Understanding Digital Potentiometer Resistor Variations

All semiconductor devices have variations over process. In the case of digital potentiometer devices, this process variation affects the device resistive elements (RAB -> RS and RW). These resistive elements also have variations with respect to voltage and temperature, which will also be discussed.

This application note will discuss how process, voltage, and temperature affect the Resistor Network's characteristics and specifications. Also, application techniques will be covered that can assist in optimizing the operation of the device to improve performance in the application.