AD5242 - Floating VSS pin

Hi MB001 ,

 will be checking this query about digipots shortly. Thanks

Best Regards,

Den

Hi,

What board are you referring to? if you are referring to eval-ad5242dbz, the Vss in the motherboard can be connected to either GND or external Vss via A12 jumper. You have to connect Vss to ground for proper operation if you intend to use AD5242 in single supply.

Best Regards,

Yokki

I am referring to our own PCB. No eval board.

As you mention VSS should be tied to ground for proper operation. However, our design without VSS connected has already out to customers for years. Do you advise us to recall all the boards? I did not notice any issues so far. This digipot all works properly. We are not using the Digital outputs.

Hi,

As long as you don't apply any voltage near or below zero, this might be working for you, but we cannot guarantee the long-term operation. There's an internal ESD diode between ground and Vss, and whatever the current meant for Vss will flowing through the ESD path to ground.

Best Regards,

Yokki