Like the DS1801, the DS1802 consists of two 65-position, 45kΩ digital potentiometers with logarithmic resistance properties incrementing 1dB per step. It can be operated under automatic software control via a serial 3-wire interface where wiper settings are written with 8-bit words, or under pushbutton control with simple contact closure. The part can be used in either 3V or 5V environments and anywhere within the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The DS1802 supports daisy-chaining with other devices under single-processor control.

In addition, the DS1802 features four contact closure points for pushbutton control. When combined with mode control, this allows eight different pushbutton control functions. Secondly, the DS1802's potentiometers can be controlled separately or in stereo mode control where wipers from both pots are positioned together from one control input.

The DS1802 provides high-performance audio volume and tone control in most applications where mechanical potentiometers are used, including CD players, guitar amplifiers, and sound boards. Digital potentiometers consume very low power while providing digital accuracy and reliability under flexible, automatic processor control.