The CAT5171 is a 256-position linear taper digital POT ideally suited for replacing mechanical potentiometers and variable resistors. The wiper settings are controlled through an I2C-compatible digital interface. Upon power-up, the wiper assumes a midscale position and may be repositioned anytime after the power is stable. The device can be programmed to reset the wiper position to midscale or to go to a shutdown state during operation. An address input pin, AD0, allows the connection of two devices onto the same I2C bus. The CAT5171 operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, while consuming less than 2 µA. This low operating current, combined with a small package footprint, makes the CAT5171 ideal for battery-powered portable applications. The CAT5171 is designed as a pin for pin replacement for the AD5245 and operates over the -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range.