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MCP4011/2/3/4
DS21978C-page 40
2006 Microchip Technology Inc.
6.2
Wiper Resistance
Wiper resistance is the series resistance of the wiper.
This resistance is typically measured when the wiper is
positioned at either zero-scale (00h) or full-scale (3Fh).
The wiper resistance in potentiometer-generated
voltage divider applications is not a significant source
of error.
The wiper resistance in rheostat applications can
create significant non-linearity as the wiper is moved
toward zero-scale (00h). The lower the nominal
resistance, the greater the possible error.
Wiper resistance is significant depending on the
devices operating voltage. As the device voltage
decreases, the wiper resistance increases (see
In a rheostat configuration, this change in voltage
needs to be taken into account, particularly for the
lower resistance devices. For the 2.1 k
Ω device, the
maximum wiper resistance at 5.5V is approximately 6%
of the total resistance, while at 2.7V, it is approximately
15.5% of the total resistance.
In a potentiometer configuration, the wiper resistance
variation does not effect the output voltage seen on the
terminal W pin.
The slope of the resistance has a linear area (at the
higher voltages) and a non-linear area (at the lower
voltages), where resistance increases faster than the
voltage drop (at low voltages).
FIGURE 6-4:
Relationship of Wiper
Resistance (RW) to Voltage.
Since there is minimal variation of the total device
resistance over voltage, at a constant temperature (see
the change in wiper resistance over voltage can have a
significant impact on the INL and DNL error.
TABLE 6-2:
TYPICAL STEP RESISTANCES AND RELATIONSHIP TO WIPER RESISTANCE
RW
VDD
Note:
The slope of the resistance has a linear
area (at the higher voltages) and a non-
linear area (at the lower voltages).
Resistance (
Ω)RW / RS (%) (1, 2)
RW / RAB (%) (1, 3)
Typical
Wiper (RW)
RW =
Typical
RW = Max
@ 5.5V
RW = Max
@ 2.7V
RW =
Typical
RW = Max
@ 5.5V
RW = Max
@ 2.7V
Total
(RAB)
Step
(RS)
Typical
Max @
5.5V
Max @
2.7V
2100
33.33
75
125
325
225.0%
375.0%
975.0%
3.57%
5.95%
15.48%
5000
79.37
75
125
325
94.5%
157.5%
409.5%
1.5%
2.50%
6.50%
10000
158.73
75
125
325
47.25%
78.75%
204.75%
0.75%
1.25%
3.25%
50000
793.65
75
125
325
9.45%
15.75%
40.95%
0.15%
0.25%
0.65%
Note 1: The wiper resistance (RW) is not a significant source of error in potentiometer-generated voltage divider
applications. In rheostat applications, the variation of the RW value can create significant non-linearity.
2: RS is the typical value. The variation of this resistance is minimal over voltage.
3: RAB is the typical value. The variation of this resistance is minimal over voltage.