MCP4261T-502E/ST Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MCP4261T-502E/ST is a digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology, classified within the Data Acquisition category. This integrated circuit functions as a 5kΩ dual-channel digitally controlled potentiometer with 257 taps, SPI interface control, and non-volatile memory storage. The device is actively produced and maintains full compliance with RoHS3 and REACH regulations. Substitute parts are identified to provide alternative sourcing options when the primary part number becomes unavailable or when packaging configurations differ between procurement channels.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Resistance (Ohms)	5k
Number of Circuits	2
Number of Taps	257
Interface Type	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
Taper Configuration	Linear
Resistance Tolerance	±20%
Temperature Coefficient	150ppm/°C
Wiper Resistance (Typical)	75Ω
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MCP4261T-502E/ST is determined by strict equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The primary substitution criterion requires identical specifications in the following areas: resistance value (5kΩ), circuit count (2 channels), tap resolution (257 taps), interface protocol (SPI), memory architecture (non-volatile), supply voltage operating range (1.8V ~ 5.5V), temperature operating range (-40°C ~ 125°C), package form factor (14-TSSOP), and mounting technology (surface mount).

The identified substitute part maintains full electrical and mechanical compatibility through identical parameter alignment. Packaging configuration differences (Tape & Reel versus Tube) do not affect functional substitution, as both delivery formats contain the same silicon die and electrical characteristics. Both parts share the same base product number (MCP4261) and series designation (WiperLock™), confirming functional equivalence.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	MCP4261T-502E/ST (Main)	MCP4261-502E/ST (Substitute)
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology
Category	Data Acquisition	Data Acquisition
Resistance (Ohms)	5k	5k
Number of Circuits	2	2
Number of Taps	257	257
Interface	SPI	SPI
Memory Type	Non-Volatile	Non-Volatile
Voltage - Supply	1.8V ~ 5.5V	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Tolerance	±20%	±20%
Temperature Coefficient (Typ)	150ppm/°C	150ppm/°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Supplier Device Package	14-TSSOP	14-TSSOP
Package / Case	14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C
Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ)	75	75
Base Product Number	MCP4261	MCP4261
Series	WiperLock™	WiperLock™
Part Status	Active	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected
ECCN	EAR99	EAR99

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the MCP4261T-502E/ST and MCP4261-502E/ST are active production parts manufactured by Microchip Technology with identical electrical specifications and package form factors. Selection between these parts is determined by procurement packaging requirements rather than functional performance.

The MCP4261T-502E/ST is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format, suitable for automated assembly operations and high-volume production environments. The MCP4261-502E/ST is supplied in Tube packaging, appropriate for manual assembly, prototyping, or lower-volume applications.

Both parts maintain full RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, confirming suitability for regulated applications. The identical Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL 1 - Unlimited) indicates both parts require standard handling procedures without special moisture control measures during storage or assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Are MCP4261T-502E/ST and MCP4261-502E/ST electrically identical?	Yes. Both parts contain identical silicon dies with matching electrical specifications across all parameters including resistance value, tap count, interface protocol, supply voltage range, and operating temperature range.
What is the difference between these two part numbers?	The primary difference is packaging format. MCP4261T-502E/ST uses Tape & Reel delivery, while MCP4261-502E/ST uses Tube packaging. The silicon device and electrical characteristics are identical.
Can I substitute MCP4261-502E/ST for MCP4261T-502E/ST in my design?	Yes, provided your assembly process accommodates the Tube packaging format. The electrical performance and PCB footprint are identical, requiring no circuit design modifications.
Are there any compliance differences between these parts?	No. Both parts maintain identical RoHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and ECCN classification (EAR99).
What does the "T" in MCP4261T-502E/ST indicate?	The "T" designates Tape & Reel packaging format. The absence of "T" in MCP4261-502E/ST indicates Tube packaging.
Do both parts require the same PCB footprint?	Yes. Both parts use the 14-TSSOP package with identical pin configuration and land pattern dimensions (0.173", 4.40mm width).
What is the moisture sensitivity level for these parts?	Both parts have MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no special moisture control requirements during storage or assembly.
Can these parts be used interchangeably in high-temperature applications?	Yes. Both parts operate across the identical temperature range of -40°C to 125°C with matching temperature coefficient specifications (150ppm/°C).
What supply voltage range do these parts support?	Both parts operate with supply voltages from 1.8V to 5.5V, enabling use in single-cell battery applications through standard 5V logic systems.
Are both parts currently in production?	Yes. Both MCP4261T-502E/ST and MCP4261-502E/ST maintain Active part status with Microchip Technology.