D

Z = RoHS Compliant Part.

The evaluation board is shipped with the 10 k RAB resistor option; however, the board is compatible with all available resistor value options.

Purchase of licensed I2C components of Analog Devices or one of its sublicensed Associated Companies conveys a license for the purchaser under the Philips I2C Patent
Rights to use these components in an I2C system, provided that the system conforms to the I2C Standard Specification as defined by Philips.

20032012 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and

registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
D0387505/12(C)

Rev. C | Page 16 of 16