Industry's Lowest Resistance Variable-Resistor Solution Automates Manufacturing Calibration
DALLAS, TX-May 20, 2005-Dallas Semiconductor (NASDAQ:MXIM) introduces the DS3906, a triple variable resistor for low resistance, small step-size applications. This device's three 64-step, digital, nonvolatile variable resistors are capable of ohm and sub-ohm step sizes when used in parallel with a fixed external resistor. All three resistors have 64 positions (plus a high-Z state) with a pseudo-log response chosen to have a linear equivalent resistance when paired with an external resistor. Two of the variable resistors have a range of 66 ohms to 101 ohms with approximately 0.5 ohm step sizes (when used with a 105 ohms external resistor), while the third variable resistor has a range of 187 ohms to 255 ohms with approximately 1 ohm step sizes (when used with a 310 ohms external resistor).
The DS3906 is ideal for applications requiring calibration. Unlike mechanical potentiometers, this device enables manufacturers to optimize production by automating calibration, while also improving the quality and reliability of their product.
The DS3906 contains 16 bytes of user EEPROM that, like the resistors, are controlled through an I2C*-compatible serial interface. Three address pins allow up to eight DS3906s to be placed on this same I2C bus.
The DS3906 can be factory configured to provide a variety of transfer functions depending on user requirements. It is available in a space-saving, 3mm x 5mm, 10-pin microSOP and operates from a +2.4V to +5.5V power supply over a -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius temperature range. Prices start at $1.27 (1000-up, FOB USA).
*Purchase of I2C components from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., or one of its sublicensed Associate Companies, conveys a license under the Philips I2C Patent Rights to use these components in an I2C system, provided that the system conforms to the I2C Standard Specification defined by Philips.
|
