Renesas X9251TS24I-2.7T1

Overview

X9251TS24I-2.7T1 from Renesas Electronics is a quad digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 256-tap resolution, SPI interface, 50kΩ end-to-end resistance, 2.7V–5.5V single-supply operation, and -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range-used for precision gain control, DC bias trimming, and sensor signal conditioning in embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 datasheet, X9251TS24I-2.7T1 pinout, X9251TS24I-2.7T1 application, or X9251TS24I-2.7T1 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated SPI timing, confirmed nonvolatile register behavior, wiper resistance at 3V/5V, and real-world use cases in audio, power regulation, and RF biasing.

Technical Context

The X9251TS24I-2.7T1 integrates four independent DCPs on a monolithic CMOS die, each with an 8-bit volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) and four 8-bit nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3). Wiper position is updated via SPI write, transfer, or increment/decrement commands, with tWRL ≤ 10µs response after load instructions.

It implements resistor arrays using CMOS switches and thin-film resistors, supporting both three-terminal potentiometer and two-terminal variable resistor configurations. The device uses a fixed 0101 device ID and supports slave addressing via A0/A1 pins, with hardware write protection (WP) and HOLD for SPI pause functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead TSSOP (4.4mm width), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free, MSL Level 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD5204BRUZ10 and MCP42050-I/SL, the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 uniquely combines 50kΩ resistance, industrial temperature grade, hardware write protection, and 100-year nonvolatile retention-making it optimal for field-deployed systems requiring unattended recalibration and long-term configuration integrity.

Availability

X9251TS24I-2.7T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and wireless infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for X9251TS24I-2.7T1 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 specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

The X9251 product line delivers digitally programmable analog functions for precision trimming and dynamic gain control-designed specifically for replacing mechanical potentiometers in harsh-environment, long-lifecycle applications.

FAQ

What is the power-up behavior of the X9251TS24I-2.7T1?

At power-up, the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 automatically loads the contents of DR00, DR10, DR20, and DR30 into their corresponding Wiper Counter Registers (WCR0–WCR3). This ensures repeatable default wiper positions without host intervention. V_CC must stabilize before issuing any SPI command, with tPUR = 1ms minimum delay required before first read and tPUW = 50ms before first write.

Does the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 support true three-wire SPI connections?

Yes-the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 supports three-wire SPI by connecting SO and SI together, leveraging their three-state outputs. This reduces MCU pin count while maintaining full read/write capability. The device uses standard SPI phase/polarity (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) with data latched on rising SCK and shifted out on falling SCK.

How does the hardware write protect (WP) pin function on the X9251TS24I-2.7T1?

When WP is pulled LOW, the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 blocks all nonvolatile writes to its Data Registers (DR0–DR3), preventing accidental overwrites of calibrated settings. Volatile WCR updates remain fully functional. WP operates independently of software commands-providing fail-safe protection even if firmware malfunctions.

What is the maximum wiper current rating for the X9251TS24I-2.7T1?

The X9251TS24I-2.7T1 specifies ±3mA maximum wiper current (I_W) per DCP terminal. Exceeding this may cause localized heating and resistance drift. For current-sensing applications, ensure total current through RH–RL path remains ≤±6mA and power dissipation per pot stays below 50mW.

Can the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 be used in two-terminal variable resistor mode?

Yes-the X9251TS24I-2.7T1 supports two-terminal operation by connecting either RH or RL to the wiper (RW), effectively creating a programmable resistor between RW and the unused terminal. This configuration is commonly used for gain-setting feedback networks and LED current limiting, with 50kΩ total resistance and 0.4% step resolution.