Renesas X9241AWVT1

Overview

X9241AWVT1 from Intersil is a quad digital controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with nonvolatile storage, 2-wire I²C interface, 64-tap resolution per channel, ±3.0V to +5V terminal voltage range, and 10kΩ end-to-end resistance per potentiometer. It operates as a digitally programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor in precision analog trimming circuits for industrial sensor signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the X9241AWVT1 datasheet, X9241AWVT1 pinout, X9241AWVT1 application, or X9241AWVT1 equivalent, this device supports cascaded resistor arrays up to 200kΩ, offers 100-year nonvolatile data retention, and enables wiper position fine-tuning via increment/decrement command - critical for calibration-critical embedded systems requiring field-adjustable gain/offset without mechanical components.

Technical Context

The X9241AWVT1 integrates four independent CMOS resistor arrays, each composed of 63 discrete segments and 64 tap points controlled by a 6-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Each array has four associated nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) for storing wiper positions, with power-up automatically loading DR0 into the WCR.

It implements a true 2-wire I²C slave interface with address pins A0–A3, supports global and per-pot register transfers, and features cascade mode enabled via bit-7 (CM) of the WCR - allowing inter-array linking for extended resistance values while maintaining single-wire control across all four channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

20-lead TSSOP package (RoHS-compliant, Pb-free matte tin finish), optimized for surface-mount reflow assembly and space-constrained PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5242BRUZ10 and MCP42010-I/SL, the X9241AWVT1 uniquely delivers four independent 10kΩ pots with cascade support, nonvolatile memory, and I²C-compatible fine-tuning - making it optimal for compact, self-contained calibration subsystems requiring minimal external components and guaranteed power-on state.

Availability

X9241AWVT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, programmable gain amplifiers, audio channel balancing, and battery management system trim requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for X9241AWVT1 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 industrial and automotive signal conditioning solutions.

The X9241A family was designed specifically for digital replacement of mechanical potentiometers in calibration-critical analog systems, emphasizing nonvolatile storage, I²C simplicity, and robust operation across extended temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the exact end-to-end resistance value of each potentiometer in X9241AWVT1?

The X9241AWVT1 is specified with 10kΩ end-to-end resistance per potentiometer (RTOTAL), with ±20% tolerance per datasheet FN8164 Rev 7.00. This value is factory-trimmed and fixed for the AW-series variant; it does not support user-selectable resistance values like the AM- or AU-series variants. The 10kΩ value is confirmed in the Ordering Information table on page 2 of the datasheet.

Does X9241AWVT1 support true I²C compliance including clock stretching and arbitration?

The X9241AWVT1 implements a simplified 2-wire serial interface compatible with standard I²C protocols but does not support clock stretching or multi-master arbitration. It functions strictly as a slave device with fixed 7-bit address prefix (0101xxx) and relies on master-controlled timing. ACK polling is used instead of clock stretching to manage nonvolatile write completion, as detailed in Figure 1 on page 4 of FN8164.

How is wiper position retained after power loss in X9241AWVT1?

Wiper position is retained via nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) that store 8-bit values per potentiometer. Upon power-up, the contents of DR0 are automatically loaded into the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR), restoring the last saved position. This recall behavior is guaranteed by the 100-year data retention specification and requires no host intervention, as defined in the Power-up Requirements section on page 11 of FN8164.

Can X9241AWVT1 be used in bipolar analog signal paths?

Yes - the X9241AWVT1 supports terminal voltages from −3.0V to +5V relative to VSS, enabling direct use in bipolar signal chains such as AC-coupled sensor interfaces or audio preamplifiers. The VH/VL/VW pins tolerate this full range, and the internal CMOS switches maintain integrity under reverse bias, as verified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table on page 10 of FN8164.

What is the maximum allowable wiper current for X9241AWVT1 at 10kΩ resistance?

For the 10kΩ resistance version (X9241AWVT1), the maximum wiper current is ±3mA, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table on page 10 of FN8164. This limit applies across the full operating temperature range and assumes ≤10V differential (ΔV = |VH − VL|) across the potentiometer terminals. Exceeding this current risks irreversible degradation of switch FETs.