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Digital Potentiometer - Hardware details

Pinout​

Pinout

Click here for a high resolution image of the pinout.

Pin details​

Pin MarkingPin NameDescription
VCCPowerSupply voltage (both 5V and 3V3 are supported).
GNDGroundCommon ground for power and signals.
SDADataI2C data line for communication.
SCLClockI2C clock line for communication.
WPowerWiper Terminal.
APowerInternal fixed terminal.

Qwiic (formerly easyC)​

EasyC/qwiic cable
ℹ️
This board is fully Qwiic-compatible! Just plug it into your board using a Qwiic/easyC/STEMMA QT cable and start coding!

Qwiic (formerly easyC) details and specifications

Learn about hardware specifications, compatibility, and usage of the Qwiic connector.

Dimensions​

  • Board Dimensions: 22 × 22 mm (0.9 × 0.9 inch)
  • Header Pin Holes: 1.5 mm
  • Screw Holes: Designed for M3 screws (3.2 mm diameter)
  • Soldered boards are LEGO compatible! 🧱

Jumper Details​

This board contains hardware jumpers, see below for their locations and functions:

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JumperDefault StateFunction
JP1NC (Normally closed)Disconects onboard PWR LED
JP2NC (Normally closed)Connects SDA/SCL pull-up resistors to 3.3V for I2C communication.

Hardware repository​

Schematics, KiCad files, Gerber files and more can be found in the GitHub repository:

Digipot-5k-MCP4018-breakout-hardware-design

Hardware design, BOM, gerbers and 3D files for Digipot-5k-MCP4018-breakout designed by Soldered Electronics.

Digipot-10k-MCP4018-breakout-hardware-design

Hardware design, BOM, gerbers and 3D files for Digipot-10k-MCP4018-breakout designed by Soldered Electronics.

Digipot-50k-MCP4018-breakout-hardware-design

Hardware design, BOM, gerbers and 3D files for Digipot-50k-MCP4018-breakout designed by Soldered Electronics.

Digipot-100k-MCP4018-breakout-hardware-design

Hardware design, BOM, gerbers and 3D files for Digipot-100k-MCP4018-breakout designed by Soldered Electronics.

The hardware repository contains everything you need to understand, modify, or manufacture the board. The different output folders are versioned. You can check which board version you have specifically by finding the version mark on the PCB.

Below is an overview of the available files.

CAD files​

We use KiCad, an open-source PCB design tool. You can open and edit the .kicad_pro project file, which includes both the schematic and PCB layout.

The PANEL files are used internally for production.

Schematic​

The OUTPUTS folder contains the schematic in .pdf format, exported from KiCad.

BOM (Bill of Materials)​

The bill of materials (BOM) is provided in two formats:

  • A standard .csv table, listing all components, part numbers, and values.
  • An interactive BOM (.html) that visually highlights each component on the PCB, making it easy to locate and reference parts.

3D files​

A 3D model of the PCB is available in .step format, allowing you to inspect the board design in CAD software.

Gerber files​

Gerber files are essential for PCB manufacturing, as they contain precise instructions for each layer of the board. The repository includes standard Gerber outputs in a .zip file, such as:

  • Copper layers (.Cu.gbr) – Defines the traces and pads on the board.
  • Solder mask layers (.Mask.gbr) – Specifies the protective solder mask.
  • Silkscreen layers (.Silkscreen.gbr) – Contains text and component markings.
  • Paste layers (.Paste.gbr) – Used for stencil fabrication in SMD assembly.
  • Drill files (.drl) – Provides drilling coordinates for vias and holes.
  • Board outline (.Edge_Cuts.gbr) – Defines the shape of the PCB.
  • Gerber job file (.gbrjob) – Describes the set of Gerber files used for production.

These files are ready for fabrication and can be used in PCB manufacturing.

Compliance​

The Compliance section includes important regulatory and safety documentation for this product. These files ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and legal requirements.

  • CE – Certification document confirming compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements.
  • UKCA – UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certification for the UK market.
  • Safety Instructions – Safety guidelines and precautions in English and in German.
  • Info.txt – Contains product details such as SKU, country of origin, HS tariff code, and barcode.