Renesas X9241AWSZT1

Overview

X9241AWSZT1 from Intersil is a quad digital controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC with nonvolatile storage, 2-wire I²C interface, 64-tap resolution per channel, 10kΩ end-to-end resistance per pot, and SOIC-20 package. It functions as four independent digitally adjustable resistors for precision analog control in embedded signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9241AWSZT1 datasheet, X9241AWSZT1 pinout, X9241AWSZT1 application, or X9241AWSZT1 equivalent, this device supports register-oriented wiper positioning, cascaded resistor array configuration, nonvolatile data retention up to 100 years, and industrial temperature operation from −40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The X9241AWSZT1 integrates four monolithic CMOS resistor arrays-each with 63 discrete segments and 64 tap points-controlled by individual volatile Wiper Counter Registers (WCR) and four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) per pot. Each WCR drives FET switches selecting one wiper position across its array.

It implements a slave-only 2-wire I²C interface with fixed 0101xxxx device address prefix, supports ACK polling during nonvolatile writes (t_WR = 10 ms max), and enables cascade mode via bit-7 (CM) of the WCR to link adjacent arrays for extended resistance values (e.g., 20kΩ to 200kΩ).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-lead SOIC (RoHS-compliant, Pb-free matte tin finish), body size 7.5 mm × 12.8 mm, 1.27 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with X9241AWSZT1, AD5242BRUZ10 offers finer resolution but halves channel density and omits cascade functionality, while MCP42010-I/P trades nonvolatile storage and I²C compatibility for SPI simplicity-making X9241AWSZT1 optimal for industrial systems requiring four calibrated, persistent, and scalable analog adjustments.

Availability

X9241AWSZT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC analog calibration, laser diode bias control, programmable sensor signal conditioning, and professional audio gain trimming requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for X9241AWSZT1 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 (now part of Renesas Electronics) designs precision analog and power management ICs for industrial, infrastructure, and high-reliability embedded systems.

The X9241A family delivers digitally programmable resistance with nonvolatile storage and I²C control, targeting applications demanding repeatable analog tuning without mechanical wear or manual intervention.

FAQ

What is the default wiper position after power-up for the X9241AWSZT1?

Upon power-up, the X9241AWSZT1 automatically loads the contents of Data Register 0 (DR0) into each potentiometer's volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). For X9241AWSZT1, DR0 is factory-initialized to 0x00, placing all four wipers at the VL/RL (low-side) terminal-yielding 0V output when used as a potentiometer with grounded VL and +5V VH. This behavior is guaranteed across the −40°C to +85°C operating range.

Can the X9241AWSZT1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes, the X9241AWSZT1 supports two-terminal operation: connect either VH/RH or VL/RL to the circuit node and leave the other terminal unconnected or tied to a fixed rail, while using VW/RW as the adjustable terminal. In this mode, the device functions as a digitally controlled rheostat with 10kΩ nominal resistance and 64-step resolution. Wiper current must remain within ±3mA limits to avoid exceeding 50mW per pot power rating.

Does the X9241AWSZT1 support I²C clock stretching?

No, the X9241AWSZT1 does not implement clock stretching. It operates as a standard I²C slave with fixed timing parameters: t_LOW ≥ 4700 ns, t_HIGH ≥ 4000 ns, and maximum SCL frequency of 100 kHz. The device responds to each byte with an acknowledge (ACK) within the ninth clock cycle and completes internal operations-including nonvolatile writes-using ACK polling rather than holding SCL low.

How is cascade mode configured on the X9241AWSZT1?

Cascade mode is enabled by setting bit-7 (CM) of the target potentiometer's Wiper Counter Register to "1" via Write WCR or XFR instruction. For example, writing 0x80 to WCR2 cascades POT2 to POT3. External connections must link VL/RL of the higher-order pot to VH/RH of the lower-order pot, and all but one wiper must be disabled (DW bit = 1) to prevent shorts. The active wiper then traverses the combined resistor array seamlessly.

What is the maximum allowable voltage across any terminal pair on the X9241AWSZT1?

The absolute maximum voltage difference between any VH/RH and VL/RL terminal is 10V (ΔV = |VH − VL| ≤ 10V), and the maximum voltage on any terminal (VH, VL, or VW) relative to VSS is +6V/−4V. Exceeding these limits risks permanent damage to the internal FET switches or resistor array. For safe operation with ±5V analog signals, ensure VH ≤ +5V, VL ≥ −3V, and ΔV ≤ 10V-consistent with the specified terminal voltage range of −3.0V to +5V.