Part A
AD8403ARZ10
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 1668 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-24
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Digital Potentiometers
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The AD8403ARZ10 and AD8402AR50 are not drop-in replacements for each other. The AD8403ARZ10 provides four independent 10 kΩ digital potentiometers in a 24-lead SOIC package, while the AD8402AR50 offers two 50 kΩ channels in a 14-lead SOIC package. The differing channel count, end-to-end resistance, package footprint, and pinout prevent direct substitution; any replacement would require circuit redesign and validation.
Different channel count
Different end-to-end resistance
Different package footprint
Different pinout
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD8402AR50
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 9595 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-14
- 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 | AD8403ARZ10 | AD8402AR50 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Potentiometers | 4 | 2 | Determines how many independent digitally controlled resistor channels are available in a single package, directly affecting circuit channel count and board space. |
| End-to-End Resistance | 10 kΩ | 50 kΩ | Sets the nominal resistance range of the digital potentiometer, which governs the current, gain, and signal levels the device can handle in the target circuit. |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 positions) | 8-bit (256 positions) | Defines the number of discrete wiper steps, which determines the achievable adjustment granularity and step size relative to the end-to-end resistance. |
| Interface Type | SPI (3-wire serial) | SPI (3-wire serial) | Specifies the digital communication protocol required to control the device, affecting microcontroller compatibility and firmware design. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Determines the operating voltage window and compatibility with the system power rail and logic levels. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Indicates the environmental conditions under which the device is guaranteed to meet specifications, critical for industrial and automotive applications. |
| Package Type | 24-lead SOIC | 14-lead SOIC | Affects PCB footprint, layout, and assembly, and must match the board design for a drop-in substitution. |
| Wiper Resistance | ~50 Ω (typical) | ~50 Ω (typical) | Adds a fixed series resistance at the wiper terminal that limits the minimum achievable resistance and affects accuracy at low settings. |
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 | AD8403ARZ10 | AD8402AR50 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Taper | Linear | Linear |
| Configuration | Potentiometer | Potentiometer |
| Number of Circuits | 4 | 2 |
| Number of Taps | 256 | 256 |
| Resistance(Ohms) | 10k | 50k |
| Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Memory Type | Volatile | Volatile |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.7V ~ 5.5V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V |
| Tolerance | ±20% | ±30% |
| Temperature Coefficient(Typ) | 500ppm/°C | 500ppm/°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 125°C | -40°C ~ 125°C |
| Features | Cascade Pin | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the AD8403ARZ10 and AD8402AR50?
The AD8403ARZ10 is a quad-channel digital potentiometer with 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, while the AD8402AR50 is a dual-channel digital potentiometer with 50 kΩ end-to-end resistance. Both are 256-position devices in 24-lead SOIC packages, but they differ in channel count and resistance value.
Are the AD8403ARZ10 and AD8402AR50 pin-compatible?
No. The AD8403ARZ10 is a quad-channel device and the AD8402AR50 is a dual-channel device, so their pin functions and internal signal routing differ. They are not direct drop-in replacements for each other.
What is the resolution and number of positions for each device?
Both the AD8403ARZ10 and AD8402AR50 are 8-bit, 256-position digital potentiometers, providing 256 wiper settings from zero scale to full scale.
What supply voltage range do the AD8403ARZ10 and AD8402AR50 support?
Both devices operate from a single supply of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, and they also support dual-supply operation of ±2.7 V. This makes them suitable for both 3 V and 5 V systems.
How do the end-to-end resistance values affect circuit design when choosing between these parts?
The AD8403ARZ10 provides 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, while the AD8402AR50 provides 50 kΩ. The choice affects wiper current, power dissipation, and the RC time constants in filter or gain-setting networks, so the resistance should be selected to match the target circuit's impedance requirements.
What digital interface do the AD8403ARZ10 and AD8402AR50 use?
Both devices use a 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface for programming the wiper positions, allowing daisy-chaining and microcontroller control.
What are the typical applications for these digital potentiometers?
Both parts are used for programmable gain and offset adjustment, adjustable filters, volume control, and LCD brightness or contrast calibration in consumer, industrial, and instrumentation designs.
What package type do the AD8403ARZ10 and AD8402AR50 use?
Both devices are offered in a 24-lead SOIC package (the "R" suffix in the part number denotes the SOIC package), which supports standard surface-mount PCB assembly.