Renesas X9116WM8ZT1

Overview

X9116WM8ZT1 from Intersil is a nonvolatile digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) designed for precision analog trimming in embedded power and signal conditioning circuits. It provides 16 discrete wiper positions across a 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, consumes <50µA active current and <1µA standby current, and retains wiper position in EEPROM upon power cycle - used in DC/DC converter feedback networks, sensor calibration, and programmable gain stages.

For engineers reviewing the X9116WM8ZT1 datasheet, X9116WM8ZT1 pinout, X9116WM8ZT1 application, or X9116WM8ZT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 3-wire up/down serial interface, MSOP-8 RoHS-compliant package, ±1mA wiper current rating, 200–400Ω wiper resistance, and guaranteed 100-year data retention with 100,000 endurance cycles.

Technical Context

The X9116WM8ZT1 implements a 4-bit counter driving a 15-segment resistor ladder via CMOS switches in make-before-break configuration, enabling glitch-free wiper transitions. Its nonvolatile memory stores the last wiper position using EEPROM technology, recalled automatically at power-up without external initialization.

Control is executed via three dedicated digital inputs: CS (chip select), INC (negative-edge-triggered increment), and U/D (direction control). A store operation occurs only when CS transitions HIGH while INC is HIGH, ensuring deterministic nonvolatile write timing independent of system clock or firmware state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead MSOP (Moisture Sensitivity Level 2, Pb-free plus anneal, JEDEC MO-187AA compliant, dimensions 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 0.85mm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5171BRMZ-10 and MCP4017T-103I/OT, the X9116WM8ZT1 uniquely balances simple 3-wire control, nonvolatile retention, and commercial-temperature MSOP packaging - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, power-cycle-resilient trimming where I²C overhead or volatile behavior is undesirable.

Availability

X9116WM8ZT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC/DC converter feedback trimming, sensor offset calibration, programmable gain amplifier design, and audio tone control requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for X9116WM8ZT1 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 specializing in power management, precision analog, and interface solutions.

The X9116WM8ZT1 belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ (Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) product line, engineered specifically to replace mechanical trimmers in high-reliability, temperature-stable, and maintenance-free analog tuning applications.

FAQ

What is the nonvolatile memory technology used in the X9116WM8ZT1?

The X9116WM8ZT1 uses EEPROM technology to store the wiper position. This allows the device to retain its last programmed tap setting for up to 100 years and endure at least 100,000 write cycles. Unlike flash or FRAM, this EEPROM is integrated directly into the X9116WM8ZT1 die and requires no external components or power during storage - the wiper automatically restores to the saved position at every power-up.

Does the X9116WM8ZT1 require an external clock or microcontroller to operate?

No, the X9116WM8ZT1 operates autonomously using only three digital control signals: CS, INC, and U/D. It does not require an external clock, I²C bus, or firmware driver. A simple GPIO toggle on INC (with appropriate U/D and CS levels) is sufficient to move the wiper - making the X9116WM8ZT1 ideal for minimal-pin-count MCU interfaces or discrete logic control.

Can the X9116WM8ZT1 be used in a two-terminal variable resistor configuration?

Yes, the X9116WM8ZT1 supports two-terminal operation by connecting either VH/RH or VL/RL to the circuit node and using VW/RW as the variable terminal, while leaving the unused fixed terminal unconnected or tied to the same node. In this mode, resistance ranges from ~100Ω (wiper at endpoint) to 10kΩ (wiper at opposite endpoint), with wiper resistance (200–400Ω) contributing to minimum value - confirmed in the X9116WM8ZT1 datasheet Figure 7 and Test Circuit #2.

What is the maximum allowable voltage difference between VH/RH and VL/RL terminals on the X9116WM8ZT1?

The absolute maximum voltage difference ΔV = |VH/RH − VL/RL| for the X9116WM8ZT1 is 5.5V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This limit applies regardless of V_CC level and must be respected to prevent damage to the internal resistor ladder or CMOS switches. Operation beyond this differential risks permanent degradation of linearity or open-circuit failure.

How does the X9116WM8ZT1 handle power-up sequencing relative to its terminal voltages?

The X9116WM8ZT1 has no strict power-up sequencing requirement, but V_CC must always be ≥ VH, VL, and VW at all times - including during ramp-up and ramp-down. The datasheet explicitly permits any order of V_CC, VH, VL, and VW application as long as this inequality holds. Violating it (e.g., applying 5V to VH before V_CC reaches 4.5V) may forward-bias ESD protection diodes and cause latch-up or parametric shift in the X9116WM8ZT1.