Renesas X9221AWSZ

Overview

X9221AWSZ from Intersil is a dual digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC implementing two independent 64-tap resistor arrays with nonvolatile data storage, 2-wire serial interface, and 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, used for precision analog trimming in programmable gain amplifiers and sensor calibration circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9221AWSZ datasheet, X9221AWSZ pinout, X9221AWSZ application, or X9221AWSZ equivalent, this device supports volatile wiper control and nonvolatile register storage (DR0–DR1 per pot), operates from 5 V ±10%, and delivers ±1 MI absolute linearity over 0°C to +70°C in Pb-free SOIC-20 packaging.

Technical Context

The X9221AWSZ integrates two monolithic CMOS resistor arrays-each with 63 resistive segments and 64 tap points-controlled by dedicated 6-bit Wiper Counter Registers (WCR) and four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) per pot. Communication occurs via I²C-compatible 2-wire bus using slave address 0101xxxx_B, where A0–A3 set the LSBs.

Each potentiometer functions as either a three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor. Wiper position updates occur with tSTPWV ≤ 1000 µs after STOP, and nonvolatile writes complete in tWR ≤ 10 ms. Power-up loads DR0 into the respective WCR, enabling deterministic startup behavior without host initialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-lead SOIC (300-mil, Pb-free), package drawing MDP0027, body dimensions 0.504" × 0.406", 1.27 mm lead pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5242BRUZ10 and MCP42010-I/P, the X9221AWSZ uniquely combines dual 64-tap arrays, automatic DR0 recall at power-up, and I²C increment/decrement mode - making it optimal for compact, self-initializing analog calibration subsystems.

Availability

X9221AWSZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable gain amplifiers, sensor offset compensation, audio balance control, industrial DAC scaling, and embedded calibration requiring stable component supply across commercial temperature range.

Supply support for X9221AWSZ 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) designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, precision analog, and interface applications.

The X9221AWSZ belongs to the XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers engineered for replacing mechanical trimpots in automated calibration, sensor conditioning, and programmable analog signal paths.

FAQ

What is the end-to-end resistance tolerance of the X9221AWSZ?

The X9221AWSZ has an end-to-end resistance of 10 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%, as specified in the Analog Characteristics table. This tolerance applies across the full operating temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and defines the absolute resistance deviation expected between VH/RH and VL/RL terminals for each potentiometer array. The X9221AWSZ does not support tighter tolerance variants within the same package.

Does the X9221AWSZ retain wiper position after power cycling?

The X9221AWSZ does not retain the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) value after power loss. However, on power-up, it automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the WCR for each potentiometer. So while the last active wiper position is lost, a user-defined default position stored in DR0 persists across power cycles - ensuring repeatable startup behavior without host initialization.

Can the X9221AWSZ be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller I²C bus?

Yes, the X9221AWSZ supports 3.3 V I²C operation when VCC = 5 V. Its SDA and SCL inputs have VIH(min) = 2.0 V and VIL(max) = 0.8 V, fully compatible with 3.3 V logic levels. The open-drain SDA requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 2.2–4.7 kΩ to 3.3 V), and the device acknowledges commands correctly under these conditions per its AC timing specifications.

How many nonvolatile write cycles does the X9221AWSZ support per register?

The X9221AWSZ guarantees 100,000 nonvolatile write cycles per bit per register, as stated in the Endurance and Data Retention section. This applies to all four Data Registers (DR0–DR3) associated with each potentiometer. Each write to a register consumes one cycle per modified bit; sequential writes to the same register do not degrade endurance beyond this limit if bit values remain unchanged.

What is the function of the RES pins on the X9221AWSZ?

The RES pins (pins 11–14 and 16–19) on the X9221AWSZ are reserved and have no internal connection. Per the Pin Descriptions section, they must be left unconnected in the PCB layout. Connecting them to VCC, VSS, or any signal violates the device's electrical specification and may cause unpredictable behavior or damage due to floating node coupling or unintended current paths.