Catalyst Semiconductor introduced a new family of mixed-signal, nonvolatile Digitally Programmable Potentiometers (DPP). These devices are specifically designed to replace mechanical potentiometers and trimmers over a broad spectrum of applications. They are ideal for automating the calibration and adjustment of electronic systems to lower system costs, enhancing overall system performance and improving system reliability. They allow remote adjustments and controls that are not possible with mechanical potentiometers which require manual or machine adjustment.

"Catalyst's new line of digitally programmable potentiometers (DPP) is ideal for final calibration of high-volume products such as optical transceivers, camcorders, and mobile internet terminals on automated production lines," said Barry Wiley, Vice President, Corporate Marketing. "They are also ideal for adjustment of equipment in locations that are hard to access, or in hazardous environments. Best of all, they'll never wear out."

"Catalyst Semiconductor is committed to expanding its presence in the analog, mixed-signal marketplace," Wiley continued. "Following our introduction of DPPs, will be programmable microprocessor supervisors, low dropout linear regulators and charge pumps, all of which are scheduled for introduction throughout the balance of the year."

DPP Advantages over Mechanical Potentiometers

For decades, mechanical potentiometers have been universally employed in electronic circuitry. They are used in millions of electronic products, for every conceivable application. Yet, until quite recently, electronic potentiometers were not sufficiently cost-competitive to be considered a viable alternative. However, with improved productivity and yields from Catalyst's sub-micron CMOS manufacturing processes, electronic potentiometers are now fully cost-competitive with mechanical potentiometers and, for many applications, actually provide a lower total system cost.

Wow, another competitor in the now rather crowded digital potentiometer market. The parts that I specifically looked at were the ones that are in production now, the CAT514, CAT515, CAT524 and the CAT525. All are true 3 pin pots (rather than 2 pin ratiometers that have been known to pretend to be pots) but two of the parts common the high-side line which, as far as I can see, has the sole benefit of reducing the number of pins required for the package. I don't know that many of the applications for quad pots have that flexibility.

On what is touted on the web site as the data sheet (but which is a 2-page informational) I could find no information on what resistances are available for the parts, nor is there enough of the specifications listed to even begin to compare them to other manufacturers' offerings. All we know is that they are 8-bit (256-tap) products designed for rails from 2.7 to 5.5 V, with a 3-wire interface, and a non-volatile wiper position storage. The CAT514 and CAT524 have a common high-side terminal and both are in PDIP-14 or SOIC-14. The difference between the CAT514/515 and the CAT524/525 is that the latter have buffered wipers. Both the CAT515 and CAT525 are in PDIP-20 or SOIC-20.

The company's penetration of this market with these products (and dual and single parts still to come) is going to be determined by its ability to paint itself as somehow decidedly different from the competition in everything, including price and design support.