The DS1804 is a nonvolatile digital potentiometer (NV trimmer) with 100 discrete wiper positions, designed for precise resistance adjustment in electronically controlled systems.
Function: Nonvolatile Trimmer Potentiometer
Package: DIP, SO 8 Pin Type
Manufacturer: Dallas Semiconductor -> Maxim Integrated -> Analog.com
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Description
The DS1804 NV trimmer potentiometer is a nonvolatile digital potentiometer that has 100 positions. The device provides an ideal method for low-cost trimming applications using a CPU or manual control input with minimal external circuitry. Wiper position of the DS1804 can be stored in EEPROM memory on demand. The device’s wiper position is manipulated by a three-terminal port that provides an increment/decrement counter controlled interface.
This port consists of the control inputs CS, INC, and U/D. The DS1804 is available in three resistor grades, which include a 10kΩ, 50kΩ, and 100kΩ. The device is provided in an industrial temperature grade. Additionally, the DS1804 will operate from 3V or 5V supplies and is ideal for portable application requirements. Three packaging options are available and include the 8-pin (300 mils) DIP, 8-pin (150 mils) SO, and 8-pin (118 mils) μSOP.
The DS1804 is a single nonvolatile potentiometer. The device has a total of 100 tap-points including the L- and H- terminals. A total of 99 resistive segments exist between the L- and H- terminals. These tap points are accessible to the W-terminal, whose position is controlled via a three-terminal control port.
Features
- 100-position digital potentiometer
- Nonvolatile storage of wiper position (EEPROM)
- Available resistance values: 10kΩ, 50kΩ, 100kΩ
- Operates from 3V or 5V supply
- Simple up/down increment control interface
- Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C)
- Compact packaging: DIP, SO, µSOP
- Minimal external components required
Pinout
Functional Overview
- Single potentiometer with 100 tap positions (99 resistive segments)
- Three-terminal resistor network: H (high), L (low), and W (wiper)
- Wiper position controlled via CS, INC, and U/D inputs
- Nonvolatile EEPROM stores wiper position on demand
- Operates like a variable resistor or voltage divider
Design Notes
- Not suitable for high current paths — wiper current is limited (typically <1mA recommended)
- Wiper resistance introduces error in low-resistance applications
- Use as voltage divider rather than rheostat for better linearity
- Debounce control signals if using mechanical switches
- EEPROM has limited write endurance — avoid excessive write cycles
Block Diagram
Typical Circuit Usage
- Voltage reference trimming
- Gain adjustment in amplifiers
- LCD contrast control
- Calibration circuits
- Setpoint adjustment in control systems
How to Choose This Part
- Select when nonvolatile adjustment is required without MCU memory dependency
- Ideal for simple interfaces without SPI/I²C complexity
- Suitable for low-power and portable designs
- Choose resistance value (10k/50k/100k) based on circuit impedance
- Not recommended for high-frequency analog signal paths due to parasitics
Applications
- Digital calibration systems
- Portable electronics tuning
- Industrial control adjustments
- Audio level trimming (low-power stages)
- Sensor signal conditioning
Alternative / Equivalent Products
- DS1669 (similar up/down digital potentiometer)
- MCP41010 (SPI digital potentiometer)
- AD8400 (analog devices digital pot)
- X9C103 (nonvolatile digital potentiometer)
- MAX5160 (low-power digital potentiometer)
DS1804 Datasheet PDF Download
