MCP4241T-503E/ST Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MCP4241T-503E/ST is a digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology, categorized as a Data Acquisition component. This device features a 50kΩ resistance with 2 circuits and 129 taps, utilizing an SPI interface for control. The part is actively produced and widely used in applications requiring programmable resistance adjustment without mechanical wear. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility are maintained across packaging and supplier configurations.

Substiute Parts

MCP4241T-503E/ST
Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1144MCP4241T-503E/ST Datasheet
MCP4241T-503E/ST
Current Part
MCP4241-503E/ST
Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1052MCP4241-503E/ST Datasheet
MCP4241-503E/ST
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Resistance (Ohms) 50k
Number of Circuits 2
Number of Taps 129
Interface SPI
Memory Type Non-Volatile
Voltage Supply Range 1.8V ~ 5.5V
Tolerance ±20%
Temperature Coefficient 150ppm/°C
Operating Temperature Range -40°C ~ 125°C
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) 75
Series WiperLock™
Product Status Active
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MCP4241T-503E/ST is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

  • Resistance value: 50kΩ
  • Number of circuits: 2
  • Number of taps: 129
  • Interface protocol: SPI
  • Memory type: Non-Volatile
  • Supply voltage range: 1.8V ~ 5.5V
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 125°C
  • Package type: 14-TSSOP
  • Mounting type: Surface Mount

The identified substitute part MCP4241-503E/ST maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The substitution differs only in packaging configuration (Tube versus Tape & Reel), which does not affect functional compatibility or performance characteristics in circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter MCP4241T-503E/ST (Main) MCP4241-503E/ST (Substitute) Compatibility
Manufacturer Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Identical
Resistance (Ohms) 50k 50k Identical
Number of Circuits 2 2 Identical
Number of Taps 129 129 Identical
Interface SPI SPI Identical
Memory Type Non-Volatile Non-Volatile Identical
Voltage - Supply 1.8V ~ 5.5V 1.8V ~ 5.5V Identical
Tolerance ±20% ±20% Identical
Temperature Coefficient (Typ) 150ppm/°C 150ppm/°C Identical
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 125°C -40°C ~ 125°C Identical
Mounting Type Surface Mount Surface Mount Identical
Package / Case 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Identical
Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ) 75 75 Identical
Series WiperLock™ WiperLock™ Identical
Product Status Active Active Identical
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Identical
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited) Identical
Packaging Configuration Tape & Reel (TR) Tube Different

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the MCP4241T-503E/ST and MCP4241-503E/ST are Active products manufactured by Microchip Technology with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Selection between these parts should be based on packaging and supply chain requirements:

The MCP4241T-503E/ST in Tape & Reel configuration is suitable for high-volume automated assembly processes where continuous reel feeding is required.

The MCP4241-503E/ST in Tube packaging is suitable for lower-volume applications, manual assembly, or situations where reel-based handling is not required.

Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), and identical performance characteristics across all electrical parameters. No functional differences exist between these variants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MCP4241-503E/ST (Tube) be used as a direct replacement for MCP4241T-503E/ST (Tape & Reel)?

A: Yes. Both parts are electrically and mechanically identical. The difference is packaging configuration only. Tube packaging is compatible with manual or semi-automated assembly, while Tape & Reel is optimized for continuous automated pick-and-place operations.

Q: Are there any performance differences between the Tape & Reel and Tube versions?

A: No. Both versions contain identical die, electrical specifications, and performance characteristics. Packaging format does not affect device functionality, reliability, or electrical behavior.

Q: What are the critical parameters that define substitution eligibility for this digital potentiometer?

A: Substitution is valid when the following parameters remain identical: 50kΩ resistance, 2 circuits, 129 taps, SPI interface, non-volatile memory, 1.8V–5.5V supply range, ±20% tolerance, 150ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and 14-TSSOP package. Any deviation in these parameters disqualifies a part as a direct substitute.

Q: Is the WiperLock™ series designation important for substitution?

A: Yes. The WiperLock™ series is part of the product specification. Both substitute parts belong to this series, confirming functional equivalence.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to both parts?

A: Both MCP4241T-503E/ST and MCP4241-503E/ST are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified under ECCN EAR99. Moisture sensitivity level is 1 (Unlimited) for both variants.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)