Renesas X9251TS24

Overview

X9251TS24 from Renesas Electronics is a quad digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) IC integrating four independent 256-tap, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance DCPs on a single CMOS die. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, features SPI interface control, nonvolatile data register storage (100-year retention), and <5µA standby current - used for precision gain/voltage trimming in analog signal chains and sensor conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the X9251TS24 datasheet, X9251TS24 pinout, X9251TS24 application, or X9251TS24 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world use cases in audio, power regulation, and RF biasing, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The X9251TS24 implements each of its four DCPs using resistor ladders and CMOS switches, with wiper position controlled by an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR). Each DCP has four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) enabling persistent storage of up to four distinct wiper positions per channel.

Its SPI interface supports three-byte read/write operations, two-byte transfer instructions (e.g., DR→WCR), and real-time increment/decrement mode for fine-tuning. Hardware write protection (WP) and HOLD functionality enable robust multi-device bus operation without communication interruption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24-lead TSSOP (4.4mm body width), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free termination. Pin 1 marked with dot; pins 6 and 19 are NC (no connect) and must be left floating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5242BRUZ100 and MCP42050-I/P, the X9251TS24 offers superior channel density, deeper nonvolatile storage (four DRs per DCP), and dedicated HOLD signaling - making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-calibration, or multi-master SPI systems requiring deterministic bus arbitration.

Availability

X9251TS24 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio amplifier tuning, DC-DC regulator feedback adjustment, and RF power amplifier biasing requiring stable component supply, long-term calibration integrity, and industrial temperature operation (-40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for X9251TS24 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

Renesas Electronics is a global semiconductor leader delivering microcontrollers, analog power, and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The X9251TS24 belongs to Renesas' XDCP™ family of digitally controlled potentiometers, designed specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in precision analog signal conditioning, power management, and sensor interface circuits.

FAQ

What is the total resistance tolerance and wiper resistance specification for the X9251TS24?

The X9251TS24 has a total end-to-end resistance of 50kΩ with ±20% tolerance. Its typical wiper resistance is 220Ω at VCC = 5V and 300Ω at VCC = 3V. These values directly impact output impedance in voltage divider configurations and must be accounted for in high-precision gain-setting applications where wiper resistance introduces error.

How does the X9251TS24 handle power-up initialization?

At power-up, the X9251TS24 automatically loads the contents of DR00, DR10, DR20, and DR30 into their respective Wiper Counter Registers (WCR0–WCR3). This ensures repeatable startup behavior without host intervention. The device requires VCC to stabilize before CS activation, with tPUR = 1ms minimum delay before first read and tPUW = 50ms before first nonvolatile write.

Can the X9251TS24 operate on a 3.3V supply, and what are the logic level requirements?

Yes, the X9251TS24 operates across 2.7V to 5.5V, fully supporting 3.3V systems. Input HIGH (VIH) is defined as VCC × 0.7 (≥2.31V at 3.3V), and input LOW (VIL) as VCC × 0.3 (≤0.99V). Output HIGH (VOH) drives to VCC − 0.8V (≥2.5V), ensuring reliable interfacing with standard 3.3V CMOS logic without level shifters.

What is the purpose of the HOLD pin on the X9251TS24, and how is it used?

The HOLD pin on the X9251TS24 pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the instruction sequence. To pause, HOLD must go LOW while SCK is LOW; to resume, HOLD returns HIGH while SCK remains LOW. This enables multi-master arbitration or temporary host interruption - critical in systems sharing SPI with other peripherals like ADCs or displays.

Does the X9251TS24 support daisy-chaining multiple devices on one SPI bus?

No, the X9251TS24 does not support true daisy-chaining. It uses standard SPI with individual CS lines per device. However, SO and SI can be wired together (2-wire mode) since both are three-state, reducing host pin count. Multi-device operation requires unique A0/A1 address combinations and separate CS signals - confirmed in Figure 3 and Table 3 of the FN8166 datasheet.