Renesas X9116WS8Z-2.7

Overview

X9116WS8Z-2.7 from Intersil is a solid-state, nonvolatile digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) designed for precision analog trim applications. It provides 16 wiper positions across a 10kΩ linear resistor array, operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, consumes <1µA standby current, and retains wiper position in EEPROM upon power cycle. It replaces mechanical trimmers in voltage divider and gain-setting circuits requiring long-term stability.

For engineers reviewing the X9116WS8Z-2.7 datasheet, X9116WS8Z-2.7 pinout, X9116WS8Z-2.7 application, or X9116WS8Z-2.7 equivalent, this device offers verified low-noise performance (–120 dBV/√Hz), ±1% absolute linearity, ratiometric temperature coefficient of ±20 ppm/°C, and guaranteed operation over 0°C to +70°C in Pb-free SOIC packaging - critical for industrial sensor calibration and DC-DC feedback loop tuning.

Technical Context

The X9116WS8Z-2.7 implements a 4-bit up/down counter driving a 15-segment resistor ladder with CMOS "make-before-break" switches, enabling glitch-free wiper transitions. Its 3-wire serial interface (U/D, INC, CS) uses edge-triggered logic: falling edge on INC increments/decrements based on U/D state, and CS high with INC high initiates nonvolatile store.

Power management is hardware-defined: active current remains ≤150µA during increment operations, drops to ≤1µA in standby when CS is deasserted, and supports full retention (100 years) and endurance (100,000 cycles). The wiper resistance varies from 400Ω to 1000Ω at 2.7V, directly impacting minimum achievable output impedance in buffered configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead SOIC (M8.15), Pb-free, RoHS-compliant, 0°C to +70°C operating range.

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-2.7 uniquely combines nonvolatile storage, ultra-low 1µA standby, and simple 3-wire up/down control - making it optimal for maintenance-free analog trimming where power cycling is frequent and MCU resources are constrained.

Availability

X9116WS8Z-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC-DC converter feedback trim, industrial sensor calibration, audio tone control, and programmable gain amplifier setting requiring stable component supply and long-term calibration integrity.

Supply support for X9116WS8Z-2.7 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 focused on power management, precision analog, and interface solutions.

The X9116WS8Z-2.7 belongs to Intersil's XDCP™ (Digitally Controlled Potentiometer) family, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in high-reliability, temperature-stable analog adjustment applications across industrial, medical, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the X9116WS8Z-2.7?

The X9116WS8Z-2.7 is rated for operation from 2.7V to 5.5V. At 2.7V, its wiper resistance increases to 400–1000Ω and active current remains ≤150µA. All timing parameters-including tIW (INC to VW change) and tCPH (store time)-are guaranteed across this full range, making it suitable for direct use in 3.3V systems without regulation overhead. The X9116WS8Z-2.7 maintains ±1% absolute linearity and nonvolatile store functionality down to 2.7V.

How does the X9116WS8Z-2.7 retain its wiper position after power loss?

The X9116WS8Z-2.7 stores the last wiper position in on-chip EEPROM. A store operation is triggered when CS transitions from low to high while INC is held high; this writes the current counter value to nonvolatile memory. Upon power-up, the stored value is automatically recalled and applied to the wiper, restoring the exact prior setting. Data retention is specified for 100 years, and endurance is rated for 100,000 store cycles - ensuring robustness in field-deployed X9116WS8Z-2.7 units.

Can the X9116WS8Z-2.7 be used in a two-terminal variable resistor configuration?

Yes, the X9116WS8Z-2.7 supports both three-terminal potentiometer (VH–VW–VL) and two-terminal variable resistor (e.g., VH–VW or VW–VL) configurations. In two-terminal mode, the unused terminal must be tied to either VH or VL to avoid floating nodes. The device's 10kΩ end-to-end resistance and 16-tap resolution apply identically; however, wiper resistance (400–1000Ω at 2.7V) becomes part of the total adjustable resistance, which must be accounted for in low-resistance applications.

What is the maximum allowable voltage difference between VH and VL terminals of the X9116WS8Z-2.7?

The absolute maximum voltage difference ΔV = |VH/RH − VL/RL| for the X9116WS8Z-2.7 is 5.5V. This limit applies regardless of VCC level and is independent of the supply voltage. Additionally, VH and VL must each remain within VSS to VCC (i.e., 0V to 2.7–5.5V); exceeding either bound risks latch-up or damage. These constraints ensure safe operation in voltage divider and current-setting roles where terminal voltages may differ significantly from VCC.

Does the X9116WS8Z-2.7 require external components for basic operation?

No, the X9116WS8Z-2.7 operates autonomously with only VCC, VSS, and the three control signals (U/D, INC, CS). No external pull-ups, decoupling capacitors beyond standard 0.1µF VCC–VSS, or programming circuitry is required. Its internal CMOS switches and EEPROM eliminate need for external memory or level shifters. The X9116WS8Z-2.7 is fully functional in minimal footprint SOIC-8 layout, reducing BOM count and PCB area versus mechanical alternatives.