Renesas X9241AWPI

Overview

X9241AWPI from Intersil is a quad digital controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC with nonvolatile storage, 2-wire I²C-compatible interface, 64-tap resolution per channel, 10kΩ end-to-end resistance per pot, and operates over 0°C to +70°C in 20-lead PDIP packaging. It functions as four independent digitally adjustable resistors for precision analog signal conditioning in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the X9241AWPI datasheet, X9241AWPI pinout, X9241AWPI application, or X9241AWPI equivalent, this device supports register-oriented wiper control, cascaded resistor array configuration, nonvolatile data retention (100 years), and EEPROM endurance of 100,000 write cycles - critical for recalibration-critical instrumentation and factory-set parameter storage.

Technical Context

The X9241AWPI implements four independent 63-element CMOS resistor arrays, each controlled by a volatile 6-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR) and backed by four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3). Each potentiometer supports direct WCR write, DR↔WCR transfer, and real-time increment/decrement via SCL clock pulses.

It uses a standard 2-wire bus with fixed 0101xxxx slave address prefix and A0–A3 hardware address inputs. Cascade mode enables inter-pot connection (e.g., Pot2→Pot3) via CM bit control, requiring external VH/RH–VL/RL wiring and selective wiper disable (DW bit) to isolate inactive wipers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-lead plastic DIP (PDIP), RoHS-compliant, through-hole mountable. Pin pitch: 0.1 inch (2.54 mm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRZ and MCP42050-I/P, the X9241AWPI uniquely combines I²C compatibility, hardware cascade mode, and guaranteed DR0 power-up recall - making it optimal for recalibration-free, space-constrained analog systems needing deterministic startup behavior.

Availability

X9241AWPI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for laser diode biasing, audio gain calibration, industrial sensor conditioning, programmable power supply feedback, and embedded instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term calibration integrity.

Supply support for X9241AWPI 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 ICs, now part of Renesas Electronics, with deep expertise in high-reliability mixed-signal solutions.

The X9241A family was designed for embedded analog trimming and recalibration tasks in commercial and industrial systems, emphasizing nonvolatile configurability, multi-pot integration, and robust I²C interoperability.

FAQ

What is the default wiper position after power-up for the X9241AWPI?

Upon power-up, the X9241AWPI automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into the Wiper Counter Register (WCR) for each potentiometer. This ensures repeatable, factory-programmed wiper positions without host intervention. The X9241AWPI does not default to mid-scale or zero - its startup state is fully defined by the last stored DR0 value.

Can the X9241AWPI be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes, the X9241AWPI supports two-terminal operation by connecting either VH/RH or VL/RL to the wiper (VW/RW) terminal, effectively using one end of the resistor array and the wiper as the two terminals. This configuration maintains full 64-tap resolution and nonvolatile storage, and is explicitly supported in the datasheet for applications like programmable current limiting.

Does the X9241AWPI support I²C standard-mode or fast-mode timing?

The X9241AWPI supports standard-mode I²C operation only, with maximum SCL clock frequency of 100 kHz. Its AC specifications - including tLOW (4700 ns), tHIGH (4000 ns), and tSU:STA (4000 ns) - align with I²C standard-mode requirements. It does not meet fast-mode (400 kHz) timing constraints and must be configured accordingly in the host controller.

How many unique resistance values can be set per potentiometer in the X9241AWPI?

Each potentiometer in the X9241AWPI provides exactly 64 discrete resistance values, corresponding to the 6-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR) range of 0x00 to 0x3F. These represent equally spaced taps across the 10kΩ end-to-end resistance, yielding ~156Ω per step. No interpolation or fractional tap positioning is supported.

Is the X9241AWPI RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the X9241AWPI is RoHS-compliant and features 100% matte tin (e3) termination finish. As a Pb-free PDIP package, it is qualified for wave soldering but not reflow soldering - consistent with Intersil's specification that Pb-free PDIPs are intended for through-hole wave processing only.