The AD5273 is a 64-position, one-time programmable (OTP) digital potentiometer4that employs fuse link technology to achieve permanent program setting. This device performs the same electronic adjustment function as most mechanical trimmers and variable resistors. It allows unlimited adjustments before permanently setting the resistance values. The AD5273 is programmed using a 2-wire, I2C®-compatible digital control. During write mode, a fuse blow command is executed after the final value is determined, thereby freezing the wiper position at a given setting (analogous to placing epoxy on a mechanical trimmer). When the permanent setting is achieved, the value does not change, regardless of the supply variations or environ-mental stresses under normal operating conditions. To verify the success of permanent programming, Analog Devices, Inc., patterned the OTP validation such that the fuse status can be discerned from two validation bits in the read mode.In addition, for applications that program the AD5273 at the factory, Analog Devices offers device programming software2running on Windows NT®, Windows®2000, and Windows XP operating systems. This software application effectively replaces any external I2C controllers, which in turn enhances the user system’s time-to-market.The AD5273 is available in 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 50 kΩ, and 100 kΩ resistances and in a compact 8-lead SOT-23 standard package. It operates from −40°C to +105°C.Along with its unique OTP feature, the AD5273 lends itself well to general digital potentiometer applications due to its effective resolution, array resistance options, small footprint, and low cost.An AD5273 evaluation kit and software are available. The kit includes the connector and cable that can be converted for factory programming applications.For applications that require dynamic adjustment of resistance settings with nonvolatile EEMEM, refer to theAD5231,AD5232,AD5233, andAD5235family, and theAD5251,AD5252,AD5254,AD5258, andAD5259family of nonvolatile memory digital potentiometers.APPLICATIONSSystem calibrationsElectronics level settingsMechanical potentiometers and trimmer replacementTransducer circuit adjustmentsProgrammable filters up to 6 MHz BW31OTP allows unlimited adjustments before permanent setting.2Analog Devices cannot guarantee the software to be 100% compatible to all systems due to the wide variation in computer configurations.3Applies to 1 kΩ parts only.4The terms digital potentiometer, VR, and RDAC are used interchangeably.