Adafruit
Adafruit DS1841 I2C Digital 10K Potentiometer Breakout
The Adafruit DS1841 is an I2C-controlled logarithmic digital potentiometer from Maxim with a resistance range of 3.7 kΩ to 22 kΩ across 128 tap points. Unlik...
The Adafruit DS1841 is an I2C-controlled logarithmic digital potentiometer from Maxim with a resistance range of 3.7 kΩ to 22 kΩ across 128 tap points. Unlike linear potentiometers, the DS1841's logarithmic response curve makes it particularly well suited for audio applications such as volume control, where it better matches the human ear's perception of sound levels.
The DS1841 also features built-in temperature compensation with hysteresis, plus a 72-entry look-up table (LUT) that maps specific wiper positions to temperature ranges from -39°C to 100°C. The breakout includes STEMMA QT / Qwiic connectors for solderless I2C wiring and works with 3.3V or 5V logic.
Key Features
- Logarithmic Response – Ideal for audio volume control and human-perception-matched applications
- 128 Tap Points – Fine resolution across 3.7 kΩ to 22 kΩ range
- Temperature Compensation – Built-in automatic resistance adjustment based on temperature
- 72-Entry Look-Up Table – Map wiper positions to specific temperature ranges
- I2C Control – Simple digital interface with STEMMA QT / Qwiic connectors
- 3.3V and 5V Compatible – Works with a wide range of microcontrollers
Ideal For
- Audio volume control circuits
- Temperature-compensated analogue adjustments
- Digitally controlled calibration
- Replacing mechanical potentiometers with software control
Package Contents
- 1× DS1841 I2C logarithmic potentiometer breakout with STEMMA QT connectors
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- CircuitPython
- A beginner-friendly version of Python designed to run directly on microcontroller boards. If a product supports CircuitPython, you can often program it by copying code files onto the board rather than setting up a more complex toolchain.
- I2C
- I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
- potentiometer
- A variable resistor usually turned with a knob or shaft to create an adjustable electrical signal. It is often used for inputs such as volume, brightness or position, so it helps beginners learn how a microcontroller reads changing values.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
- STEMMA
- A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.
- STEMMA QT
- A small plug-in connector system for I2C boards that lets you connect compatible sensors and controllers without soldering. It matters because it can make wiring faster and less error-prone, especially when adding several small modules to a project.
- Temperature compensation
- Temperature compensation means the sensor adjusts its readings to reduce errors caused by changes in water temperature. This matters for field monitoring because ponds, rivers, and tanks can vary in temperature throughout the day and across seasons.
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