austriamicrosystems, has unveiled the AS1500 family of digital potentiometers. The AS1500 family has been designed for use in applications where a resistor value must be changed automatically by a microprocessor. This makes the AS1500 family ideal for volume controls in TV sets and audio systems, and applications that require line impedance matching, programmable filters or power supply adjustment. They can also be designed in as a replacement solution for mechanical potentiometers.

"The AS1500 family offers several advantages over analog potentiometers," said Walter Moshammer, Marketing Director of austriamicrosystems' communications business. "These include better resolution, since the AS1500 family has 256 programmable steps, and small form factor - the AS1500 is offered in 5x4mm SO-8 packaging. The AS1500 functions are also not affected by mechanical disturbances such as vibrations and shocks and are immune from mechanical abrasion, while offering low noise, low temperature drift and high-speed adjustment - which means that fast trimming is possible."

The values of the resistor can be controlled via a 3-wire serial peripheral interface (SPI)-compatible serial data input interface, capable of handling programming rates up to 10MHz. In addition, the AS1500 family is available in four different resistor values.

The AS1500 incorporates a 10k ohm, the AS1501 a 20k ohm, the AS1502 a 50k ohm and the AS1503 a 100k ohm fixed resistor. The wiper contact taps the fixed resistor at points determined by an 8-bit digital code word. The resistance between the wiper and the endpoint of the resistor is linear. The switching action ensures that no glitches occur.

The AS1500 product family includes a shutdown mode, where it consumes less than 5µA. All parts are guaranteed to operate over the extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.

The AS1500 is priced approximately US$ 1.10 in a thousand unit volume range. It is now available in an 8-pin SOIC package and is pin-compatible with the AD8400.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated analog intensive mixed signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with its own cutting edge analog manufacturing and test facilities. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems serves four strategic markets: Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full-Service Foundry. austriamicrosystems AG is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).