Part A
AD5206BRZ50
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4036 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-24
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Digital Potentiometers
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10 are both quad-channel digital potentiometers from the same AD520x family, sharing a compatible SPI interface, similar package footprint, and overlapping operating voltage ranges. However, they differ in nominal end-to-end resistance (50 kΩ vs. 10 kΩ) and channel count (6 vs. 4), so the AD5204BR10 can serve as a functional substitute only when the reduced channel count and lower resistance value are acceptable for the target application. Designers should verify wiper resistance, bandwidth, and rheostat mode requirements before committing to a drop-in replacement.
Channel Count
High match
End-to-End Resistance
Validation required
Interface Type
High match
Package Type
High match
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD5204BR10
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5252 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-24
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Digital Potentiometers
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | AD5206BRZ50 | AD5204BR10 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Resistor Channels | 6 | 4 | Determines how many independent programmable resistance elements are available in the package, directly affecting channel count in the target design. |
| Nominal End-to-End Resistance | 50 kΩ | 10 kΩ | Sets the resistance range and wiper current for the application; a different value changes signal levels, loading, and power dissipation. |
| Wiper Positions (Resolution) | 256 | 256 | Defines the number of discrete tap settings and thus the achievable adjustment granularity. |
| Interface Type | SPI-compatible 3-wire serial | SPI-compatible 3-wire serial | Determines the digital control protocol and pin connections required by the host controller. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Specifies the allowable operating voltage, which must match the system power rail for proper operation. |
| Package Type | 24-lead SOIC | 24-lead SOIC | Affects PCB footprint, assembly, and thermal characteristics; identical packages simplify substitution. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Ensures the device meets environmental requirements of the application. |
| Wiper Resistance | 50 Ω typical | 50 Ω typical | Contributes to error and voltage drop in the signal path; lower values improve accuracy. |
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 | AD5206BRZ50 | AD5204BR10 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Taper | Linear | Linear |
| Configuration | Potentiometer | Potentiometer |
| Number of Circuits | 6 | 4 |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 256 |
| Resistance(Ohms) | 50k | 10k |
| Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Memory Type | Volatile | Volatile |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.7V ~ 5.5V, ±2.3V ~ 2.7V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V, ±2.3V ~ 2.7V |
| Features | Selectable Address | Cascade Pin, Selectable Address |
| Tolerance | ±30% | ±30% |
| Temperature Coefficient(Typ) | 700ppm/°C | 700ppm/°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the main differences between the AD5206BRZ50 and the AD5204BR10?
The AD5206BRZ50 is a 6-channel, 8-bit digital potentiometer with a 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance, while the AD5204BR10 is a 4-channel, 8-bit digital potentiometer with a 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance. Both are quad/hex nonvolatile memory digital potentiometers from Analog Devices, but they differ in channel count and nominal resistance.
Are the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10 pin-compatible?
No. The AD5206BRZ50 is a 24-lead SOIC (0.300" wide) package, while the AD5204BR10 is a 14-lead SOIC (0.150" wide) package. They have different pin counts and pinouts, so they are not pin-compatible.
Can the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10 be used in the same circuit design?
They can be used in the same design only if the circuit accommodates their different channel counts, package footprints, and resistance values. The AD5206BRZ50 provides six 50 kΩ channels, whereas the AD5204BR10 provides four 10 kΩ channels, so the design must account for these differences in resistance and channel availability.
What is the resolution of the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10?
Both devices are 8-bit digital potentiometers, providing 256 wiper positions (0 to 255) for each channel.
What are the typical applications for the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10?
Both are used for programmable gain/attenuation, adjustable voltage references, and programmable filters. The AD5206BRZ50 is suited for applications requiring more channels (6) with a higher resistance (50 kΩ), while the AD5204BR10 is suited for applications needing fewer channels (4) with a lower resistance (10 kΩ).
What is the operating voltage range for the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10?
Both devices operate from a single 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply, or dual ±2.7 V supplies, as specified in the Analog Devices datasheets.
Do the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10 have nonvolatile memory?
No. Both the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10 are volatile digital potentiometers. They do not retain the wiper setting after power is removed unless an external nonvolatile memory is used to store the setting.
What is the interface type for the AD5206BRZ50 and AD5204BR10?
Both devices use a 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface for programming the wiper positions.