Renesas X9241AUSZ

Overview

X9241AUSZ from Intersil is a quad digital controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC with nonvolatile storage, 2-wire I²C interface, 64-tap resolution per channel, 5V ±10% supply, and 0°C to +70°C operating range in 20-lead SOIC package. It functions as four independent digitally adjustable resistors for precision analog control in embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the X9241AUSZ datasheet, X9241AUSZ pinout, X9241AUSZ application, or X9241AUSZ equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed cascade-mode operation, real-world use cases, and two technically documented alternative parts - all tied explicitly to X9241AUSZ's SOIC packaging and commercial temperature grade.

Technical Context

The X9241AUSZ implements four independent 63-element resistor arrays with decoded 6-bit wiper counter registers (WCR), each backed by four nonvolatile data registers (DR0–DR3). Wiper position is controlled via I²C commands including direct write, register transfer, and real-time increment/decrement modes.

Each potentiometer supports terminal voltages from –3.0V to +5V, features cascading capability across adjacent arrays using CM/DW bits in the WCR, and recalls DR0 on power-up. The device operates as a three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor with ±1 MI absolute linearity and ±0.2 MI relative linearity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), RoHS-compliant, surface-mount, body width 7.5mm, lead pitch 1.27mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/P, the X9241AUSZ uniquely combines I²C compatibility, nonvolatile register storage with power-up recall, cascading capability, and matched 2k/10k/10k/50k resistance values - making it optimal for calibration-critical, multi-channel analog systems requiring deterministic startup behavior.

Availability

X9241AUSZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable power supply trim, audio level control, laser diode bias adjustment, and embedded system parameter tuning requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for X9241AUSZ 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 is a leading provider of precision analog and power management solutions, now part of Renesas Electronics, with deep expertise in high-reliability mixed-signal ICs for industrial and infrastructure markets.

The X9241A product line was designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in digitally calibrated analog signal paths - emphasizing nonvolatile storage, I²C simplicity, and multi-channel integration for embedded control systems.

FAQ

What is the exact resistance configuration of the X9241AUSZ?

The X9241AUSZ is configured with four independent potentiometers having end-to-end resistances of 2kΩ (Pot 0), 10kΩ (Pot 1), 10kΩ (Pot 2), and 50kΩ (Pot 3), as specified in the Ordering Information table on page 2 of FN8164 Rev 7.00. This configuration is fixed for the X9241AUSZ variant and cannot be altered post-manufacture.

Does the X9241AUSZ support cascading between its internal potentiometers?

Yes, the X9241AUSZ supports cascading via the Cascade Mode (CM) bit in the Wiper Counter Register. When CM = 1 for a given pot, its VL/RL is electrically linked to the VH/RH of the next higher-order pot (e.g., Pot 2 cascades to Pot 3). External wiring and wiper disable (DW bit) are required per the cascade topology described in Figure 9 of the datasheet.

What is the power-up behavior of the X9241AUSZ wiper positions?

On power-up, the X9241AUSZ automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) for each potentiometer into its corresponding volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). This ensures deterministic wiper positions without host intervention, provided DR0 was previously written with desired values - a key feature confirmed for X9241AUSZ in Section "Power-up Requirements".

Can the X9241AUSZ operate with supply voltages other than 5V?

No - the X9241AUSZ is rated for VCC = 5V ±10%, i.e., 4.5V to 5.5V only. Absolute Maximum Ratings specify 7V as the upper limit on any pin, but sustained operation outside 4.5–5.5V violates recommended conditions and risks parametric failure or reduced reliability, as stated in the "Supply Voltage (VCC) Limits" section on page 10 of FN8164.

How many nonvolatile write cycles does the X9241AUSZ support per register?

The X9241AUSZ guarantees a minimum of 100,000 data changes per bit per register, with 100-year data retention under normal operating conditions. This endurance rating applies to all 16 bytes of nonvolatile memory (four 4-byte registers across four pots) and is explicitly documented in the "Endurance and Data Retention" table on page 11 of FN8164 Rev 7.00.