Renesas X9116WS8Z

Overview

X9116WS8Z from Intersil is a digitally controlled, nonvolatile potentiometer (XDCP™) designed for precision trimmer replacement in analog signal conditioning and power supply feedback loops. It features 16 wiper taps, 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, 2.7V–5.5V supply operation, <1µA standby current, and solid-state reliability with EEPROM-based power-up recall. Used in DC/DC converter voltage setpoint adjustment and sensor calibration circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9116WS8Z datasheet, X9116WS8Z pinout, X9116WS8Z application, or X9116WS8Z equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, SOIC-8 package details, 3-wire up/down interface timing, wiper resistance behavior at 2.7V, and real-world trimmer-replacement use cases - all confirmed against FN8160.2 Rev. 2006.

Technical Context

The X9116WS8Z implements a 15-segment linear resistor array with CMOS "make-before-break" switches controlling a single wiper terminal (VW/RW). Wiper position is set via edge-triggered INC input with U/D direction control and CS-gated nonvolatile store - no clock or data lines required. The device operates as a true 3-terminal potentiometer with VH/RH and VL/RL terminals referenced to VSS and VCC.

Its nonvolatile memory retains the last wiper position across power cycles, enabling deterministic startup behavior. The 200Ω–1000Ω wiper resistance varies with VCC (200–400Ω at 5V; 400–1000Ω at 2.7V), directly impacting voltage divider accuracy in high-impedance feedback paths. Absolute linearity is ±1 MI (±6% of RTOTAL), and ratiometric temperature coefficient is ±20 ppm/°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead SOIC (M8.15), 3.9mm × 4.9mm body, RoHS-compliant Pb-free finish (X9116WS8Z designation confirms Pb-free anneal).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5170BRMZ-10 and MCP41010-I/P, the X9116WS8Z trades resolution and protocol flexibility for ultra-low pin count, zero-firmware operation, and guaranteed power-up repeatability - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, mechanically constrained trimmer replacements where deterministic startup is mandatory.

Availability

X9116WS8Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC/DC converter feedback loops, industrial sensor calibration, audio tone control, and 4–20mA transmitter zero/span adjustment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle continuity, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for X9116WS8Z 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 designer known for precision timing, power management, and interface ICs.

The X9116WS8Z belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ (Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, engineered specifically to replace mechanical trimmers in analog signal-path calibration, offering solid-state reliability, nonvolatile recall, and minimal system-level integration overhead.

FAQ

What is the supply voltage range for the X9116WS8Z?

The X9116WS8Z operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, supporting both single-cell Li-ion battery systems (down to 2.7V) and standard 5V logic rails. This wide range eliminates the need for external regulators in portable or mixed-voltage designs. The device's ICC1 active current remains below 150µA across this range, and its wiper resistance scales predictably (400–1000Ω at 2.7V; 200–400Ω at 5V), enabling consistent performance in diverse power environments. X9116WS8Z maintains full functionality including nonvolatile store and 16-tap resolution across the entire VCC window.

How does the X9116WS8Z store wiper position nonvolatily?

The X9116WS8Z stores the current wiper position in on-chip EEPROM when CS transitions from LOW to HIGH while INC is held HIGH - a process requiring ≥10ms (tWR) to complete. Once stored, the value persists for ≥100 years and survives ≥100,000 write cycles. At power-up, the device automatically recalls this stored value and positions the wiper accordingly. No external components or host intervention are needed for this recall function. X9116WS8Z guarantees deterministic startup behavior critical for unattended or remote systems.

Can the X9116WS8Z replace a mechanical potentiometer directly?

Yes - the X9116WS8Z is pin-compatible with standard 3-terminal mechanical potentiometers in SOIC-8 footprint: VH/RH, VL/RL, and VW/RW map directly to high, low, and wiper terminals. Its 10kΩ RTOTAL, linear taper, and ±20 ppm/°C ratiometric tempco match typical trimmer specs. Unlike mechanical units, X9116WS8Z offers immunity to vibration, humidity, and contact wear, plus digital repeatability. However, its 400–1000Ω wiper resistance at 2.7V must be accounted for in high-precision divider designs where mechanical pots exhibit near-zero wiper resistance.

What is the maximum wiper current rating for the X9116WS8Z?

The X9116WS8Z specifies a maximum wiper current (IW) of ±5.0mA under all operating conditions. Exceeding this limit risks permanent damage to the internal CMOS switches. In practice, the device is intended for signal-level adjustment - not power handling - so typical applications keep wiper current well below 1mA (e.g., op-amp bias networks or feedback dividers). The 10mW total power rating (at RTOTAL = 10kΩ) further constrains allowable voltage differentials across VH–VL. X9116WS8Z must never be used as a high-current rheostat.

Is the X9116WS8Z RoHS compliant and what does the 'Z' suffix indicate?

Yes, the 'Z' suffix in X9116WS8Z explicitly denotes RoHS-compliant Pb-free construction with annealed matte tin termination, qualified per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL Level 1. This packaging meets lead-free reflow requirements (peak 260°C) and is compatible with both SnPb and Pb-free soldering processes. The device carries full traceability and is manufactured under ISO9000 quality systems. X9116WS8Z satisfies environmental compliance mandates for industrial, medical, and consumer electronics without sacrificing electrical performance or reliability.