The MAX5486 dual 40kΩ logarithmic taper volume control features a debounced pushbutton up/down interface that controls volume and balance in audio applications. Each potentiometer has 32 log-spaced tap points with a buffered wiper output to replace mechanical potentiometers. An integrated bias generator provides the required ((VDD + VSS) / 2) bias voltage, eliminating the need for costly external op-amp circuits in unipolar audio applications. A mode-indicator LED output indicates volume or balance control. Five integrated LED drivers indicate volume level or balance settings, depending on the status of the mode indicator. Use the MAX5486 digital inputs with momentary contact single-pole/single-throw (SPST) pushbutton switches. Each input includes internal debounced circuitry and a pullup resistor to VLOGIC. The MAX5486 advances the wiper setting once per button push. Maxim’s proprietary SmartWiper™ control eliminates the need for a microcomputer to increase the wiper transition rate. The accelerated auto-advance feature provides a wiper-changing rate at 4Hz for holding the control input low for more than 250ms and at 8Hz after 500ms and then at 11Hz after 1000ms (see Table 2). All of the MAX5486’s pushbutton inputs are debounced. The mute input allows a single pushbutton to change between volume control and the -90dB (typ) mute setting. The mode input toggles between volume and balance control. The click-and-pop suppression feature min
The MAX5486 is a dual 40 kΩ logarithmic taper digital volume control featuring a debounced push‑button interface for volume and balance adjustment. Each potentiometer provides 32 log‑spaced tap points and a buffered wiper output, eliminating the need for mechanical potentiometers.
The device includes SmartWiper™ control for accelerated wiper advancement, a bias generator that removes external op‑amp requirements, five LED drivers for level indication, and built‑in click‑and‑pop suppression. It operates from a single‑supply voltage of +2.7 V to +5.5 V and supports shutdown and mute functions.
| End‑to‑End Resistance | 40 kΩ |
|---|---|
| Temperature Coefficient (End‑to‑End) | 35 ppm/°C |
| THD+N | 0.003 % |
| Supply Voltage Range | +2.7 V to +5.5 V |
| Number of Tap Points | 32 |
The MUTE input toggles the device between normal operation and a mute setting of –90 dB; a low pulse activates mute and another low pulse restores the previous setting.
SmartWiper advances the wiper faster when the push‑button is held: 4 Hz after 250 ms, 8 Hz after 500 ms, and 11 Hz after 1 s, removing the need for a microcontroller.
Five LED drivers form a bar‑graph that displays the current volume or balance level; all LEDs off indicate mute, and all on indicate minimum attenuation.