Products Mentioned

MAX5417M Production
The MAX5417/MAX5418/MAX5419 nonvolatile, linear-taper, digital potentiometers perform the function of a mechanical potentiometer by replacing the mechanics...
Datasheet
MAX5417M on Analog.com

MAX5417N Production
The MAX5417/MAX5418/MAX5419 nonvolatile, linear-taper, digital potentiometers perform the function of a mechanical potentiometer by replacing the mechanics...
Datasheet
MAX5417N on Analog.com

MAX5417L Production
The MAX5417/MAX5418/MAX5419 nonvolatile, linear-taper, digital potentiometers perform the function of a mechanical potentiometer by replacing the mechanics...
Datasheet
MAX5417L on Analog.com

MAX5417P Production
The MAX5417/MAX5418/MAX5419 nonvolatile, linear-taper, digital potentiometers perform the function of a mechanical potentiometer by replacing the mechanics...
Datasheet
MAX5417P on Analog.com

Table of Contents

Does the thermal pad of the MAX5417 need to be grounded or left floating?

Per the "Pin Description" table on page 8 of the MAX5417 datasheet,  the Exposed Pad is internally connected to GND.  Connect to a large ground plane to the Exposed Pad to maximize thermal performance.  The Exposed Pad is not intended as an electrical point.
Tags: MAX5417LETA+ 000094393 MAX5417 Digital Potentiometers (DigiPOT)