Unlike mechanical potentiometers, the MCP434X/436X devices can be controlled digitally, through a SPI interface. This eliminates the need for human interaction, which increases system accuracy, flexibility and manufacturing throughput while decreasing manufacturing costs. Digital control also provides more system flexibility than mechanical control.
Non-volatile memory enables the digital potentiometers to retain their settings at power down, and their low static current consumption of just 5 microamperes (max.) helps to extend battery life.