Renesas X9241AUSZT1

Overview

X9241AUSZT1 from Intersil is a quad digital controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC with nonvolatile storage, 2-wire I²C interface, 64-tap resolution per channel, ±3.0V to +5V terminal voltage range, and 2kΩ/10kΩ/50kΩ selectable resistor array values - used for precision analog trimming in programmable power supplies and sensor calibration circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9241AUSZT1 datasheet, X9241AUSZT1 pinout, X9241AUSZT1 application, or X9241AUSZT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include wiper position retention after power loss, cascading capability across four arrays, register-oriented 2-wire control, and industrial temperature support (–40°C to +85°C) in SOIC-20 package.

Technical Context

The X9241AUSZT1 implements four independent 63-element resistor arrays with volatile Wiper Counter Registers (WCR) and four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) per potentiometer. Each WCR controls FET-switched wiper position via 6-bit decoded output, enabling precise 1.6% resolution adjustment.

It operates as a slave on a standard 2-wire I²C bus (SCL/SDA), supporting addressable communication via A0–A3 inputs, global or per-pot register transfers, and real-time increment/decrement commands. Cascade mode links adjacent arrays using CM bit control and external VH/RH–VL/RL interconnections.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-lead SOIC (RoHS-compliant, Pb-free matte tin finish), body width 7.5mm, pitch 1.27mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5242BRUZ10 and MCP42010-I/P, the X9241AUSZT1 uniquely delivers quad-channel operation with cascading, 4× nonvolatile registers per channel, and guaranteed power-up recall - making it optimal for compact, self-contained analog tuning in industrial and telecom infrastructure.

Availability

X9241AUSZT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for programmable power supplies, sensor calibration systems, laser diode bias circuits, and audio channel balancing requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for X9241AUSZT1 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 leader in precision analog and power management ICs, delivering high-reliability solutions for industrial, infrastructure, and high-end consumer markets.

The X9241A series was designed specifically for applications demanding nonvolatile, multi-channel analog trimming with minimal board footprint - targeting programmable power, test equipment, and sensor signal conditioning.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the X9241AUSZT1?

The X9241AUSZT1 is rated for industrial operation from –40°C to +85°C. This specification is confirmed in the Ordering Information table (Page 2) and Recommended Operating Conditions section (Page 10) of the FN8164 Rev 7.00 datasheet. The SOIC-20 package variant X9241AUSIZ* explicitly lists this range, and X9241AUSZT1 shares identical silicon and qualification - making it suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as factory automation controllers and outdoor telecom equipment.

Does the X9241AUSZT1 retain wiper position after power loss?

Yes, the X9241AUSZT1 retains wiper position after power loss via nonvolatile Data Register DR0. At power-up, the device automatically loads DR0 contents into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), ensuring repeatable startup behavior. This is documented in the "Principles of Operation" (Page 3) and "Wiper Counter Register" section (Page 8). DR0 is one of four 8-bit nonvolatile registers per potentiometer, each rated for 100,000 write cycles and 100-year data retention.

Can the four potentiometers in the X9241AUSZT1 be cascaded?

Yes, the X9241AUSZT1 supports cascading of resistor arrays using the Cascade Mode (CM) bit in the Wiper Counter Register. When CM = 1, adjacent arrays (e.g., POT2 → POT3) are linked externally via VH/RH–VL/RL connections, enabling combined resistance values from 4kΩ to 200kΩ. This is fully detailed in the "Cascade Mode" section (Page 9) and Figure 9. Cascading requires disabling all but one wiper (via DW bit) and external wiring - no additional ICs needed.

What is the maximum wiper current rating for the X9241AUSZT1?

The maximum wiper current for the X9241AUSZT1 depends on total resistance: ±4mA for 2kΩ arrays, ±3mA for 10kΩ and 50kΩ arrays. These limits are specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table (Page 10) and are derated over temperature per the DCP Wiper Current De-rating Curve (Page 12). Exceeding these values risks permanent damage to internal FET switches and must be verified against actual voltage differentials (ΔV ≤ 10V) and power dissipation (≤50mW per pot).

Is the X9241AUSZT1 compatible with standard I²C bus timing?

Yes, the X9241AUSZT1 complies with standard I²C timing requirements up to 100kHz clock frequency (fSCL), including tLOW ≥ 4700ns, tHIGH ≥ 4000ns, and noise suppression time constant Ti = 20ns. These parameters are listed in the AC Electrical Specifications (Page 12) and validated per Figures 10–13. Its open-drain SDA and Schmitt-triggered SCL inputs ensure robust interoperability with standard microcontroller I²C peripherals without additional level-shifting.