Renesas ISL90810WIU8

Overview

ISL90810WIU8 from Intersil is a single-channel, digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 256 taps, I²C interface, 10kΩ total resistance, 70Ω typical wiper resistance at 3.3V, and operates from 2.7V to 5.5V supply. It functions as a precision voltage divider or rheostat in analog signal conditioning circuits for industrial sensor calibration and power supply feedback networks.

For engineers reviewing the ISL90810WIU8 datasheet, ISL90810WIU8 pinout, ISL90810WIU8 application, or ISL90810WIU8 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functionality, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in the FN8234 Rev 3.00 datasheet and official ordering information.

Technical Context

The ISL90810WIU8 implements a monolithic CMOS DCP using resistor ladders and CMOS switches, with an 8-bit volatile Wiper Register (WR) directly accessible via I²C. Its wiper defaults to mid-scale (128) on power-up, ensuring repeatable startup behavior in closed-loop systems.

I²C communication uses a fixed 7-bit slave address (0x28) with R/W bit, supports standard-mode (400kHz), and requires no external memory - all register access is volatile. The device exhibits ±0.5 LSB differential non-linearity (DNL) and ±0.5 LSB zero-scale error over –40°C to +85°C, confirming high monotonicity and accuracy in voltage-divider mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ISL90810WIU8 is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package (JEDEC MO-187-AA compliant, 3.0mm × 3.0mm footprint, 0.65mm pitch). Pin 1 is marked with a dot; the package is RoHS-compliant Pb-free plus anneal.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digitally controlled potentiometer applications.

Compared with ISL90810WIU8, ISL90810UAU8Z-TK offers higher resistance and extended temperature capability but identical digital control architecture, while MCP4017T-I/MS trades I²C simplicity and resolution for SPI compatibility and broader voltage support - neither is pin-compatible, and both require layout and firmware adaptation.

Availability

ISL90810WIU8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, DC-DC feedback tuning, and audio signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for ISL90810WIU8 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Intersil Corporation (now part of Renesas Electronics) designs precision analog and power management ICs, emphasizing high accuracy, low noise, and robust industrial reliability.

The ISL90810 product line targets digitally programmable analog signal conditioning - specifically replacing mechanical potentiometers in calibration-critical, space-constrained, and reprogrammable systems.

FAQ

What is the total resistance and tolerance of the ISL90810WIU8?

The ISL90810WIU8 has a nominal total resistance (RH to RL) of 10kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as specified in the Analog Specifications table of FN8234 Rev 3.00. This value is confirmed in the Ordering Information section for the "WIU8" variant and applies across the full operating temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. The ISL90810WIU8 achieves consistent performance due to its ratiometric temperature coefficient of ±4 ppm/°C in voltage-divider mode.

Does the ISL90810WIU8 retain wiper position after power cycling?

No, the ISL90810WIU8 does not retain wiper position after power cycling because it uses a volatile Wiper Register (WR). Upon power-up, the WR resets to 0x80 (128 decimal), placing the wiper at mid-scale - a behavior explicitly documented in the datasheet's "Power-on preset to mid-scale" feature and Principles of Operation section. This ensures deterministic startup but requires host firmware to reinitialize the desired tap position via I²C after each power event.

What is the maximum I²C clock frequency supported by the ISL90810WIU8?

The ISL90810WIU8 supports standard-mode I²C operation up to 400kHz, as stated in the Serial Interface Specifications table on page 4 of FN8234 Rev 3.00. Timing parameters including tLOW (1300ns), tHIGH (600ns), and tSU:STA (600ns) are guaranteed for this frequency. The device does not support fast-mode (1MHz) or high-speed mode, and exceeding 400kHz may result in unreliable communication or missed ACKs.

Can the ISL90810WIU8 be used in rheostat mode (two-terminal configuration)?

Yes, the ISL90810WIU8 can be used in rheostat mode by connecting either RH or RL to the wiper (RW) and using the remaining two terminals - for example, RW and RL as the variable resistance path. The datasheet confirms this in the "DCP Description" section and provides dedicated rheostat-mode performance curves (Figures 7–8), specifying ±0.5 LSB DNL and ±0.5 LSB INL for the 10kΩ "W" variant - matching the ISL90810WIU8's characterization.

What is the wiper resistance specification for the ISL90810WIU8, and how does it affect circuit accuracy?

The ISL90810WIU8 has a typical wiper resistance of 70Ω at 3.3V and 25°C, with a maximum of 200Ω across temperature and voltage extremes. This low on-resistance minimizes insertion error in high-gain op-amp circuits and ensures <0.7% added uncertainty in 10kΩ divider applications. The datasheet specifies this parameter under "RW" in the Analog Specifications table and validates it in Figure 1, confirming stability across –40°C to +85°C.