Renesas X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1

Overview

X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 from Intersil is a solid-state, nonvolatile digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) designed for precision trimmer replacement in analog feedback and calibration circuits. It features 16 wiper taps across a 10kΩ linear resistor array, 2.7V–5.5V supply operation, <1µA standby current, and 3-wire up/down serial interface - enabling stable resistance adjustment in power supply trimming, sensor offset calibration, and DC-DC converter feedback networks.

For engineers reviewing the X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 datasheet, X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 pinout, X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 application, or X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in Intersil's FN8160.2 datasheet and ordering documentation.

Technical Context

The X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 implements a 4-bit counter-driven decode architecture controlling 15 equal resistor segments and CMOS switches to select one of 16 wiper positions. Its "make-before-break" switching prevents open-circuit transients during tap transitions, and nonvolatile EEPROM stores the last wiper position for automatic recall at power-up.

Operation relies on three digital control inputs: CS (active-low chip select), INC (negative-edge-triggered increment), and U/D (direction control). A store-to-memory event occurs only when CS rises while INC is HIGH - decoupling volatile adjustment from persistent configuration, supporting both factory-set defaults and runtime fine-tuning.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead SOIC (JEDEC MS-012-AA, M8.15), RoHS-compliant Pb-free plus anneal finish, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

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 X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 offers deterministic power-up behavior and glitch-free analog continuity - making it optimal for unattended, safety-critical trimming where EEPROM retention and switching integrity outweigh resolution or interface flexibility.

Availability

X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback trimming, sensor offset calibration, audio tone control, and laser diode bias adjustment requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 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 precision power management, interface, and data conversion solutions.

The X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ (Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in high-stability analog calibration and trimming applications across industrial, medical, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1?

The X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +85°C. This range is confirmed in the Ordering Information table (FN8160.2, p.2) and Absolute Maximum Ratings section (p.4), where "X9116WS8IZ-2.7*" explicitly denotes the industrial-grade variant with Pb-free SOIC packaging. The "IZ" suffix encodes both temperature grade and RoHS compliance.

Does the X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 require an external clock or microcontroller to retain its wiper position?

No. The X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 contains on-chip nonvolatile EEPROM that automatically stores the last wiper position upon a specific control sequence (CS rising edge while INC is HIGH). Once stored, the value persists across power cycles without any external clock, MCU, or backup power - the device recalls it autonomously at next power-up.

Can the X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 be used with a 3.3V microcontroller GPIO without level shifters?

Yes. The X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1 supports VCC = 2.7V–5.5V and specifies VIH = 2.0V (min) and VIL = 0.8V (max) for CS, INC, and U/D inputs. A 3.3V MCU's logic HIGH (>2.4V) and LOW (<0.4V) fall fully within these thresholds - direct interfacing is electrically valid and widely implemented per Application Note AN115 and datasheet timing diagrams.

What is the maximum voltage that can be applied between VH and VL terminals of the X9116WS8IZ-2.7T1?

The maximum differential voltage ΔV = |VH/RH – VL/RL| is specified as 5.5V in the Absolute Maximum Ratings (p.4). This limit applies regardless of VCC level and is independent of the supply rail - meaning VH and VL may span up to 5.5V even when VCC = 2.7V, provided neither exceeds VSS or VCC.

How does the "make-before-break" wiper switching affect circuit performance in feedback applications?

The "make-before-break" architecture ensures that the new tap connects before the previous one disconnects - preventing momentary open-circuit or short-circuit states during wiper movement. In feedback loops (e.g., DC-DC converters), this eliminates voltage glitches or control instability that could trigger overvoltage/undervoltage protection, as confirmed in the Principles of Operation section (p.3) and waveform diagrams (p.6).