Renesas X9116WM8IZT1

Overview

X9116WM8IZT1 from Intersil is a solid-state, nonvolatile digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) designed for precision trimmer replacement in analog feedback and biasing circuits. It features 16 wiper taps across a 10kΩ linear resistor array, 3-wire up/down serial interface, 2.7V–5.5V supply operation, <50µA active current, and automatic power-up recall of last stored wiper position - used in DC/DC converter voltage trimming and sensor calibration.

For engineers reviewing the X9116WM8IZT1 datasheet, X9116WM8IZT1 pinout, X9116WM8IZT1 application, or X9116WM8IZT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include nonvolatile storage integrity, wiper resistance stability (<400Ω at 5V), ratiometric temperature coefficient (±20 ppm/°C), 100,000-cycle endurance, and compatibility with industrial-temperature (–40°C to +85°C) embedded systems requiring long-term drift-free adjustment.

Technical Context

The X9116WM8IZT1 implements a 4-bit up/down counter driving a decoder that selects one of 16 tap points on a 15-segment 10kΩ resistor ladder via CMOS switches operating in make-before-break mode. Wiper position is updated on each falling edge of INC while CS is low, with direction controlled by U/D logic level.

Nonvolatile storage uses EEPROM technology: a high-to-low transition on CS while INC is high triggers a 5–10ms store cycle, retaining wiper state for ≥100 years. Power-up recovery is deterministic - no initialization sequence required - and VCC ramp rate must stay within 15–50 mV/µs to ensure reliable memory recall.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead MSOP (Moisture Sensitivity Level 2, RoHS-compliant Pb-free plus anneal). Compact 3.0mm × 3.0mm footprint with 0.65mm lead pitch; suitable for space-constrained industrial PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5171BRMZ-10 and MCP41010-I/P, the X9116WM8IZT1 offers unique value in self-contained, pin-efficient trimming: its 3-wire up/down interface needs only three GPIOs and zero firmware overhead, while built-in EEPROM eliminates dependency on host memory - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, resource-constrained industrial controllers.

Availability

X9116WM8IZT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC/DC converter trimming, sensor signal conditioning, audio tone control, and laser diode bias adjustment requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9116WM8IZT1 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) is a U.S.-based analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company founded in 1967, specializing in power management, precision analog, and interface ICs.

The X9116WM8IZT1 belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ (Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, engineered specifically to replace electromechanical trimmers in high-reliability industrial, telecom, and instrumentation systems where long-term stability and digital configurability are essential.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the X9116WM8IZT1?

The X9116WM8IZT1 is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +85°C. This specification is validated per Intersil's recommended operating conditions and applies to all electrical parameters including wiper resistance, RTOTAL tolerance, and EEPROM store/write timing. The device maintains full functionality-including nonvolatile memory recall and 16-tap resolution-across this entire range, making it suitable for deployment in motor drives, PLC modules, and outdoor environmental sensors where ambient extremes are expected. The X9116WM8IZT1 achieves this via process and layout design optimized for thermal stability.

Does the X9116WM8IZT1 require an external microcontroller to function?

No, the X9116WM8IZT1 operates autonomously without a microcontroller. Its 3-wire up/down serial interface (CS, INC, U/D) accepts simple GPIO-level signals: a falling edge on INC while CS is low increments or decrements the wiper position based on U/D logic state. No clock, data framing, or protocol parsing is needed. The X9116WM8IZT1 stores wiper position in internal EEPROM upon CS high transition with INC high, and recalls it automatically at power-up - enabling standalone trimming in systems with no embedded processing capability, such as analog power supplies or passive sensor interfaces.

How does the X9116WM8IZT1 handle power-up and power-down sequences?

The X9116WM8IZT1 has no strict power sequencing requirements beyond ensuring VCC ≥ VH, VL, and VW at all times. Upon power-up, it automatically recalls the last stored wiper position from EEPROM within 5µs (tPU), delivering immediate analog functionality without initialization delay. During power-down, the wiper position remains latched in nonvolatile memory for ≥100 years. VCC ramp rate must be maintained between 15–50 mV/µs to guarantee reliable memory read; faster ramps may cause incomplete recall. The X9116WM8IZT1 draws <1µA in standby, minimizing residual drain during brown-out conditions.

What is the maximum wiper current rating for the X9116WM8IZT1?

The X9116WM8IZT1 specifies a maximum wiper current (IW) of ±5.0mA under absolute maximum ratings, but its recommended operating condition limits continuous wiper current to ±1.0mA. Exceeding ±1mA risks exceeding the 10mW total power rating (calculated as IW² × RW), potentially causing localized heating and long-term resistance drift. At 5V supply and mid-position wiper resistance (~300Ω), the safe continuous current is ~1.8mA - however, design guidance mandates staying within ±1mA to ensure 100,000-cycle endurance and maintain linearity spec (±1 MI absolute, ±0.2 MI relative). The X9116WM8IZT1 is intended for signal-level adjustment, not power-level control.

Can the X9116WM8IZT1 be used in a two-terminal variable resistor configuration?

Yes, the X9116WM8IZT1 supports two-terminal variable resistor operation by connecting either VH/RH or VL/RL to the wiper VW/RW, leaving the other fixed terminal unconnected or grounded. In this mode, resistance varies from near-zero (wiper at same terminal) to RTOTAL (wiper at opposite end), with step resolution determined by 16 taps. However, wiper resistance (200–400Ω) becomes part of the total path, and make-before-break switching prevents open-circuit transients during adjustment. This configuration is commonly used in programmable gain amplifiers and LED current limiters. The X9116WM8IZT1 datasheet confirms this usage in "Basic Configurations" (page 7), and the 10mW power rating applies to the entire resistor array regardless of connection topology.