I just purchased (cheap) on ebay some AD5220 digital pots. I have no need for them right now, but would just like to 'see' what happens when I apply terminal voltages outside the 'voltage supply' range.
So far, all I see in online sites is 'terminal voltages limited to supply voltage range'. Some sources say things like 'most digital potentiometers have terminal voltages limited to supply voltage range' (or something along those lines). But...... they never explain why.
Anyone out there got some decent details from manufacturers about the reason for the voltage limitation?
I assumed that the resistance was due to internal switching, such that the resistance between wiper and a terminal end would be independent of terminal voltage (unless of course some large enough voltages were applied to cause internal breakdown).
Anyway, if the internal switching does depend on those terminal voltages, then they should consider putting out Gen 2 digital potentiometers to bring us out of the dark ages. Anyway, would be nice if there's some explanations online about the reason for the voltage limitation. Otherwise, if no reasons exist, I can definitely see (and report on) what happens when my AD5220 devices arrive.